Overview
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.
Role
We are seeking a deputy national news editor to join our Editorial team, to work alongside the national news editor and other newsdesk colleagues in planning, editing and commissioning news stories for Guardian Australia.
Contract
This role is offered on a full-time, fixed-term basis for a period of two years, working over a seven-day roster with mostly late finishes and occasional early starts. This role is open to candidates based in either Sydney or Melbourne.
You'll bring...
Knowledge and experience
* A passion for independent journalism and an understanding of our editorial code and values
* Substantial track record in commissioning national news stories, preferably in a digital environment
* Specialist knowledge in a commissioning area would be an advantage
* Understanding of diversity and inclusion issues
* Good understanding of Guardian values
* 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
Responsibilities
* Commission and edit stories, including daily, weekly and long-term national news coverage, in collaboration with national news editor and other newsdesk colleagues
* Monitor and respond to breaking news throughout the day
* Initiate and develop fresh ideas for news stories
* Manage designated group of reporters, including discussing pitches, ideas, commissions, what went well, and what could have gone better
* Liaise with morning editors on commissions, deadlines and launch times
* Liaise with evening news editor, live and breaking to plan morning launches and story mix and ensure scheduled launches and news agenda are communicated effectively to overnight editor and morning team
* 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
* Approve leave for designated reporters, and carry out their annual appraisals
* Liaise with the Canberra bureau on late stories
* Assume the duties of the national news editor or the deputy national news editor, mornings, when required, including running afternoon conference
Working at Guardian Australia
* Employee assistance program (EAP) to support employee wellbeing
* Dedicated diversity and inclusion employee groups, action plans (including our Reconciliation Action Plan) and cultural competency training
Application and closing
For more information please view the full job description here.
To apply for this position, please apply online and upload your résumé (maximum three pages) plus covering letter. In your covering letter please outline your motivation for applying for the role and why you think you are suitable.
Closing date for applications: Sunday 15 February 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
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.
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