Senior writer

Sifted is looking for a senior writer to join our fast-growing creative content team.

This is a great role for a writer with a few years’ of experience who has a knowledge and interest in the tech and startup industries. We’re looking for someone who wants to write high-quality content for one of Europe’s leading startup publications, learn about the business of media and developing sponsored media and start their journey toward being an editor.

We’re particularly interested in people who can quickly build strong relationships with clients, confidently and efficiently interview sources, and write clear and compelling copy under time pressure. We particularly welcome candidates from underrepresented communities.

What will you be doing?

Reporting to the head of content, it will be your mission to support the content team in producing branded content — from feature articles to newsletter copy and podcast scripts. You will interview clients and experts across sectors and research industry trends, write several pieces of content every week and generally work to ensure branded content is held to a high editorial standard. There will also be the opportunity to take on editing tasks. 

Core duties include:

• Take on branded content assignments. This will start with around two articles a week.
• Work closely with the head of content and campaign team to ensure all sponsored content meets the client brief and deadlines.
• Liaise with the editorial team to ensure articles are not only accurate, but are of a high editorial standard. Our goal is that all sponsored articles are of the same high quality as Sifted journalism.
• Write compelling newsletter copy. 
• Write commercial copy, including multimedia projects such as video scripts and podcast storylines, or events and social media copy.
• Occasionally step in to cover editing duties, especially during busy periods.

Optional duties:

• We would be delighted if the senior writer wanted to learn more about crafting pitches and creative project management.
• We would also love them to be involved with creative projects, such as podcasts, potentially producing. 
• The senior writer can also write non-sponsored stories for Sifted, developing a portfolio of editorial writing and making contacts in the startup world that could serve them well in the future. Senior editors would work with them closely to report on great stories if desired.

What are we like to work for?

We have a small-company mindset, but big company goals, and can draw on many of the strengths and benefits of a renowned brand, the Financial Times. We’re friendly, hardworking and passionate about what we do. We have a flat structure, collaborate across disciplines and everyone has an impact across many areas of the business. We value feedback, honesty and clear communication.

Location

London (although we are open to semi-remote applicants — ie. people who could travel in two or three days per week).

Requirements

What skills do you need?

• Demonstrable writing experience, preferably in a fast-paced digital news or business publishing environment 
• Proven copyediting and subediting skills
• Skilled at producing headlines optimised for digital platforms
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Exceptional relationship management skills
• Proactive, with the ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Confidence in fact checking, interviewing and researching
• Good knowledge of the startup and tech industry is desirable
• Prior editing experience is desired 
• Highly organised — you’ll be juggling lots of different pieces of writing at the same time

Benefits

What we offer:

• Salary £37-40K
• Flexible, hybrid working. Work 2-3 days in the office and the rest from home
• Annual budget to spend your own personal learning and development
• 28 days of annual leave plus the usual public holidays
• Work from abroad for up to 20 days each year
• The chance to have an impact across many areas of the business, and to build and be part of a fast-growing team