Deputy Editor

ONLY FULL APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED: SEE APPLICATION PROCESS BELOW.

**Job Title**:Deputy Editor (UK), DeSmog

**Location**:Hybrid - remote with approx. one day a week in Central London.

**Salary**:£40 - £45K per annum depending on experience

**Terms**:Full-time; one-year fixed-term (with expectation of renewal)

Are you interested in exposing obstacles to action on climate change?

DeSmog is an award-winning investigative journalism outlet providing accurate, public-interest reporting that scrutinises the forces behind climate policy opposition and misinformation.

**We are looking for a Deputy Editor to oversee the day-to-day operations of our small but fast-growing and ambitious newsroom.**

You are an analytical thinker with a background in investigations. A strong writer, you’re also well organised and an adept multi-tasker: able to meticulously fact-check, turn out punchy headlines and lend your hand to research and reporting when needed.

Passionate about climate action and high-impact reporting, you are committed to creating a diverse, open and sustainable working culture.

You will be joining DeSmog at an exciting time as we expand our reporting and scope. The Deputy Editor reports to the UK Editor and will also work closely with DeSmog’s global editorial staff.

**About Us**

DeSmog is the UK’s leading investigative journalism outlet dedicated to original research and coverage of climate science denial and lobbying against climate action.

We publish regularly in partnership with mainstream media outlets including The Guardian, Independent, Channel 4 and the Financial Times. Our work is targeted and high-impact, used by MPs in parliament, at congressional hearings in the US Senate, by law firms and climate campaigners in the UK and across the world.

Our databases, which track greenwash, hypocrisy, and the influence of vested interests on climate policy are a go-to-resource for journalists, campaigners, academics and policy-makers.

**Key Duties and Responsibilities**
- Developing and co-leading the UK team’s news reporting agenda (generating story ideas, vetting pitches, writing and sub-editing copy)
- Commissioning and managing freelance writers, researchers and illustrators
- Building relationships with, and pitching articles to, mainstream media partners
- Uploading content, sourcing images and promoting DeSmog’s work on social media
- Overseeing the smooth functioning of the UK section of DeSmog’s website and online communications (with support from the technical team)
- Overseeing researchers and editing entries in DeSmog’s public databases (Climate Disinformation, Agribusiness etc)
- Line-managing UK staff (researchers or reporters), as agreed with UK Editor
- Leading and developing long-term investigative research projects
- Representing DeSmog at events and in the media
- Assisting the UK Editor with fundraising
- Championing an open and diverse team culture
- Undertaking other ad-hoc research, reporting, admin and editorial tasks to advance DeSmog’s mission

**Role requirements**
- **Essential**_
- At least two years’ experience in an editorial role, in journalism, research or campaigns
- Experience designing, overseeing and publishing investigations
- A strong news sense and top-notch contact book
- Excellent subbing skills, including writing headlines and standfirsts
- Proven organisational skills, ability to set priorities and manage multiple tasks to deadline
- Proven knowledge of climate and environmental issues
- Comfortable interacting and collaborating with a wide range of organisations, including civil society organisations and think-tanks
- Ability to pay close attention to detail
- Ability to write engaging social media copy
- Experience of managing staff or volunteers
- Proactive attitude and a willingness to learn new skills
- Good interpersonal skills and an excellent team-player
- Ability to work well independently
- An enthusiasm for and commitment to DeSmog’s core values and mission: to expose lobbying and spin that undermines action on climate change
- **Desirable**_
- Journalism qualification
- Experience of successfully submitting freedom of information requests
- Experience covering Westminster politics
- Familiarity with UK media law
- Online research skills, including advanced Google Search methods
- Basic data analysis skills, including in Excel
- Working knowledge of HTML and/or WordPress

**Application Process**

Please also let us know when you can start, and how you heard about the role.

**If you have any questions about the role, or your fit for the role, please reach out to DeSmog.**

**Salary**: £40,000.00-£45,000.00 per year

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Application question(s):

- Do you have at least two years’ experience in an editorial role, in journalism, research or campaigns?
- Are you able to work from our office in Central London approx. one day per week?
- We aim to appoint a Deputy Editor as soon as possible.