This is a 3-day per week role as Editor of Waltham Forest Echo. Waltham Forest Echo is an independent community newspaper published by Social Spider CIC – a social enterprise which also publishes three other community newspapers: Tottenham Community Press, Enfield Dispatch and EC1 Echo.

The Editor will be responsible for producing a community newspaper for Waltham Forest every month, liaising with voluntary contributors from the community to develop articles to be included in the paper and writing articles as and when necessary.

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

The Editor will be based primarily at Social Spider CIC’s office at The Mill, 7-11 Coppermill Lane, E17 7HA however the current situation will necessitate some remote working. The annual salary is £15,000 for a 21-hour week (£25,000 pro-rata based on a 35-hour week)

Responsible to: Editor-in-Chief, Social Spider CIC

Responsible for: Freelance journalists and volunteers

Objectives

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

To commission and oversee production of a high-quality newspaper by an agreed deadline. To ensure that the newspaper is known locally and engages with its audience through effective distribution, online presence and community engagement.

Duties

1. Writing and editing articles for the newspaper
2. Commissioning contributions from volunteer writers
3. Responding to emails and enquiries from local people in a timely manner
4. Ensuring the newspaper reflects the interests and needs of the local community
5. Coordinating production of the newspaper with the designer
6. Working with the designer to proof the paper before the print deadline
7. Developing the newspaper’s online presence by regularly uploading articles to the website and updating social media platforms
8. Writing and sending out both weekly and monthly newsletters via Mailchimp
9. Representing the newspaper at meetings and events that Social Spider is invited to or that we host ourselves
10. 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

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 strong communication skills;
• Has strong organisational skills and knowledge of basic IT software;
• 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, a short covering letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to david@socialspider.com The closing date for expressions of interest is Wednesday 18th November 2020.

Interviews will take place from Monday 30th November 2020. Please mention Journo Resources when you apply, it really helps us out.

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 as a quarterly 16-page tabloid. It is now a monthly 20-page tabloid. 10,000 copies of each issue are distributed via a mixture of door-to-door and community distribution.

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, go to: https://medium.com/@startspreadingnews.