Open call: Music In Africa Senior Editor

21 Jun 2024 - 12:17

The Music In Africa Foundation seeks an experienced journalist to head up the foundation’s editorial department from its offices in Johannesburg, South Africa. The successful candidate will assume responsibility for all aspects of content on the publication as well as all satellite offices, contributors, editors, content partners, etc. across Africa. The Senior Editor will report directly to the Executive Director. We are looking for a mature, experienced individual who possesses strong editorial skills as well as managerial experience and the ability to work under pressure.

South African musician Sho Madjozi during the Music In Africa Foundation’s 2023 ACCES music conference in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Photo: Infocus

The Music In Africa Foundation’s website (www.musicinafrica.net) is the biggest information and exchange web portal dedicated to the African music sector, reaching thousands of people every day. With hundreds of contributors across the globe and thousands of musicians registered on the website, the publication has a reputation of providing reliable and useful information for the development and professionalisation of the African music sector.

This is a fantastic long-term opportunity for someone who loves music, networking, travelling and making a positive contribution to musicians in Africa.

Key responsibilities

Coordinating and supervising the editorial team, ensuring that deadlines are met and that set guidelines are conformed to.
Editing and overseeing quality control for all published content (fact-checking, proofreading, sub-editing English content, ensuring photo quality, etc.).
Overseeing the scheduling and commissioning of original content across Africa.
Generating and implementing content ideas.
Setting and fine-tuning the content strategy.
Moderating content on the website.
Assisting in the hiring of editorial staff.
Producing content (writing).
Syndicating content.
Monitoring and reporting website bugs.
Organising contractual documents for commissioned content.
Setting up content partnerships.
Planning and executing advertorial campaigns.
Aiding in traffic generation and managing social media campaigns (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X.)
Assisting the Director with the conceptualisation, co-ordination and design of programmes for the foundation.
Supporting the work of the foundation’s Projects Department.
Assisting with copy for PR and communications, e.g. newsletter/mailing lists.
Representing Music In Africa at public events (concerts & conferences).
Performing other duties as may be required.

Requirements

Relevant tertiary qualification (degree in journalism, communications, etc.).
Minimum five (5) years’ experience as a senior editor/managing editor/editor-in-chief and writer (web and/or print).
Familiarity with the African music sector and a good network of relevant contacts.
Knowledge of social networks and how they are being used to drive content.
Basic knowledge of content management systems, SEO, social media principles, HTML, digital content creation, etc.
Excellent written skills in English (knowledge of French/Portuguese is an advantage).
Flawless attention to detail.
Strong management, coordination and organisational skills.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to work under pressure. Must be able to work long hours, especially when deadlines are looming

NOTE: No chancers. Flawless editorial skills are a must. If your work would require other people to sub then this job is definitely not for you.

If you are interested, send your CV and a short motivation plus up to three links or copies of three recent articles to admin@musicinafrica.net no later than 20 July 2024. Include in the subject: 'Senior Editor'.

Applicants who do not hear from us by 31 July 2024 may consider their applications unsuccessful.

For more information about Music In Africa, visit www.musicinafrica.net.

Job title: Senior Editor
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Starting: asap

Music In Africa Foundation