Managing Editor (Maternity Cover)

Managing Editor (Maternity Cover)
Part-time | Fixed-term maternity cover, initially for 10 months
Salary: £33,000 FTE (pro rata)

We anticipate this being a part time role and are open to discussing a range of working patterns and hours with the successful candidate. We welcome applications from experienced freelancers and portfolio professionals.

Mslexia is seeking an experienced Managing Editor to join us on a fixed-term maternity cover contract, initially for a period of ten months.

This is a rare opportunity to take editorial responsibility for Mslexia magazine, the UK's leading magazine for women who write. Working closely with our Consulting Editor and reporting to the CEO, you will lead the planning, commissioning and editing of three issues of this quarterly magazine, ensuring the magazine continues to inform, inspire and champion women writers throughout the UK and beyond.

This is a hands-on role for an experienced editor who is equally comfortable shaping editorial direction, commissioning contributors, editing copy and managing production schedules. Design and print production are managed through external partners, allowing you to focus on delivering high-quality editorial content and maintaining the distinctive voice and standards for which Mslexia is known.

About this role

As Managing Editor, you will:

• Plan, commission and edit content for three issues of Mslexia magazine (Issues 113, 114 and 115)
• Work closely with the Consulting Editor to shape engaging, high-quality editorial content
• Commission and manage relationships with writers, interviewees and contributors
• Write for the magazine, including the Editor’s letter and agreed regular articles. 
• Review and select submissions for publication from Mslexia’s set commission opportunities.
• Co-ordinate projects, including the Indie Press Guide, Diary, Elevenses and website blog
• Edit and manage proofreading content to a consistently high standard
• Coordinate effectively across teams and external partners to ensure the smooth delivery of each issue
• Manage editorial schedules, budgets and production deadlines
• Liaise with designers, printers and freelance contributors
• Ensure each issue reflects Mslexia's mission, values and commitment to supporting women writers

Download a comprehensive job description, including person specifications here.

About you

You will bring:

• Significant editorial experience, ideally within magazines, publishing or literary organisations
• Excellent commissioning and editing skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Confidence in working with external design and production partner, briefing them effectively.
• Clear, concise written communication.
• Up-to-date knowledge of the UK literary and publishing sectors and ideally creative writing
• An understanding of, and enthusiasm for, Mslexia's mission to support and champion women writers
• Excellent editorial judgement and the ability to shape a coherent, high-quality issue.
• Outstanding organisational and project-management skills, working with competing deadlines
• The ability to build strong, positive working relationships with writers, freelancers, colleagues and external partners
• Experience of commissioning and managing relationships with writers and contributors.
• Confidence working across teams and influencing others to achieve shared goals
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to be tactful, sensitive, firm and diplomatic when required
• The ability to balance editorial vision with practical delivery, making sound decisions in a fast-moving environment
• A collaborative, flexible approach and the confidence to work independently when needed

About Mslexia

Mslexia is an award-winning literary organisation and registered charity dedicated to supporting and championing women writers at every stage of their writing journey.

Through our magazine, competitions, events, professional development programmes and online resources, we help create opportunities for women's voices to be heard, developed and celebrated.

We are a small, ambitious and values-led feminist organisation based in Newcastle upon Tyne, with a loyal national and international readership. Our readers are engaged, thoughtful and deeply invested in their writing lives and in the wider literary landscape.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Mslexia believes that literature is strengthened by a diversity of voices, experiences and perspectives. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and to improving representation within the literary sector.

We actively welcome applications from people from backgrounds that are currently under-represented in publishing, the arts and the charity sector, including people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people, people from lower socio-economic backgrounds, and others whose voices have historically been marginalised.

As an organisation dedicated to supporting and championing women writers, we are committed to fostering a culture in which everyone is treated with dignity, respect and fairness, and where diverse experiences and perspectives are valued.

How to apply

Please send a CV and covering letter outlining your relevant experience to the Admin Co-ordinator, Isobel Randall, isobel.randall@mslexia.co.uk

Closing date for applications: 20 September 2026
Interviews: week commencing 5 October 2026

Contract: fixed-term maternity cover (10 months)
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne; hybrid

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Sarah Bentley, Chief Executive sarah.bentley@mslexia.co.uk 

Download a comprehensive job description, including person specifications here