Deputy national news editor

Guardian Australia is part of Guardian News & Media (GNM), publisher of theguardian.com. As a leading global media organisation, we are renowned for our pioneering independent journalism and our award-winning digital products.

We are seeking two deputy national news editors to help drive Guardian Australia's news coverage, ensuring it is timely, impactful and in-depth where necessary, in consultation with the national news editor and other senior editors.

This role is being offered on one full-time, 12 month contract and one full-time, 18 month contract, working Mon-Fri, either morning or evening shifts. This role is open to candidates based in either Sydney or Melbourne.

In this role you will…

• Commission and edit stories, including breaking news, daily, weekly features and long-term national news coverage, in collaboration with national news editor and other newsdesk colleagues
• Monitor and respond to breaking news 
• Initiate and develop fresh ideas for news stories 
• Manage  reporters as assigned, including discussing pitches, ideas, commissions, what went well, and what could have gone better
• Liaise with other editors, including planning editor, on commissions, deadlines and launch times
• Plan story launches and story mix and ensure scheduled launches and news agenda are communicated effectively to the overnight editor (UK), morning and evening teams 
• Plan coverage of news events in conjunction with other editors 
• Ensure all legal issues are resolved prior to publication
• Work with assistant and associate news editors in the planning, editing and commissioning of longer-term news stories and features
• Take on duties of national news editor in their absence
• Approve leave for designated reporters, and carry out their annual appraisals 
• Liaise with the Canberra bureau on late stories

You’ll bring….

Knowledge and experience

• Eight+ years of journalistic experience, preferably as an editor in a national digital newsroom
• Substantial track record in commissioning national news stories, preferably in a digital environment  
• Strong people-management skills 
• Specialist knowledge in a commissioning area would be an advantage 
• Understanding of diversity and inclusion issues 
• Good understanding of Guardian values: : honesty, integrity, courage, fairness, and a sense of duty to the reader and the community 
• Good understanding of media law

Skills / behaviours

• Excellent writing, commissioning and editing skills
• Impeccable news judgement 
• Speed and accuracy, with high attention to detail
• Good interpersonal skills; persuasive and decisive
• Efficient team player who is flexible and adaptable
• Confident, assertive and diplomatic 
• Open to challenge and correction
• A passion for independent journalism and an understanding of our editorial code and values

About working at Guardian Australia… 

• Hybrid working 
• Employee assistance program (EAP) to support employee wellbeing
• Paid volunteer leave
• Dedicated diversity and inclusion employee groups, action plans (including our Reconciliation Action Plan) and cultural competency training
• Guardian digital subscription

For more information please view the full job description here.

This role is being offered on one full-time, 12 month contract and one full-time, 18 month contract, working Mon-Fri, either morning or evening shifts. This role is open to candidates based in either Sydney or Melbourne.

Closing date for applications: 16 September 2026

If you have application questions or if you require an adjustment to be made during the recruitment process, please email australia.hr@theguardian.com

GNM Australia Limited (Guardian Australia) is proud to be a fair and ethical employer. Australian editorial minimum rates of pay by band and grade are outlined in the Journalists (GNM Australia Pty Ltd) Enterprise Agreement 2024 for roles that fall under its coverage. 

We believe that our role in the Australian media is to give a voice to the most marginalised people in society and value and respect all differences in all people — including people of colour, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from different social classes, people with diverse gender and sexual identities, and people with disabilities (seen and unseen). We believe that these communities must be centred in the work we do, bringing a new perspective and a diversity of thought. We also encourage flexible working and aim to create a work environment where all employees feel respected.