Features Writer

About the job

Responsible for producing, commissioning, and editing feature stories for House & Garden’s print edition and all digital platforms. The features writer will work closely with the editor-in-chief to identify, source, and secure local and international content that maintains Condé Nast’s high editorial standards. In this role, you will play a key part in shaping House & Garden’s voice. As such, connections within the design and décor industry – both locally and internationally – are highly advantageous to the role.

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Writing, editing, and commissioning features and news for House & Garden’s print edition and digital platforms, from daily news hits to larger features and exclusives.
• Implementing the editorial vision of the editor-in-chief and guiding the direction of all House & Garden content across print and digital platforms.
• Representing House & Garden within the industry at meetings and events.
• Contributing to the social, digital, and video strategy for the magazine, whether ideating on projects or helping to propose or secure talent.
• Understanding and building commercial relationships, working with the revenue teams on special projects whenever necessary.
• Regularly meeting with brands and PRs and feeding back to the team to build relationships, secure editorial exclusives, and ensure that House & Garden remains at the forefront of the design conversation.
• Staying abreast of any and all industry developments and news to ensure that our coverage of design across print and digital is both informed and unique.

Minimum requirements:

• Five or more years of experience in a design-related editorial role, writing copy, commissioning, and editing.
• Skilled in content strategy with the aim of growing House & Garden's print and digital audience.
• A flair for storytelling and a proven track record of identifying trends and topics to cover – and the best way to write and engage with our audience.
• Highly skilled at building stories and editing at speed within a CMS.
• An understanding of the importance of SEO in journalism and how to use it effectively in everything from body copy to headlines.
• An entrepreneurial mindset, with a focus on new opportunities for stories and areas for audience growth.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with colleagues across myriad departments and different levels of seniority.
• A thorough understanding of the House & Garden brand and Condé Nast.
• Experience in working closely with business teams to identify and collaborate on revenue-generating projects, whether commercial or consumer.
• Close relationships with local designers and design firms to secure exclusive content and foster closer working relationships between the industry and House & Garden across print, digital, and events.
• A comprehensive contacts book, encompassing everything from design PRs to leading contributors (e.g., writers, photographers, stylists).

Qualifications and skills:

• Degree or diploma in journalism, communications, English, or a related field.
• Three or more years of writing experience in lifestyle, design, or homes and gardens media.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Strong research and interviewing abilities.
• A keen eye for design and an understanding of luxury home trends.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in digital publishing tools and SEO best practices.
• A strong network of industry contacts is a plus.

Why join House & Garden?

• Work with an iconic brand in lifestyle and design publishing.
• Opportunity to collaborate with leading designers and architects.
• A creative and dynamic work environment.

Condé Nast is committed to its employment equity and affirmative action strategy.

All interested and suitably qualified applicants should submit a written application and detailed CV to:

Lindiswa Putuma

Human resources

Email: lindiswa.putuma@corporateservice.co.za

If you have not heard from us within two weeks of submitting your application, please regard your application as unsuccessful.

Posted on 10 Feb 13:45, Closing date 11 Apr