THE - Special Projects Editor

The Special Projects Editor will be responsible for developing and delivering a wide range of editorial projects. These will include established THE supplements; editorially led events such as roundtable debates; and a range of client-led and sponsored supplements, editorial and some advertorial. The Special Projects Editor will also be responsible for being the link between THE’s editorial and commercial teams, and between THE editorial and our Global Partners, who support THE’s work through an annual sponsorship programme (and include such names as Microsoft, Elsevier and Huawei).

There is also the potential for our Special Projects Editor to help oversee some rankings-related publications, and to expand our range of special projects.

Of crucial importance in this role will be an ability to work with editorial colleagues, commercial colleagues and external partners, to deliver to THE’s exacting editorial standards, and to develop a deep understanding of the international higher education landscape.

Key Responsibilities

· Responsible for commissioning and editing supplements produced to THE’s exacting editorial standards on a host of topics relating to international higher education.

· Responsible for generating new business leads and managing the editorial aspects of sponsored and multi-advertiser supplements and other special projects.

· Accountable for other special projects including roundtable debates, education shows, advertorials, webinars, webchats and other partnerships, including the Global Partner programme, delivering on commercial objectives, but also to THE’s editorial standards.

· Working with the production team on the logistics of producing supplements; pagination, flatplanning, schedules, digital editions, subbing, design and layout.

· Working with the display advertising teams to assist them with client proposals, develop editorially led projects with commercial viability, jointly attending client meetings when required, and working collaboratively where relevant.

· Finding, managing and commissioning freelance journalists who work to THE’s high editorial standards, editing their work and ensuring it is of appropriate quality

· Managing and commissioning freelance designers and subeditors to layout and edit editorial projects

· Managing budgets for freelance commissions including photographers and artwork

· Generating new ideas  to achieve the objectives set by THE management.

· Attending external events, visiting clients, attending THE events to represent the company where appropriate – both within the UK and overseas.

 

Person Specification

· A talented journalist with a strong track record, an ability to meet tight deadlines, and with enthusiasm and an ability to develop new approaches

· Commercial awareness and, ideally, a proven ability to bridge the gap between editorial and commercial teams, delivering for both sides of this equation

· Ideally educated to degree level with a journalism qualification such as NCTJ 

· Responsive and adaptable to changing business needs

· Highly organised, and able to handle multiple concurrent projects with regular deadlines

· Strong interpersonal skills 

Essential Skills/Attributes and Experience

· Experience as a  commissioning editor, with evidence of decision-making and developing new ideas.

· Evidence of an ability to manage freelance contributors, find new contributors, and to juggle multiple projects.

· Commercial awareness and ability to work within a budget