Waltham Forest is a vibrant, diverse borough in North London. Waltham Forest Echo in print and online is a source of news about the borough.

Waltham Forest Echo reflects community in all of its forms. The paper holds power to account, showcases what makes the borough unique and publishes news of note about local political, social, cultural and economic stories.

For us, community is about people, place and the things that matter to our readers across the borough. We are looking for a new Editor for Waltham Forest Echo.

Waltham Forest Echo is an independent community newspaper published by Social Spider Community News — a social enterprise local news publisher which also publishes five other community newspapers: Enfield Dispatch, Haringey Community Press, Barnet Post, EC1 Echo and Newham Voices.

This role is suitable for someone who is experienced in local journalism and is comfortable working independently and autonomously.

Duties

To oversee production of a high-quality local news publication in print and online. To ensure that Waltham Forest Echo is known locally and engages with its audience through effective distribution, online presence and community engagement.

To engage community groups and individuals based in Waltham Forest who would like to write about community issues for Waltham Forest Echo and to provide them with the support and information to do so.

1. Writing and editing articles for the publication
2. Commissioning contributions from volunteer writers
3. Responding to emails and enquiries from local people in a timely manner
4. Ensuring the publication reflects the interests and needs of the local community
5. Coordinating production of the print newspaper with the designer
6. Working with the designer to proof the paper before the print deadline
7. Line management of the BBC-funded Local Democracy Reporter for Waltham Forest, Redbridge and Havering
8. Developing the publication’s online presence by regularly uploading an average minimum number of articles to the website each day and updating social media
   platforms
9. Writing and sending out a weekly newsletter via Mailchimp
10. Managing the distribution list for the print newspaper
11. Representing the newspaper at meetings and events that Social Spider is invited to or that we host ourselves
12. Developing relationships with the local community by developing local contacts, forging new partnerships with other organisations and acting as the public face of the newspaper

You will be responsible to the Editor-in-Chief, Social Spider CIC.

You will be responsible for: Local Democracy Reporter, freelance journalists and volunteers

Person Specification

We are looking for a candidate who is familiar with the Waltham Forest area and:

• Has experience in journalism and strong writing skills;
• Has a good understanding of the internet and web-based journalism
• Has strong communication skills;
• Has strong organisational skills;
• Has good interpersonal skills;
• Is confident working independently;
• Has experience of using social media;
• Is willing to work occasional evenings;
• Has a passion for local news

How To Apply

If you are interested in this role, please email a CV with a short covering letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to david@socialspider.com. Please mention Journo Resources when you apply, it really helps us out.

The closing date for expressions of interest is Wednesday May 24th.

Interviews will take place from Friday May 26th. .

About Waltham Forest Echo

Waltham Forest Echo is a community newspaper for the Waltham Forest area, it is written by and for local people. It is published by Walthamstow-based social enterprise, Social Spider CIC – and owned by WFWellComm CIC, a consortium of local charities and social enterprises.

The newspaper promotes the work of local community organisations and voluntary sector groups, along with arts and cultural activities taking place in the local area. It also provides an opportunity for local people to express their opinions on what is going on in the area.

Waltham Forest Echo launched in May 2014. 15,000 copies of each monthly print issue are distributed via a mixture of door-to-door and community distribution – with daily publication of online news and a weekly email newsletter.

About Social Spider CIC

Social Spider Community Interest Company (CIC) is a not-for-profit social enterprise that publishes four community newspapers – and carries out research and consultancy projects focused on social enterprise and social innovation.

For more information on Social Spider CIC’s approach to local news, see here.