Senior Commissioning Editor, Arts

The Times is seeking a senior commissioning editor with extensive contacts and smart ideas to join the arts department on a maternity cover contract.

The successful candidate will commission and edit original, engaging features, fix interviews and pitch strong ideas for arts stories for digital and print. These will vary from timely, news-driven pieces turned around at pace to in-depth investigations and examinations of cultural issues and talking points.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced, organised and creative journalist who thrives in a fast-paced environment, with excellent contacts in the field and a keen interest and knowledge of all genres of the arts and real expertise in some.

Apply with a covering letter and your CV by November 20.

Responsibilities

Commission distinctive arts content that can feature across the different sections of The Times on all platforms
Edit features and interviews for the arts pages in print and digital
Pitch digital content ideas for arts, commissioning content that engages subscribers and attracts new subscribers through search
Be reader-focused when commissioning content
Work with the audience team to promote arts content through social media and search
Work with production colleagues in design, graphics, pictures and sub-editing to produce arts content and supplements as efficiently as possible, meeting deadlines

Skills and experience

Experience working as a commissioning editor on a national newspaper or magazine
Experience in and a demonstrable passion for arts journalism with good contacts in arts and culture
Good understanding of SEO techniques to maximise search results
Able to use social media platforms to engage current and new audiences for The Times
Highly organised and strong planning skills
Persuasive presentation skills, well-developed interpersonal skills, with the ability to problem-solve and negotiate positive outcomes
Able to communicate succinctly and effectively at all levels, including daily news conferences with The Times’ Editor and senior colleagues from other departments
Experience working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams
A strong understanding of editorial compliance and regulatory issues