Online and Print Sub-editor

The Citizen has a full time, office-based vacancy in its Johannesburg (Industria West, Roodepoort) office for a SUB-EDITOR, for both Online - citizen.co.za - and Print - the newspaper, reporting to the Chief Sub-editor (Print) and Digital News Editor (online). The position entails rotational shifts.

**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.
- Must work office-based shifts as per operational requirements.

**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 make the same errors repeatedly.
- Prioritise stories.
- 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.
- Spot and rectify mistakes or have these re-checked if something does not seem right.
- Be aware of the laws that govern our industry so that we do not get into trouble legally or from a more general perspective.
- Edit stories in order to identify problems such as libel or inaccuracy and to ensure complete fairness.
- Adhere to Code of Ethics and Editorial Standards and Practices.
- Names need to be checked and their spelling needs to be consistent.
- 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.

**Core Competencies**:
**Knowledge/Experience**
- An appropriate bachelor’s or higher degree in Journalism/Linguistics or appropriate work experience.
- Minimum 5 years’ relevant sub editing experience in mainstream journalism for in a national newsroom.
- Advanced awareness of media law and current trends.

**Skills**
- Excellent communication skills
- Good computer skills
- Excellent organisational and administrative skills
- Meticulous attention to detail and high standards of quality.

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

**Other requirements**:

- Matric/Grade 12 qualification or SAQA Accredited Equivalent a must
- Valid driver’s licence
- Own vehicle
- Solid references
- No criminal record

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Roodepoort, Gauteng: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (required)