Culture Writer 
Location: i Headquarters – Kensington, London
Position: Permanent 

Package Description

In return for their energy and ideas we ensure our people are well rewarded. Our benefits package increases the longer you’ve been with us. Here’s what to expect:

• 25 days’ holiday (increasing by 1 per year up to a total of 30)
• Upon joining you will be automatically enrolled onto the Pension Plan at the minimum level of 5% employee contribution, 3% Company contribution. 
• Life cover under the Pension Plan 4x your basic salary.
• DMGT Discounts (for discounts on online shopping, vouchers and reloadable cards)
• Subsidised canteen
• Onsite gym (Northcliffe House only)
• Onsite nurse and GP clinics (Northcliffe House only)
• Our Employee Assistance Programme
• Discounted dining cards

Plus many other benefits….

Job Introduction

i is looking for a dynamic Culture Writer to help drive our daily digital arts coverage and contribute to our award-winning journalism. As part of our growing culture desk, you will conceive, develop, and write engaging digital-first features for our growing audience. From sharp ‘takes’ on a live culture story to exclusive interviews and securing celebrity access, you will help grow i's digital audience with cut-through content of genuine quality.  

About us 

At 10 years old, i is Britain's youngest national newspaper and website. We publish reporting, opinion and in-depth features for an intelligent audience. Growing in influence and profitable, in 2020 i was named Britain’s most trusted national news brand (PAMCo), Daily Newspaper of the Year (London Press Club) and News Website of the Year (Online Media Awards). i now has an opportunity to grow again with investment in our original journalism under new owners - so we are looking to recruit to our ambitious editorial team. 

Main Responsibilities

• Generate brilliant cultural news features and opinion to help grow our audience online and uphold our high print standards
• Pitch at least three ‘live’ culture story and feature ideas each morning for digital subscribers, which could then appear in print
• Write reactive ‘takes’ jumping off the news agenda as well as longer and deeper reported features and profiles
• Help develop the voice of i’s culture section online, working with the team to help grow our digital subscriber base
• Forward plan effectively, identifying opportunities for compelling cultural features and opinion
• Use audience insight to inform ideas and commissioning
• Willingness to turn to any task or topic within Culture as required, from covering The Oscars, writing a TV review or interviewing a musician – and writing the TV newsletter if needed
• Liaise with newsdesk on breaking cultural stories when required, pitching in with ideas, contacts and story development 

 
Person Specification

• A self-starter bursting with ideas and a track record in developing original and exclusive journalism
• Ability to write sparkling, accurate and engaging copy under pressure
• Adept at use of data to inspire ideas and commissioning 
• Experienced at using online trends and Google analytics to source ideas
• Experience turning round copy quickly in a fast-paced challenging environment  
• Brilliant command of the cultural landscape, from the latest TV streaming hit to an architectural show that our readers would love
• Strong contacts and demonstrable ability to use them to create impactful journalism
• Experience of working in a multi-platform or digital publishing environment
• A commitment to i's editorial standards of impartial and incisive coverage
• Experience with digital CMS desirable
• Good knowledge of media law and the Editors’ Code of Practice

 
To apply, please complete the application form  enclosing a CV and a cover letter, including three culture content ideas that would drive engagement online. For each idea, please outline how you would tailor publication differently for i’s website and for print, explaining why.

Our Commitment

We are committed to increasing diversity and maintaining an inclusive workplace culture. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their ethnicity, race, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability.

We are Disability Confident Committed. Please let us know if you require any recruitment documentation in other formats or if you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process. Please be assured that any such information will be held separately to your recruitment application and will not be considered as part of the selection process.