WHAT YOU’LL DO:

The purpose of this role is to provide support to the NZME Commercial teams to maximise the paid partner content revenue across our publishing mastheads and digital platforms which include NZ Herald One Roof, BusinessDesk, Viva, canvas, Reset, Herald NOW& The Country.  Additional to the mastheads, the Editor will also support commercial content across HeraldNOW The role will be involved in the pre- and post-sales phases including brief responses and strategic planning support, through to content campaign implementation and reviewing post-campaign results.  The role exists to deliver a best-in-class outcome across both the client and audience experience.  The role will ensure the editorial standards and policies of our published content are upheld, balanced with delivering on the commercial outcomes for our business and for client campaign objectives.

HOW YOU’LL DO IT:

Sales support for content strategy, ideation and product recommendation (pre-sale)

This role will work closely with our commercial sales team to assist with developing strategically relevant, bespoke content recommendations taking client objectives, budget and audience goals into consideration.  This includes assisting with the design of content-led responses using the full suite of NZME content products, predominantly across digital, print, video social and audio (as relevant/required).  It also involves working with the NZME Commercial teams, partner agencies and clients to identify relevant and engaging content angles.  In some cases, this may involve attending client/agency meetings, internal pitch ideation sessions, and/or email requests.  The role will liaise with the Newsroom and key editorial staff to manage client requests for editorial support where relevant.  The role is also tasked with upskilling the Commercial teams across the country to be able to confidently sell the suite of NZME partner content on offer.

Specific skills include;

· Clear understanding of, and ability to effectively articulate how commercial content works most effectively and how the various formats can be deployed strategically to meet client objectives.

· Good understanding of platform application, particularly as it relates to digital vs analogue

· Ability to translate client content goals into compelling content angles that align with the relevant NZME brand/platform and audience profiles/behaviours.

· UN level diplomacy and relationship building skills to be able to manage and meet client expectations that may be counter to (or at least challenging for) branded content best practice and/or NZME editorial policies and standards

· Ability to coach sales teams in partner content strategy and product application

· Commercial mindset with revenue goals as a priority

Trafficking of branded content campaigns (post-sale)

The role will have full responsibility for trafficking commissioned articles, managing an approved pool of freelance writers and assigning the most suitable writer to ensure the best outcome for each campaign.  The Partner Content Editor & Strategy Lead will need to ensure the writer brief is full and complete to create the best possible opportunity for the freelancer to execute the assignment with minimal re-writes/editing.  Maintaining consolidated monthly reports of freelance use and costs will be part of this role.

Specific skills include;

· Administrative focus to ensure all campaigns/articles are tracked, timeframes are managed, and deadlines are met throughout the production process

· Freelance cost reports are maintained by client, by campaign, by month

· Ability to coach sales account managers through content briefing process to ensure all briefs are writer ready, clear on expected outcomes and deadlines

· Good instincts on matching writers and their individual styles, topic expertise, capacity and capability with the article/campaign requirements

Quality Control

The Partner Content Editor & Strategy Lead will be the final approver for assigned partner content and must therefore ensure NZME editorial policies and standards, as well as ASA requirements, are observed at all times.  This will include following the process for editorial, legal and corporate comms sign offs on any “red flag” content (e.g. therapeutic & medicinal, alcohol, adult entertainment, financial services, political notices etc.).

The role will review all submitted articles submitted by the freelancers, to check overall standards, and that the material meets the client brief, before sending on to the relevant project manager to liaise with their client contact for approval.  The position will then work with the project manager, and potentially the freelancer to manage any requested client amendments and/or working with the client to understand impact of any requested changes where these might not be able to be accommodated (due to standards/polices), or where they might impact the potential article performance.

The role will regularly liaise with key senior editors to ensure editorial standards and policies are updated and understood as they relate to partner content.

Specific skills include;

· Solutions based approach to ensure client experience of the process is positive, even when there may be issues that arise with change requests that prove to be complex

· A commitment to client service – a genuine drive to deliver a positive experience for clients and a win/win/win outcome across editorial, commercial and client objectives

· Familiarity with the role of editorial policy, ethics and standards

Product Development

Ensuring NZME has a relevant, competitive, and fit for purpose offering in the  partner content space will form an important part of the role.  The role will be expected to collate competitive offers (alongside our sales teams) and monitor developments on competitor and international sites to make recommendations for our own product development for both our existing partner content products and new opportunities.  The role will also be responsible for maintaining up to date internal sales information and collateral on partner content products.

Specific skills include;

· Active interest in the partner content category

· Proactive approach to sharing thoughts and ideas across teams internally

· Collaborative working style to ensure all internal stakeholders are across any proposed product changes/additions

· Competitive commercial lens

· Understanding of print and digital platforms, what drives performance and audience metrics

Compliance:

As an employee of NZME you are required to familiarise yourself with and comply with all organisation policies, including but not limited to, the NZME Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards.

· Keep yourself and others safe by adhering to NZME’s Health & Safety and wellness requirements.

· Promote and visibly demonstrate the NZME values at all times.

· Have an understanding of the ASA rules and regulations – enough to know when to seek a second, expert opinion in order to mitigate any risk for both NZME and our clients.

· Be across the relevant editorial policies and standards as they apply to the branded content space

ABOUT YOU:

Background

Must have: 5+ years editorial content experience in print digital & video publishing with social amplification.

Nice to have: commercial partner content experience – e.g. corporate or marketing based PR.

Communication:

You’ll be an effective and articulate communicator with a timely approach to keeping managers, colleagues and clients updated on all necessary information.  

You will have an approachable communication style that supports and builds strong stakeholder relationships, particularly across editorial, sales, client, project management/implementation teams and the freelancer pool.

Relate confidently and appropriately with people inside and outside the organisation.  

You will understand the confidentiality requirements around the information provided by clients and contributors.

You will be organised and have an ordered approach to managing timelines, observing deadlines and taking action to ensure on-time delivery.

Teamwork:

You’ll welcome input, respect others’ views and contribute positively to NZME as a whole.  

You will play your part in the team by honouring your commitments and supporting your colleagues.

You will understand that there will be times when we need to go above and beyond to meet deadlines and workflow requirements and will ensure your manager is up to date with your work in progress.

You will always seek the win/win (NZME/Client) outcome and strive to always find creative solutions to challenges and obstacles.

Personal Growth & Development:

Take responsibility for your on-going learning and make the most of personal development opportunities at NZME.

You will be adaptable in dealing with change