Are you passionate about data-driven journalism? Do you have a knack for translating complex data into actionable insights? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our team in the role of audience development editor. In this newly created role, you will be the key editorial figure working with the wealth of data at our disposal. Reporting to the regional editor and working closely with the audience insights manager, you will be embedded in the Northern Echo newsroom. You will be guiding content teams with real-time and long-term data insights. Your mission will be to ensure our editors and newsdesks put audience engagement at the heart of their decision-making, identifying which content resonates and which needs improvement. As a proactive and analytical thinker, you will dig into the data to uncover trends, spot opportunities, and provide support through ad hoc data requests. You will be an expert in using various analytics tools, but more importantly, you will excel at communicating data in a clear, contextualized, and actionable manner. This role requires a unique blend of editorial experience, technical data skills, and exceptional communication abilities. You will play a key role in driving our audience growth strategies and ensuring that data-driven decision-making is at the heart of our editorial processes. Key responsibilities:
* Data-driven decision making: provide accurate and actionable data insights to newsrooms, helping to inform both daily news agendas and long-term strategies.
* Analytics expertise: serve as the go-to person for maximizing the use of analytics tools like Parse.ly and Adobe Analytics.
* Content optimisation: guide teams on optimising content based on data insights, with a focus on SEO, headlines, and social media strategies.
* Personalised data support: conduct one-on-one data clinics with reporters, helping them analyse their performance and improve their content strategies.
* Liaison role: act as a trusted bridge between newsrooms and the data team, ensuring clear and effective communication of data-driven developments.
* Best practice sharing: collaborate with other regional audience development editors to share best practices and contribute to group-wide audience initiatives.
* Ad hoc data tasks: undertake additional data-based projects and tasks as the Audience Insights team requires.
Knowledge, skills, and experience:
* Data analysis: proficient in using Microsoft Excel and web analytics tools (eg Parse.ly, Chartbeat, Adobe Analytics, Google Analytics) to identify actionable trends.
* Data visualisation: experienced in using tools like PowerBI, Flourish, or Tableau to present data in a clear and compelling way.
* Communication skills: strong ability to communicate complex data insights to non-technical audiences, making them actionable and relevant.
* Team collaboration: ability to work both independently and as part of a team, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.
* Editorial knowledge: in-depth understanding of local news structures and dynamics, with experience in SEO and social media optimisation.
* Preferred background: experience in local news, with a background in data journalism or an editorial role that has involved significant use of analytics.
Person specification: This role is ideal for someone with an editorial background who has developed a strong interest in data journalism and is eager to apply these skills in a dynamic newsroom environment. While advanced data analysis skills are a plus, the ability to apply data insights in a practical, editorial context is essential. The right candidate will receive training in technical analytics skills. If you’re ready to take your editorial career to the next level by harnessing the power of data to shape the future of local journalism, we would love to hear from you! To apply please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and interest by Friday, 10 January. The company Newsquest is a media company with a difference. We are committed to bringing a voice to your region by investing in a passionate team of journalists who proudly serve their communities by sharing authoritative news that readers trust. As well as dedicated sales teams which provide local businesses with highly responsive digital advertising and marketing solutions. Newsquest Media Group is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all community sections regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Our recruitment process will consist of various stages and activities, as part of our commitment to fairness to all applicants, we will consider any adjustments that could help you.