The Big Issue Australia is an independent organisation that develops and operates social enterprises and creative, sustainable solutions to homelessness, providing opportunities for people experiencing marginalisation and disadvantage to positively change their lives.

The Big Issue is looking for an exceptional Deputy Editor to join our Melbourne-based team. This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a versatile journalist/editor looking to make a positive social impact as you help to produce this unique, independent, national publication each fortnight.

The Deputy Editor will be an editorial all-rounder and an innovative thinker who thrives in a collaborative environment.

This position is part-time 0.8 EFT, on a 12 month fixed term contract.

Key skills & knowledge:

• A minimum of two years’ editing, journalism or magazine experience is essential
• Hard-working individual with a commitment to high-quality journalism
• Ability to deliver written copy for print and digital to deadline
• Proficiency in editing copy from a range of writers, across various genres
• An ideas person with the ability to generate story and cover ideas
• Strong organisational skills with attention to detail
• A keen news sense, and a genuine interest in news and current affairs
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, and the ability to manage and motivate a diverse team
• Friendly and flexible team player who stays calm under pressure
• An understanding of design and layout, and a working knowledge of InDesign, InCopy and Photoshop – or a willingness to learn
• A strong interest in The Big Issue magazine, its aims and objectives

Specific task: 

• Work with the Editor to inform editorial strategy and development to drive circulation and ensure delivery of KPIs
• Work with the Editor to ensure the publication of a high-quality current affairs magazine
• Develop innovative story and cover ideas
• Commission writers and manage submissions
• Write copy for features, news stories, interviews and reviews
• Write headlines and captions, and edit copy so that it’s accurate, concise and legally proofed
• Manage and mentor contributors
• Liaise with major press and photo agencies
• Lead the Editorial team and production process in the Editor’s absence to produce a fortnightly magazine within budget
• Work collaboratively with Big Issue vendors to capture their voice and stories for print and digital
• Work collaboratively with the Marketing team on digital copy and editorial strategy
• Work collaboratively with the Marketing and Operations teams to ensure sales targets are achieved
• Work with the Editor to produce an annual calendar and other special projects

Our values:

• We treat all people with dignity and respect
• We operate ethically and with integrity
• We think creatively and without limits
• We strive for continuous improvement
• We apply prudent financial and business practices
• We are economically, environmentally and socially responsible
• We value, encourage and support our employees