Foreign Editor

Role purpose and overview

The Foreign Editor is responsible for the commissioning, editing and publishing of foreign news content. 

They will lead a dynamic and international team of editors, writers and foreign correspondents  in an exceptional time to be covering foreign news. 

The Foreign Editor will play a key role in setting The Telegraph’s agenda for foreign news coverage and will be able to support their team’s development and develop new initiatives.

Key responsibilities

• Manage a team of staff and freelance foreign correspondents based around the world.
• Generate ideas, commission and edit interesting and well-informed content across foreign news and affairs, producing content for both online and print audiences.
• Respond to breaking news and help plan coverage of future events and longer term projects, with a particular emphasis on exclusive content.
• React to the demands of a 24/7 online news environment, commissioning/publishing content appropriately from either correspondents or the wires.
• Set the direction of the department, driving digital development within it.
• Use analytics and social media to develop and retain an online audience and ensure that what is published attracts a sufficient audience and level of registrations and/or subscriptions.
• Ensure commissions consider publishing requirements and articles deliver publishing targets. 
• Ensure that data is fundamental to decisions that are made within the department, and develop the use and understanding of data throughout it.
• Ensure that resources are deployed appropriately at home and abroad to maximise value to the reader.
• Run rota of foreign desk staff to cover news across 7 days.
• Recruit and hire new team members.
• Financial responsibility for the department with an approach to maximise return.

Key skills

• Significant journalistic experience of editing and making editorial judgments regarding content publication for a newspaper or website.
• Significant knowledge, and preferably first hand experience, of foreign affairs is essential.
• Knowledge and experience of digital publishing, analytics, SEO and social media for engaging and retaining a wider audience.
• Experience of reacting to changing events and breaking news stories.
• Ability to assimilate and condense large amounts of information.
• Able to work to tight deadlines and work under pressure.

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.