Online Lifestyle Journalist

The Citizen has a permanent vacancy in its Johannesburg (Industria West, Roodepoort) office in its editorial department for an Online Lifestyle Journalist, reporting to the digital lifestyle editor.
The position is ideal for an energetic, self-motivated person interested in working in a digital-first environment who is digitally savvy and experienced in writing with SEO and Google algorithm requirements in mind and monitoring analytics to maximise your stories on citizen.co.za.
The role will cover lifestyle and entertainment content with a strong focus on local celebrity content, health, food and other lifestyle topics including travel.
You should be brimming with ideas, be able to work in a fast-paced environment and understand how to prioritise work.
The position is office-based and entails shifts, weekend and after hours work, irregular hours, attending events and launches and occasional travel.
Main responsibilities

**Lifestyle content**:
Working on lifestyle-related content with a focus on health, fitness and wellness through stories, interviews and feature content.
Working on travel, décor, DIY, etc.
Posting to social media.
Adhering to deadlines.
Willing to work in a team and independently.
Minimum qualifications
Matric/Grade 12 qualification or SAQA Accredited Equivalent.
Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or a related field.
At least three years’ experience in journalism, communications, marketing, public relations, advertising, social media or related media field and writing/reporting experience
A portfolio of work that demonstrates reporting, writing, photography, video skills as well as successful social media engagement.
Good general knowledge on a wide variety of lifestyle and entertainment topics as well as a good understanding of the technicalities of online and how it operates.
Knowledge/experience
Excellent reporting, researching, interviewing, writing and story-telling.
Can write with urgency, meaning and context for digital products.
Ability to handle multiple assignments and deadlines simultaneously and produce accurate work at a high volume.
Use research to tailor stories to fit the audiences for print and digital products
Be familiar and comfortable with standards for avoiding libel and slander, and have a good grasp of the legalities of filing for online.
Adhere to Code of Ethics and Editorial Standards and Practices.
Ability to work in a high-energy, fast-paced environment and be committed to learning throughout their career
A demonstrated interest in pop culture

**Skills**:MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Outlook.
Excellent communication, language, networking and people skills.
Excellent research skills
Ability to work under pressure
Deadline-driven
High degree of professional journalistic conduct
Monitor analytics to maximise all stories and articles published on citizen.co.za.
Adhere to Google algorithm requirements and edit with SEO and Google search in mind.
Study and adhere to The Citizen and citizen.co.za’s Voice and Style Guide.

**Other requirements**:
Valid drivers licence and own vehicle, as the positon requires you to be mobile to attend events.
Solid references
No criminal record