Vacancies

Editor

For the first time in its history, The Spinoff is publicly recruiting for the role of editor. This is your chance to step into a pivotal position and shape the next exciting chapter for this dynamic media brand.

Purpose of the role:

The editor is a pivotal leadership role responsible for shaping and executing the editorial strategy and vision for The Spinoff. This role demands a strategic and creative individual with exceptional editorial judgment, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of the New Zealand media landscape. The editor will lead the editorial team, delivering high-quality, engaging, and impactful content that aligns with The Spinoff’s mission. They will also serve as a key public representative of The Spinoff and collaborate closely with other heads of departments to achieve the organisation’s strategic objectives.

Key responsibilities:

Editorial strategy and leadership

• Develop and execute a clear and compelling editorial strategy and direction for The Spinoff, ensuring alignment with the overall organisational goals.
• Lead and inspire the editorial team, fostering a collaborative, innovative, and high-performing work environment.
• Chair and guide editorial meetings, setting agendas, facilitating discussions, and ensuring clear outcomes and accountability.
• Oversee editorial budget, ensuring effective allocation and tracking of resources.
• Proactively identify and address editorial challenges and opportunities, implementing effective solutions.

Editorial content development and management

• Lead the commissioning process, identifying and assigning compelling stories and projects to staff and contributors.
• Work closely with writers to develop their talents and skills and cultivate a consistent flow of high-quality content that drives audiences. 
• Copy edit and shape stories written by staff writers and external contributors. 
• Identify and attract top freelance contributors to generate diverse and engaging content.
• Periodically evaluate editorial content to make informed decisions regarding continuation, termination, or evolution of existing formats and series.
• Maintain a consistent, effective and creative style across all editorial outputs
• Adhere to editorial standards, enforcing a system for escalating stories with potential legal risk and responding to complaints. 

Team management

• Directly manage senior editorial staff, providing guidance, support, and performance feedback.
• Lead the editorial staff recruitment process in collaboration with the CEO, identifying and attracting top talent.
• Foster the professional development of editorial team members, supporting their growth and skill enhancement.

External representation

• Serve as a key public face of The Spinoff, representing the organisation in media appearances, relevant events and contributing to industry discussions and initiatives.

Cross-department collaboration

• Work collaboratively with the head of audience to input into the development of new products, inform editorial strategy and output with audience insights and continually optimise content for reach and audience engagement.
• Manage and respond to correspondence from The Spinoff’s members and readers in a timely and professional manner, as required.
• Engage with the head of commercial to explore and implement commercially viable editorial initiatives while maintaining editorial integrity, as required.
• Creatively engage with the commercial editor on ideation, as required.

Key skills and experience

• Proven experience in a senior editorial role within a digital media environment.
• Exceptional editorial judgment and a strong understanding of journalistic principles and ethics. 
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement successful editorial strategies.
• Excellent leadership skills with experience in mentoring and developing editorial talent.
• Strong understanding of the New Zealand media landscape and current affairs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Experience managing budgets and resources effectively.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build strong relationships across different teams.
• A proactive approach to digital publishing, analytics and audience insights tools.

Personal attributes

• Highly creative, strategic and innovative thinker.
• Strong work ethic and tenacity with a calm and collegial temperament. 
• Passionate about delivering high-quality and engaging content.
• Strong ethical compass and commitment to journalistic integrity.
• Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced and evolving media environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• A strong alignment with The Spinoff’s mission.

Next steps

Please submit your application via SEEK. All applications require a CV and a cover letter to be addressed to The Spinoff CEO, Amber Easby. 

Applications are due by June 13th 2025. 

Applicants must be based in Auckland and have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.