ConservativeHome is Britain’s leading independent conservative news and analysis site. Our team of journalists and political events professionals produce year-round news and events covering the world of politics and current affairs. From time to time there may be opportunities to join our dynamic team – any vacancies will be listed below.
Editor of ConservativeHome
ConservativeHome, Britain’s leading independent conservative news, opinion and analysis site, seeks an experienced and dynamic Editor to lead our editorial team.
The successful candidate will be responsible for setting the editorial tone and direction of ConservativeHome, leading and managing a team of experienced journalists, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality content that resonates with our audience. This role requires a deep understanding of UK politics and particularly conservative politics, written journalism to a high standard, exceptional editorial skills, and the vision and drive to grow ConservativeHome’s influence and readership.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the discourse around conservative politics in the UK at a time of rapid and fascinating political change, to lead the next phase in the development of a well-known, expert media title, and to lead a talented team delivering insightful and impactful content.
If you have a passion for political journalism, a commitment to editorial excellence, and the vision to lead ConservativeHome through this critical period in UK politics, we would love to hear from you.
Responsibilities of the role include:
- Develop and execute the editorial strategy for ConservativeHome, aligning with the organisation’s goals and values as an independent, expert and insightful outlet.
- Lead, manage, and inspire a small, experienced team of journalists, overseeing all editorial content to ensure quality, consistency, and high editorial standards.
- Write, commission, and edit high-impact articles, analysis, and opinion pieces on UK politics and current affairs, driving the conversation among our readership and the broader political audience.
- Maintain and expand a network of contributors and columnists, ensuring a diverse range of voices and perspectives on the site.
- Identify and capitalise upon opportunities and trends in political and digital media to develop and launch successful new products to further advance ConservativeHome’s reach and standing.
- Work closely with the Chief Executive to promote the ConservativeHome brand and business, contribute to its strategic direction, and explore opportunities for growth and engagement.
- Represent ConservativeHome at key events, in the broadcast and other media, and on social media platforms, enhancing the site’s visibility, standing and influence.
- Oversee the production of significant content pieces, including our daily newsletter and comprehensive round-ups, ensuring timely and insightful coverage of political developments.
- Host ConservativeHome events, including chairing panel and interview discussions at the Conservative Party Conference, chairing and hosting ConservativeHome’s own standalone policy events, receptions and other events.
- Engage with our audience and stakeholders to develop ConservativeHome’s community and readership.
Essential Experience and Skills:
- Significant experience in journalism, media or political engagement, and editorial management.
- Excellent relationships and contacts across the political landscape.
- A proven track record of leading and managing teams, ideally including the development of journalists’ skills and editorial direction.
- Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to set editorial tone and direction and maintain exacting standards in content and output.
- Excellent verbal communication and public speaking skills, including in broadcasting, interviewing and event hosting.
- Strong organisational skills, capable of planning content, prioritising under pressure, and managing workloads effectively.
- Extensive knowledge and understanding of UK politics, and particularly the centre-right, including but not limited to the Conservative Party, paired with a proven ability to respond to the evolving political landscape.
- Knowledge of and a creative approach to digital media, suitable to develop an entrepreneurial outlet in a fast-changing market.
Personal Attributes:
- A strategic thinker with a clear vision for ConservativeHome’s editorial direction and the ability to engage and expand its audience and digital channels, accompanied by a ‘can do’ attitude to deliver on the company’s vision.
- Strong alignment with the aims and values of ConservativeHome as a politically independent, centre right media outlet, operating with high ethical standards.
- Ability to work independently, whilst also remotely managing and leading the team.
- A collaborative approach to working with both the editorial team and the Chief Executive, plus commercial and events colleagues.
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including some weekends and late nights/early mornings, and to travel to attend events such as Conservative Party Conference as required.
Desirable:
- Educated to degree level or above.
- Experience with content management systems, particularly WordPress.
- Experience and regular use of social media, including Twitter/X, YouTube, LinkedIn etc.
- Contacts within and understanding of the UK print media.
- Skills in and knowledge of broadcast media, and digital media such as podcasting and video.
Location
London-based, hybrid working. Regular presence in Westminster is required, as is attendance at events both in London and across the UK (e.g. Conservative Party Conference).
Hours
This is a full-time role and includes some weekends and late nights/early mornings.
Start date
The role would start as soon as feasibly possible, dependent upon the successful candidate’s availability.
Salary
Highly competitive, dependent on experience and ability.
Applications
Applications close at 10am on Monday 13th May, with interviews to take place in London shortly afterwards. To apply, please send a one-page cover letter and a CV to Angus Parsad-Wyatt at: development@conservativehome.com. Please include your salary expectations and current notice period. Links to examples of writing, social media output and broadcast experience are welcome, within reason, to illustrate skills and experience.