OverviewAs Deputy Editor, you'll be responsible for strong editorial copy in our quarterly Shepherdess magazine-commissioning freelance writers, editing and proof-reading text. You will bring experience working as an editor, a head for what makes a good story, a love for rural Aotearoa, and be highly organised.
Shepherdess is a small team, with all of us working remotely from different spots around the country. Along with your skill set, just as–if not more–important is finding a team member who is the right fit for us. Your values will need to align with our values, you'll need to enjoy working collaboratively and in a fast-paced environment, be flexible and adaptable, have an affinity with rural communities, and an understanding of rural life. What we can offer in return is experience working for a small independent publisher, working for an organisation that lives by its values, the ability to work from anywhere in the country (as long as you have internet), flexible working arrangements, and a supportive, creative team, who all believe in what we are doing and where we are headed. If you feel you'd be a good fit for Shepherdess, we'd love to hear from you.
To apply, please submit your cover letter and CV to by Sunday 24th March.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
Role Title: Deputy Editor
Responsible to: Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
Key Relationships: Editor-in-Chief, Partnerships Manager, Cultural Engagement Manager, Copy Editor and Editorial Assistant
Supervisory Responsibility: Freelance writers
Purpose Statement: To contribute to, and support the strong editorial copy of, Shepherdess; a quarterly publication telling the stories of our rural communities and connecting, empowering and inspiring women across rural Aotearoa New Zealand.
Responsibilities:
Assisting with the brainstorming and planning of feature and non-feature stories, including advising on story angle and balance of overall edition, with consideration for quality and interest for readers and the Shepherdess brand as a whole. Keep track of stockpiled and potential stories.
Assist with researching and procuring feature and non-feature stories, with consideration for quality and interest for readers and the Shepherdess brand as a whole.
Brainstorm with Partnerships Manager to propose, research and pitch, as needed, story ideas to magazine partners and other supported (paid) editorial. Review and advise on paid editorial package offerings and costings as required.
Manage editorial relationship with contacts at magazine partners and organisations contracting Shepherdess for supported (paid) editorial, ensuring they are aware of talent obligations, story scope, and have adequate time to review and approve copy and visuals.
Write and edit briefs for writers. Include impertinent information, scope, angle, areas of interest and deadlines, as well as elements of contention or difficulty. Ensure all copy across an edition is kept to budget.
Work with freelance writers, as needed, to ensure high-quality content that meets deadlines. Where needed, provide emails, phone calls, detailed information as well as an overarching perspective to support contributors in their production of content. If time allows, provide writing support and advice to freelance writers.
Research, recruit and on-board new freelance writers who meet the quality standards of Shepherdess stories.
Conduct research, as needed, to ensure suitability of talent, inform the talents of obligations, and gather any preliminary or additional information required to ensure the high quality of content within the deadlines specified. Manage communication with talent to ensure they have a smooth editorial process from first contact through to publishing of their story.
Writing, rewriting, editing and proofreading text:
Editing copy written by freelance writers to remove spelling mistakes and grammatical errors.
Rewriting material so that it flows or reads better and adheres to the style of our publication.
Work with the writer to give them an opportunity to improve any areas of weakness within their stories.
Ensuring stories fit within the word count and adjusting material as necessary.
Writing headlines, standfirsts and image captions.
Checking stories to ensure they meet legal obligations.
Checking stories with Cultural Engagement Manager to ensure they meet cultural and diversity considerations.
Support writers to meet deadlines.
Write, rewrite, and edit non-story copy necessary to the successful publication of the magazine including, but not limited to, the editorial details page (masthead), cover teaser, table of contents, and social diary listings.
Work closely with the Copy Editor to ensure all content is copy edited within the specified deadlines.
Work closely with the Cultural Editor to ensure all stories about diverse talent and/or sensitive topics are reviewed and edited for cultural sensitivity.
Provide support during proofreading. Coordinate in-team proofing days and liaise with external proofreader to ensure everyone has sufficient time to proof. Input all proofing changes from team, external proofreader, talent and partner organisations into the magazine via Adobe InCopy. Assist with additional proofing queries via Slack and Asana as required.
Advise the Editor-in-Chief of any concerns, problems and/or challenges that may impede the editorial team's ability to provide high-quality copy within the deadlines specified.
Keep abreast of the editorial processes and policies across Shepherdess, including checking and updating editorial briefs and guides.
Maintain Shepherdess style guide.
Assist Subscriptions Manager with procuring addresses of talent, freelance writers and contributors, as required.
Sub editing other brand documents, as required.
Requirements:
Excellent written communication skills, including writing and editing. Creative writing skills preferable.
Experience working in editorial in print media, including a head for what makes a good story.
A team player.
Attention to detail, including excellent standard of New Zealand grammar and spelling, and ability to adhere to the style guide and editorial guidelines.
Ability to meet deadlines and be flexible with work hours when peak periods – such as the period before going to print – demand it.
An awareness of te ao Maori and the social and cultural diversity of rural New Zealand. Proficiency in te reo Maori would be warmly welcomed.
Understanding of our target audience. Must reside in rural or regional New Zealand, or demonstrate an affinity and understanding for rural or regional New Zealand.
Understanding and interest in developments within and impacting New Zealand media and publication landscape.
Must be proficient with a computer, including use of Gmail, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), Asana, Slack, Dropbox and Adobe InCopy.
Te ao Maori:
We value cultural understanding. We would love to hear about your understanding and appreciation of te ao Maori in your application.
Commitment:
Freelance position. Estimated at 15 – 20 hours per week, with hours varying across the edition, to be discussed with applicants. Please provide an indication of your availability when you apply.
Rate to be negotiated with the successful candidate.
