The Observer
Reporter, Daily Sensemaker
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Location: London (Hybrid working, with the chance to work remotely one day a week)
Department: Editorial
Position: Full-time, Monday-Friday with reporting shifts on alternate Sundays
Role
The Observer’s Daily Sensemaker is our flagship newsletter, published every weekday and designed to make sense of the news with wit and rigour. You will be part of a small reporting and editing team that is responsible for one of our most critical products, delivering The Observer into people’s inboxes every weekday morning. You will also be encouraged to write pieces for the website and the Sunday paper, whether it’s news analysis, reported comment or features.
You will commission and write sharp and engaging stories and news in briefs. You will respond to breaking news, but demonstrate an ability to step away from the daily news cycle to pinpoint what really matters to our readers.
You’ll work closely with our audience, production, design and customer teams to make sure our audience receives the best possible product. The ideal candidate would be able to start in September.
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Key Responsibilities
- Research and write high-quality analysis and concise news pieces that make sense of major global and domestic events.
- Assist with the curation and editing of the Sensemaker newsletter five days a week, including alternate Sundays, ensuring a mix of breaking news and new perspective.
- Commission expert voices to provide unique angles on a story.
- Monitor global news developments and adapt existing copy as major stories break.
- Take operational charge of the Sensemaker desk and newsletter output as required.
Key Skills
- A proven track record of writing clean, concise and deeply researched pieces for a national publication or major daily newsletter.
- The ability to digest vast amounts of information and turn it into sharp, engaging copy under tight daily deadlines.
- A broad range of interests, with the ability to pivot easily between politics, geopolitics, home affairs, technology, and culture.
- Strong commissioning instincts and editing experience to maintain high standards of accuracy, tone, and style.
- Excellent communication, planning, and organisational skills to manage competing deadlines in a fast-paced newsroom environment.
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Benefits
- Competitive salary
- 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Interest-free season ticket loans
- Free snacks and drinks in the newsroom
Working with us
We are a progressive business with a diverse, motivated team; a mix of veterans and young people starting out on their careers. We are committed to equal opportunities and creating an inclusive environment for all our employees, and we welcome applicants regardless of ethnic origin, national origin, gender, race, colour, religious beliefs, disability, sexual orientation or age.
Our Process
We aim to run our interview process at pace and with clarity at every stage, recognising how challenging it can be to balance alongside other commitments or interviews. The number of stages will vary depending on the nature and level of the role, but we see this as a two-way process and hope you’ll enjoy the opportunity to meet a range of potential future colleagues.
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