Senior Copy Editor at John Brown Media

Job description

Main purpose of the role

John Brown is looking for a dynamic senior copy editor with an extensive general knowledge and a keen interest in and understanding of finance to copy edit custom magazines, projects and digital content to the required production standards while meeting deadlines.

Key responsibilities

• Copy editing
• Styling text to fit the publication/platform’s tone.
• Managing and updating the copy style guide.
• Checking copy for grammatical and stylistic errors, and factual accuracy.
• Ensuring that client changes are implemented.
• Planning and executing work to meet deadlines.
• Ensuring corrections are made after flatplan changes.
• Checking and signing off final proofs and book proofs.
• Copy editing ad-hoc publications and documents as needed.
• Writing
• Brainstorming content with the team when required.
• Writing strong, clever, original headlines and cliché-free blurbs.
• Editing copy received from freelance writers.
• Writing print and online copy when required and owning certain sectors of the workload.
• Working closely with editor, digital editor, features editor, managing editor and senior designer on all print and digital components as a key and active member of the team.
• Working closely with the editor and features editor to produce online content that is in line with the digital strategy.
• Sign off copy across all print and digital platforms.
• Creative input/teamwork
• Attending and contributing to editorial print and digital meetings (planning features).
• Alerting team members of possible deadline issues and making arrangements to avoid missing them.
• Working closely with the relevant design teams to ensure that all print and online content are error-free.

Minimum requirements

• Relevant degree/diploma in languages or journalism.
• At least ten years’ experience as a subeditor in a similar environment (newspapers, magazines, etc.)
• Proven fluent competency in English.
• An interest in financial and business journalism.
• An excellent general knowledge.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Adobe InDesign.
• Sound knowledge of editorial principles and journalistic ethics.
• A valid driver’s license and own transport.

Competencies

Applicants should be:

• able to spell and use the correct grammar;
• versatile, flexible and tenacious;
• willing to assist when and where necessary;
• able to work independently and in a team;
• detail-focused;
• flexible and have proven experience of working in a small team;
• an excellent written and verbal communicator with an above-average knowledge of English;
• able to take deadlines in their stride and work effectively under pressure;
• an excellent organiser and planner; and
• willing to work overtime on occasion.