Managing Editor (Maternity Cover)

Location

Newcastle upon Tyne; hybrid

Type

Contract

About the role

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 maternity cover contract.

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.

This will be a fixed-term, part-time role, initially for a period of ten months.

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.

Terms

This will be a part-time, fixed-term maternity cover, initially for a period of ten months.

Salary

£33,000 FTE (pro-rata). Hours are to be agreed with the successful candidate.

Equality, 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.