Role Overview
We are looking for a versatile digital editor to join our Platforms team in Abu Dhabi. This role is at the heart of our newsroom and we want an editor who is passionate about presenting our award-winning journalism through savvy homepage curation, innovative management of our web, app and other platforms, and informing our audience with timely, enticing alert notifications. The successful candidate can work under pressure breaking news stories, prepare stunning multimedia story packages and polish social and newsletter promotions, while also mobilising journalists and editors for live events. This position requires strong collaboration and communication skills and the ability to shift through the gears in a fast-paced environment.
Key responsibilities
- Liaise between the duty editor and the wider newsroom to deliver a timely, daily presentation of our best stories on The National's website, app, and broader distribution across social media, other external channels and newsletters.
- Write compelling headlines, summaries and push notifications to engage with our loyal audience. Review the quality, style and tone of our content to ensure it meets The National's standards.
- Build special packages and live stories for home screens.
- Monitor and handle breaking news events across our editorial departments.
- Manage video feeds and playlists and work with our multimedia department to optimise reach and engagement.
- Master our digital production tools - including AI prompt engineering - and help coach online editors to enhance their effectiveness.
- Help our audience and analytics teams distil performance across departments.
- Work with our product and development teams to provide insights about enhancing our native platforms.
- Must be comfortable with shift work, including evenings and weekends.
Required skills and experience
- Bachelor's degree in English, journalism, mass communication or a related field.
- At least three to five years of professional experience with a digital publisher, preferably within in a newsroom.
- Proven experience as a digital editor with a demonstrable portfolio of published work.
- Strong writing and editing skills, with an understanding of the requirements of web writing, including SEO and user engagement.
- Familiarity with AI, prompt engineering and other web technology trends and best practices.
- Demonstrated understanding of Middle Eastern politics and cultural sensitivities to ensure accurate, balanced and responsible coverage.
- Deep understanding of live analytics and how to structure content based on user behaviour.
- Expertise in digital storytelling, with skills in multimedia production. Video production and editing would be an advantage as would app management.
- Fluency in English required; a proficiency in Arabic is a strong advantage.
