Associate Comment Editor - US

Role purpose and overview

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the Telegraph’s US commentary at a pivotal moment for the US and the world. 

Based in Washington, DC, it involves commissioning, editing and publishing high-quality comment pieces, with the aim of growing the Telegraph’s audience inside the US and internationally.

Key responsibilities

• Commission and edit excellent opinion columns designed to grow the Telegraph’s subscriber base and appeal to our existing readership.
• Exercise strong editorial judgment to distinguish quickly between good and bad ideas, including whether they accord with the Telegraph’s political principles.  
• Develop a constant stream of new ideas for columns, as well as creative new ways of presenting them to readers.
• Find and develop new US-based writers who align with the Telegraph’s editorial principles.  
• Work closely with the Comment Editor in London to develop a strategy for growing the Telegraph’s US opinion offering. 
• Liaise with digital publishers to optimise the production, promotion and performance of all content – with the best possible headlines, pictures and visual assets at all times.
• Immerse yourself in data analytics that show what the audience is reading when, where and how – and use this as a guide as to what will work when commissioning.
• Work closely with our overnight operation in the US and Australia, as well as the team in London, to ensure smooth daily handovers in both the morning and evening.

Key skills

Essential

• Previous experience of commissioning opinion pieces.
• Excellent editing skills.
• A high level of interest in US politics and international affairs.
• Good knowledge of the Telegraph, its position in the market, its editorial principles, and its existing writers. 
• Outstanding editorial judgment.
• A good understanding of digital publishing, including the role of SEO, social media and newsletters in promoting articles. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with executive editors, heads of departments and senior journalists.
• A self-starter who is comfortable working independently.

Desirable

• Previous experience of commissioning in the US market.
• An extensive contact-book of US-based writers who would be suitable for the Telegraph. 
• Experience of working in a subscription-focused business.

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.