We’re looking for two new editors to join the Backbench editorial team.
Backbench is the leading current affairs blog for young writers in the UK, and the Backbench editorial team is a proven training ground for talented future journalists. The site was founded in 2012, and since then we have published nearly 3000 articles from hundreds of writers.
Previous members of the Backbench editorial team have gone on to work for the BBC, Sky News, ITV, the Press Association, The Telegraph, and New Statesman.
Successful candidates will receive invaluable experience managing a team of writers, editing content, and contributing to editorial features. This is the perfect opportunity for anyone looking to go into the world of journalism who is in need of some flexible experience.
With the coronavirus pandemic raging across the globe, and a Presidential election on the near horizon, this is an ideal moment to join the team.
Each of the roles will involve approximately 2 – 5 hours of work per week. Our busiest periods are during the school/university holidays. All our work is done online, so editors can work from anywhere. The the roles are unpaid, but we have recently set up a Patreon page, so we are able to give each of our editors a portion of our funds at the end of their working year, as thank you for all their hard work.
The roles we have up for grabs are as follows:
General Editor
In this role you will be expected to:
- Edit and publish articles from our writers.
- Provide our writers with feedback, helping them develop their talent.
- Contribute to the output of Backbench social media accounts.
- Cover elections and other moments of political upheaval.
- Contribute to editorial features, such as end-of-year reviews and election predictions.
- Bring ideas for how Backbench can be developed in the future.
The ideal candidates will demonstrate:
- A good working knowledge of politics.
- An understanding of Backbench and its place in political journalism.
- A flair for writing and an inquisitive, journalistic mind.
- Good organisational skills and the ability to work to a tight deadline.
No prior experience of journalism or editing is needed to apply. We are looking for ambitious individuals who are keen to develop their skills and consolidate the success of Backbench.
To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter (no more than 500 words), explaining why you are a suitable candidate and what you can bring to the site. Please also send two examples of articles that you have written. These can be old or new, and published anywhere.
Send your application with the subject line: ‘[Name]: General Editor Application’ to Backbench Director Sam Bright: bright@bbench.co.uk.
Applications close on 19 July.
The new editors will take up their roles in early August.
Good luck!
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