Online Sub-editor

Remuneration: Market Related
Province: Gauteng
City: Industria West, Roodepoort

A full time, office-based opportunity for a skilled copy sub-editor exists within our Digital Department (Editorial), reporting to the Digital Editor of The Citizen.

**General**:

- Must be competent as a copy sub.
- Must be able to work according to strict deadlines.
- Must be passionate about online news and newspapers and have a strong news sense and interest in current affairs.
- Will work office-based shifts as per operational requirements.

Digital and SEO:

- 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.
- Adhere to Code of Ethics and Editorial Standards and Practices.

Copyediting:

- Writes or rewrites headlines that work well online, not relying on the headlines off the wires, from journalists or admins, or what was in the paper.
- Able to correct common and more subtle errors of grammar, typos, etc.
- Give feedback to team members who commit the same errors repeatedly.
- Should be able to prioritise stories.
- Should have enough of a grounding in the facts of whatever stories are dominating the news cycle that he or she will be able to contextualise stories accurately where required or ask the journalist concerned to research and add required information.
- Should be able to spot and rectify mistakes or have these re-checked if something does not seem right.
- Should be aware of the laws that govern our industry so that we do not get into trouble legally or from a more general perspective.
- Names need to be checked and their spelling needs to be consistent.

**Core Competencies**:
**Knowledge/Experience**
- Matric/Grade 12 qualification or SAQA Accredited Equivalent
- An appropriate bachelor’s or higher degree in Journalism/Linguistics or appropriate work experience.
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in mainstream journalism.
- Advanced awareness of media law and current trends

**Skills**
- Excellent communication skills
- Good computer skills
- Excellent organisational skills
- Good administrative skills

**Attitude**
- Ability to work under pressure
- News awareness
- Self-motivated
- Deadline driven
- Team player

**Other requirements**:

- Valid driver’s licence
- Own vehicle
- Solid references
- No criminal record
- Preference will be given to individuals who will add to the diversity of the organisation.
- The Citizen reserves the right to not fill the position.