Managing Editor - Lagos - BLAKSKILL LIMITED

Description

Job Title: Managing Editor

The Managing Editor will play a critical role in driving the editorial vision and operational excellence. Reporting directly to the Editor-in-Chief, the Managing Editor will oversee daily newsroom operations, ensure the timely delivery of high-quality content, and maintain the highest standards of journalism.

Editorial Leadership:

• Collaborate with the Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Director to set the editorial vision and direction.
• Supervise the editorial team, including writers, editors, and contributors, ensuring content meets high-quality standards.
• Develop and refine the editorial voice and tone to resonate with the target audience.
• Manage the editorial calendar, prioritizing stories that align with strategic goals.

Content Strategy & Development:

• Ideate and commission impactful, original, and investigative stories.
• Oversee the creation of special projects, reports, and multimedia content.
• Monitor emerging trends in technology and innovation to identify compelling angles and narratives.
• Partner with the insights team to ensure data-driven storytelling and content alignment with audience needs.

Operational Excellence:

• Streamline editorial workflows, ensuring efficiency and timely content delivery.
• Establish and enforce editorial standards and ethical guidelines.
• Track performance metrics (e.g., engagement, traffic, and audience growth) and use insights to improve editorial output.
• Lead weekly editorial meetings, fostering collaboration and creativity among the team.

Team Management:

• Mentor and develop writers, editors, and other contributors, ensuring continuous professional growth.
• Coordinate freelance contributors, managing budgets and editorial guidelines.
• Foster a culture of accountability, creativity, and journalistic excellence.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Work closely with the Growth, Product, and Business teams to align editorial efforts with business objectives.
• Represent the company at industry events, panels, and conferences as needed.
• Collaborate with external partners on joint content initiatives and special projects.

Required Qualifications:

Experience:

• Minimum of five years of experience in journalism, digital media, or publishing, with at least two years in a leadership or editorial management role.
• Proven track record of producing high-quality, impactful journalism.

Skills & Attributes:

• Exceptional editorial judgment and writing/editing skills.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Deep understanding of the African technology and innovation ecosystem.
• Familiarity with analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to track and optimize story performance.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and meet tight deadlines.
• A collaborative mindset with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred:

• Experience working in or reporting on technology, innovation, or business.
• Familiarity with multimedia storytelling formats, including video and podcasts.
• Understanding of SEO and social media best practices.