Job Description

About the role

The Deputy Head of Real Life is a new role focused on commissioning and editing articles for a new Telegraph content strand, supporting the Head of Real Life.

This will include, but not be limited to, elevated human interest articles, first person case studies, exploratory essays that tap into the zeitgeist, warm and engaging lifestyle columns that explore how we live and that stimulate the empathetic and the sympathetic, provoking an emotional reaction in the reader.

Working closely with the Head of Real Life, this role will be responsible for maintaining a rich TOV and content mix, balancing emotive stories, with witty writing and a dash of mischief.

Key responsibilities

• Working closely with the Head of Real Life, commissioning articles from freelance and in-house writers for a new content strand - ‘Real Life’.
• Responding swiftly to news lines and commissioning writers to execute stories at speed.
• Commissioning Real Life content to an exceptionally high standard.
• Establishing and nurturing a rich tone of voice for Real Life stories
• Introducing new writing talent and forging strong relationships with existing writers.
• Supporting the Head of Real Life and deputising for them in their absence
• Working closely with audience and growth teams to determine promotion opportunities.
• Developing digital-first article formats in which to house Real Life content beyond first-persons.
• Innovating and collaborating with teams across the newsroom to deliver content on different platforms, eg audio or newsletter.
• Driving ambitious visual presentations that utilise the full range of the Telegraph’s toolbox.
• Using data to help guide commissioning decisions and performance understanding.

Key skills

• Experience of commissioning and planning features or Lifestyle content
• Ability to source and refine features ideas that will appeal to Telegraph audiences
• A strong network of relevant contacts.
• A collaborative working style
• Ability to manage and motivate writers and commissioners in fast-paced environment
• Strong digital skills and experience of innovative new formats and promotion.
• Experience of editing content for publication on different platforms.
• Confident in dealing with others and managing upwards.
• Highly organised, enthusiastic, and diligent.

Our benefits

The nature of our industry means life at the Telegraph Media Group is fast-paced, demanding, and interesting. We also want it to be rewarding for everyone who works here by creating a suite of benefits that contribute to lifestyle choices and leisure activities. From dynamic working opportunities, medical cover, and parental leave (six months fully paid maternity leave and enhanced paternity/partner leave), to life assurance and season ticket loans, you can choose from a range of flexible benefits, designed to support your lifestyle and help you achieve a healthy work-life balance.

Training and development

With support from your manager and colleagues, you’ll also have access to a variety of training and development opportunities through The Academy. Covering a range of personal and professional skills, our courses enable you to develop an enjoyable and rewarding career.

Our commitment to inclusion

At Telegraph Media Group, we foster a diverse and inclusive workplace and we are committed to building a team that reflects a wide variety of skills, perspectives and backgrounds. We believe in equality of opportunity and welcome candidates from all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.

We are proud to be a Level 3 Disability Confident Leader as part of the government’s Disability Confident Scheme. If you are disabled or have a long-term health condition and would like support in applying for any of our roles or if you require any reasonable adjustments in the recruitment process with us, please make us aware.

To find out more about Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at Telegraph Media Group, and for more information on our purpose, beliefs, and people values, please visit our website.