Associate 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 an associate news editor to join our Newsdesk team to work alongside other desk editors, and be responsible for planning, editing and commissioning. 

This role is being offered on a full-time, 18 month contract, working over a seven-day roster with early starts or late finishes, and is open to candidates based in Sydney or Melbourne.

In this role you will…

• Help set Guardian Australia’s news agenda by proposing considered, original and topical ideas for news and feature stories. 
• Work with other newsdesk editors in planning, editing and commissioning news and feature stories.
• Edit copy, check headlines and ensure all legal issues are resolved prior to publication.
• Work with and manage selected reporters, and deliver regular feedback.  
• Monitor news sources, e.g. wire services, news websites, social media and broadcast media for stories and issues which will provide distinctive stories for Guardian Australia.
• Work with multimedia editors, picture desk and data team to deliver stories in the most accessible formats and with the best presentation. 
   

You’ll bring….
 

Knowledge and experience

• Substantial experience editing national news, preferably digitally
• Good grasp of national news and key state issues
• Experience of managing reporters to develop ideas on a daily basis and guide career progression 
• Understanding of diversity and inclusion issues 
• Good understanding of Guardian values
• Good understanding of media law

Skills / behaviours

• Good writing, commissioning and editing skills
• Good news judgment 
• Speed and accuracy, with high attention to detail
• Good interpersonal skills; persuasive and decisive
• Efficient team player who is flexible, resilient and adaptable
• Willingness to adjust work hours or shift pattern at short notice when required
• 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 a full-time, 18 month contract, working over a seven-day roster with early starts or late finishes, and is open to candidates based in Sydney or Melbourne.
 

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: 5 August 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.