Deputy News Director

Company Description

The Australian Financial Review is the nation's premier business and politics publication, renowned for its incisive, independent and agenda-setting journalism. The Financial Review believes an innovative and entrepreneurial business community is critical to Australia’s future prosperity in an increasingly connected world. Our focus is Australia but our mindset is global; we are as committed to covering the corporate and political stories that will shape the new economy as we are to reporting on the establishment. We believe that it is important for our newsroom to celebrate success and scrutinise misconduct. Financial Review readers want to make up their own minds which means our editorial mission is to be impartial, informative and accountable. The Financial Review is home to Australia's top journalists, all of whom work tirelessly to produce trusted, timely and engaging content with a focus on digital audiences and contemporary forms of storytelling.

Job Description

The Australian Financial Review has an exciting opportunity for a Deputy News Director to join our team on a 12-month contract (parental leave). In this role you will be focused on driving the news agenda in the afternoon and evening, ensuring AFR.com is up-to-date with the latest breaking stories. You’ll have the editorial judgement and leadership skills to make quick decisions about story placement, headlines and coverage mix to keep AFR readers engaged. You’ll work closely with the News Director and the AFR’s team of senior editors, to ensure the stories they’ve commissioned are reaching a wide audience. The role also involves forward planning for the following day and upcoming news events. 

Day to day you will:

• Edit the AFR homepage to maximise digital distribution
• Lead the afternoon digital team, including a breaking news reporter responsible for live blogging, SEO producer and social media producers
• Attend and present to news conferences 
• Constantly monitor data and analytics for real-time audience feedback
• Write and send push alerts
• Ensure stories are presented to a high standard for the digital audience, including visual elements like photos, graphics and video
• Experiment with headlines and story-sells, captions, and write-offs/precedes 
• Work with reporters and newsletter producers to optimise story angles

Qualifications

What you’ll bring:

• Excellent news judgement, with demonstrated experience in a newsroom 
• Proven experience in homepage editing, sub-editing and production for online publishing 
• A strong understanding of news and current affairs and a passion for breaking news, especially in business, finance and Australian politics
• A working understanding of social media 
• An understanding of legal best-practice, including defamation laws
• Excellent knowledge of the English language, grammar and syntax 
• Experience interpreting data and analytics to maximise audiences at key traffic times 
• Ability to use Canva or similar tools for images/GIFs would be a plus

Additional Information

Nine is Australia’s largest locally owned media company. Working at Nine, you’ll have access to a unique range of experiences and opportunities, helping drive the success of the country’s most trusted television, radio, digital and publishing brands. 

Our content reaches almost every Australian - meaning what we do has real impact. We bring people together, celebrate the big moments, and capture the everyday ones.

Some of our most beloved brands have been part of Australian life for generations, and others - new on the scene - have already found their place firmly in our lives. We’re evolving and we need people like you to bring new ideas, innovate and make your mark.

How we work

At Nine, our flexible work options vary by role and team. Depending on the position, this may include flexible hours, hybrid work, or part-time arrangements. We welcome discussing your flexibility needs during the hiring process - just ask the Talent Acquisition team. 

Our employee benefits include:

• 18 weeks paid parental leave with no distinction between primary and secondary carers.
• Access to 'Employee Exclusives' program - a way of getting closer to our incredible brands, offering unique experiences, behind-the-scenes access, and awesome perks.
• Digital newspaper subscription to our mastheads.
• Annual gift voucher for Stan subscription.

More info at Nine Careers.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

We're committed to a safe, respectful and inclusive Nine. From day one, you'll be encouraged to bring your whole self to work and will be supported to perform at your best.

We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, and of all ages, genders, nationalities, backgrounds and cultures as we recognise the importance and value of diverse perspectives. Should you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please advise us when you apply.

Work rights: Please note to apply for this role you must already have the right to lawfully work and live in Australia.