Prospect, Senior Editor

About Prospect

Prospect is Britain’s leading monthly current affairs magazine and website. It is an independent and eclectic forum for writing and thinking, across print, digital and audio. Since its founding 28 years ago, Prospect has been politically independent, with no party-political affiliation or agenda. It is supported by a trust as well as by subscribers and advertisers. The magazine is entering perhaps its most ambitious period yet, and is undertaking a programme of change that will transform Prospect into a thriving digital-first, multi-channel media company. It is edited by Alan Rusbridger, former editor of the Guardian.

Senior editor

Prospect is hiring a new Senior editor to work at the heart of its commissioning team as the magazine builds on its reputation for outstanding journalism and accelerates its digital transition. Under the guidance of the deputy editor, you will be expected to lead agenda-setting essays, columns and features from conception through to publication—and to embody the standards of journalistic excellence demanded by our readers. 

This is an opportunity to help curate Britain’s outstanding monthly current affairs magazine—in print and online. As such, the right candidate will have exceptional journalistic judgement and the confidence and authority to work with some of the biggest names in journalism to hone their work. Equally, they will have a commitment to finding and commissioning underrepresented voices who are rarely heard in the national media. A non-tribal outlook is essential: Prospect is politically independent and seeks to commission perspectives from left and right. We care about the quality of the idea, not where it comes from.

The Senior editor will spend their days commissioning outstanding new writers on bold new ideas: a willingness to take intellectual risks is a must. The right candidate will marry impressive range and curiosity with formidable attention to detail, and will be expected to edit for structure, clarity and tone while ensuring that our journalism retains its reputation for unimpeachable accuracy and fairness. They will have close involvement in our fact-checking, sub-editing and proof-reading processes. Writing opportunities will be available but this is not primarily a writing role.

The new editor must have five-plus years of relevant editorial experience and be equally at home working on print and digital-only journalism. We want someone who is just as comfortable polishing up a newsletter or crafting a snappy web headline as they are overseeing a 4,000-word cover essay, and who is willing to apply the same level of rigour to both traditional and innovative formats. A sophisticated understanding of domestic and international politics is essential; expertise in additional subjects—for example science or economics—would be welcomed.

This position will also include editorial collaboration with Prospect’s audience of informed and engaged readers and listeners.

The role is based in our Westminster office at 2 Queen Anne’s Gate, SW1H 9AA from Mon–Thurs, with remote working on Fridays. Further flexibility may be considered for the right candidate. Prospect is a small, friendly and ambitious company that values diversity. We are committed to equal opportunities and creating an inclusive environment for all our employees. We welcome applicants regardless of ethnic origin, national origin, gender, gender identity, race, colour, religious beliefs, disability, sexual orientation, age or marital status.

How to apply: please submit a CV to editorial@prospect-magazine.co.uk, along with a cover letter of no more than 800 words on why you are a perfect fit for the role. Applicants invited for interview may be required to complete editing and proofing exercises. Applications close 11.59PM(GMT), 14th February.