Acting Deputy US Editor: fixed-term contract

Role purpose and overview

The Telegraph is looking for an experienced reporter who can bring in exclusive stories as well as cover day to day US politics and news. 

They should be confident working across print and online platforms to ensure The Telegraph has the best US coverage.

The Deputy US Editor must be able to identify the best US stories of the day, and how to move those stories on as necessary. 

Candidates should be able to show a clear ability to set the agenda by breaking stories. 

They should be confident writing longer news pieces, colour dispatches, features and analysis. 

The Deputy US Editor works closely with the US Editor and the rest of the US team, as well as with foreign news editors and other news reporters and specialists across the Telegraph. 

Please note: this is a fixed-term contract position, covering a period of parental leave.

Key responsibilities

• The Deputy US Editor is expected to provide high quality, accurate coverage of US events and find agenda-setting exclusives. 
• They will be required to cover events such as elections, breaking live news events and court cases. They will be expected to travel around the country and overseas as necessary, filing from the road. 
• The successful candidate for this role will write front page stories and articles which lead the website.
• The Deputy US Editor should have a proven ability to develop contacts within government and civil society.

• They will be expected to write accurate, clear and concise news stories in house style.
• They will be expected to meet tight deadlines and to organise their schedule around the deadline demands of the newsroom. 
• Under pressure, they are expected to identify the best line for a potential story and relay that information to the US Editor or foreign editors clearly and concisely. 
• They are responsible for ensuring stories are accurate and legally compliant. 
• They are expected to have an understanding of the stories which attract readers online and that readers and subscribers to the Daily Telegraph are interested in. Through their articles, they will help the company to reach its goal of attracting and retaining more subscribers online.

Key skills

• Experience working as a reporter for a national newsroom or equivalent is essential.
• Experience working as a reporter in the US is desirable. 
• Strong knowledge and understanding of US politics and current affairs is essential. 
• A proven ability to develop political sources and contacts is desirable.
• A proven ability to break agenda setting, exclusive stories is essential. 
• An ability to write clear, accurate copy is essential. 
• It is essential that candidates are able to process large amounts of detailed information quickly and accurately. 
• It is essential to be highly organised and able to work on multiple projects simultaneously while effectively prioritising different tasks and meeting tight deadlines.
• It is essential to be a strong verbal communicator, who is able to explain stories succinctly and clearly to editors. 
• Knowledge of how best to present stories online is desirable.
• Shorthand is desirable and knowledge of media law is essential. 

Our benefits

The nature of our industry means life at the Telegraph Media Group is fast-paced, demanding, and interesting. We also want it to be rewarding for everyone who works here by creating a suite of benefits that contribute to lifestyle choices and leisure activities. From dynamic working opportunities, medical cover, and parental leave (six months fully paid maternity leave and enhanced paternity/partner leave), to life assurance and season ticket loans, you can choose from a range of flexible benefits, designed to support your lifestyle and help you achieve a healthy work-life balance.

Training and development

With support from your manager and colleagues, you’ll also have access to a variety of training and development opportunities through The Academy. Covering a range of personal and professional skills, our courses enable you to develop an enjoyable and rewarding career.

Our commitment to inclusion

At Telegraph Media Group, we foster a diverse and inclusive workplace and we are committed to building a team that reflects a wide variety of skills, perspectives and backgrounds. We believe in equality of opportunity and welcome candidates from all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.

We are proud to be a Level 3 Disability Confident Leader as part of the government’s Disability Confident Scheme. If you are disabled or have a long-term health condition and would like support in applying for any of our roles or if you require any reasonable adjustments in the recruitment process with us, please make us aware.

To find out more about Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at Telegraph Media Group, and for more information on our purpose, beliefs, and people values, please visit our website.