Mary Wakefield, our commissioning editor, leaves for six months’ maternity leave on Valentine’s Day. We’re looking for someone to cover her, which will be a real challenge. The job involves thinking of fresh, original features – and finding authors whose writing reaches the standards required of Spectator readers. And, where necessary, working with writers to give their ideas the greatest impact.
To give two examples: Mary this year worked with a freelance journalist, Miles Goslett in his groundbreaking Kids Company expose which had been turned down by other newspapers. Mary worked with Miles to navigate the legal minefield and produce what is still the single best account of the imbroglio. She also worked with James Bartholomew in his piece introducing ‘virtue signalling’ – his phrase entered the English language very quickly.
This can be between three to five days a week; parts of it might be done from home. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are devoted to editing, the rest to commissioning. To apply, please email four ideas for Spectator features (or suggestions for interviewees/diarists) and a note saying what you’re up to now to: selection@spectator.co.uk. We have a no-CVs policy, so please don’t send yours, but let us know your current salary and your notice period.
We won’t be able to respond to everyone, but if you’re being invited for an interview you’ll hear back from us by no later than 8 January 2016.
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