Politics Reporter

The Scotsman, Scotland's National Newspaper, has been at the centre of Scottish life for more than 200 years, with a hard-earned reputation for its authoritative journalism from around Scotland and the world.

Join us, and you'll also find a news organisation determined to do things differently: to produce brilliant, original journalism in text, video, audio and in print, with a blossoming digital future and a tight focus on what our customers need.

This year will see rapid innovation across our platforms, and we are now on the lookout for people who want to help us create brilliant, informative and entertaining Scottish journalism.

You'll get the chance to work with a close-knit, highly-motivated team, based in George Street, Edinburgh, with flexible working arrangements available.

The Role

We are now looking for a Politics reporter to work across both The Scotsman and sister title Scotland on Sunday, as we grow these respected news brands for the future.

This role will have a unique place within our politics team: the responsibility to start the day for Scotland’s political, policy and business elite, ensuring our digital products are the first stop for everyone interested in events at Holyrood, Westminster and beyond.

The successful applicant will have a keen understanding of Scottish politics and its personalities, and be keen to learn more. They will be able to break down complex issues in an authoritative, accurate and entertaining way, and understand what is likely to happen next. Vitally, they will have an engaging tone of voice both in text and video, and be full of ideas on how to develop our politics output through the day, the week ahead, and over the longer term.

And, of course, they won’t mind early mornings: they will be expected to start their day at 6am, Monday to Friday.

Responsibilities:

• Write snappy, informative and entertaining news and analysis for our digital products, including taking the editorial lead on innovative new digital developments.
• Offer an in-depth, sophisticated insight into complex issues, with a clear view of how stories might develop in the hours ahead.
• Look beyond a crowded news schedule to deliver exclusive stories and interviews with Scotland’s political decision-makers.
• Build a strong contacts list with those in the politics and policy world.
• Maintain a strong social media and digital profile;
• Take a lead and contribute towards engaging video content around our political output, including involvement in The Scotsman’s video bulletins and livestream events;
• Liaise and work alongside other specialists at The Scotsman to pull in their coverage of political events.

Skills:

• A strong journalistic track record, with some experience in the reporting of politics a plus;
• A keen eye for a story and a proven track record of writing explainers, as well as breaking exclusive and original content;
• Well-developed analytical and storytelling skills;
• A people person, able to work collaboratively within a team of specialists and the wider newsroom;
• NCTJ qualification or equivalent experience and a sound understanding of the IPSO code.

The Scotsman is part of National World, one of the largest national, regional and local multimedia organisations in the UK, so you'll also find all the training and career-development opportunities a big company can offer.

Please note that to apply, there is a requirement that you must be residing in the UK

National World is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment as an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. Consideration will be given to flexible working options for all roles.