Skills & Requirements

About the Role

As the Editorial & Content Lead, you will establish the editorial vision, standards and content strategy that shape every story, programme and conversation produced by C54News.

Working closely with the Managing Director, Chief Technology Officer, Product & Technology Lead and Communications team, you will lead the development of a digital-first newsroom designed for the future; one that combines rigorous journalism, compelling storytelling and technology-enabled publishing.

From our first social media campaign to the commencement of Shadow Operations and our commercial launch, you will play a central role in building the credibility, influence and editorial identity of C54News.

What You'll Be Responsible For

Editorial Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and implement the editorial vision and content strategy for C54News.
• Establish newsroom standards, editorial policies and publishing guidelines.
• Build a trusted editorial culture grounded in accuracy, fairness and public interest.
• Lead editorial planning meetings and content prioritization.

Content Development & Storytelling

• Oversee the creation of high-quality content across digital, streaming and social platforms.
• Shape long-form and short-form storytelling, documentaries, explainers, interviews and special reports.
• Lead the development of flagship editorial properties, including C54 Leadership Conversations and other original content series.
• Ensure editorial consistency across all audience touchpoints.

Digital Newsroom & Innovation

• Build and lead a digital-first newsroom optimized for multi-platform publishing.
• Work with the Product & Technology Lead to improve editorial workflows and audience experience.
• Champion the responsible use of AI and emerging technologies to enhance editorial efficiency without compromising journalistic integrity.
• Encourage experimentation with new storytelling formats and multimedia experiences.

Audience & Editorial Impact

• Develop content strategies that grow audience trust, engagement and loyalty.
• Use analytics and audience insights to inform editorial decisions.
• Ensure content reflects the diversity, complexity and aspirations of Africa.
• Collaborate with the Content & Community Growth Coordinator to expand C54News' digital reach.

Leadership & Team Development

• Recruit, mentor and develop the founding editorial team.
• Foster a collaborative newsroom culture that values creativity, accountability and continuous learning.
• Build relationships with contributors, correspondents, creators and subject-matter experts across Africa.
• Support the development of editorial talent through the C54 Creators' Lab.

Who You Are

You are an editor, storyteller and institution builder.

You understand that journalism today extends beyond the newsroom. It lives across mobile devices, streaming platforms, podcasts, newsletters, social media and emerging technologies.

You combine editorial judgment with strategic thinking and are passionate about telling stories that inform, inspire and shape public discourse.

You believe Africa deserves journalism that is globally respected, technologically enabled and uncompromising in its integrity.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Mass Communication, Media Studies or a related discipline.
• Master's degree is an advantage.
• 8 - 12 years' progressive experience in journalism, editorial leadership or digital media.
• Demonstrated experience leading editorial teams or major content initiatives.
• Strong understanding of digital publishing, multimedia storytelling and audience engagement.
• Experience working in a modern, digital-first newsroom is highly desirable.
• Experience across multiple African markets is an advantage.

What We're Looking For

You'll thrive in this role if you are:

• An exceptional editor with strong editorial judgment.
• Passionate about Africa and its future.
• Curious, innovative and digitally fluent.
• A strategic thinker with excellent communication skills.
• Calm under pressure and decisive in fast-moving environments.
• Collaborative and able to lead multidisciplinary teams.
• Committed to the highest standards of journalistic ethics and integrity.
• Excited about building a newsroom from the ground up.

Success in This Role Looks Like

• Within your first twelve months, you will have:
• Defined the editorial identity and voice of C54News.
• Established newsroom standards and editorial governance.
• Built and developed the founding editorial team.
• Successfully led the editorial delivery of the Founding Campus Commissioning and Shadow Operations.
• Positioned C54News as a trusted and influential digital news brand ahead of commercial launch.

Why Join C54News?

This is more than an editorial leadership role.

It is an opportunity to become part of the Founding Leadership Team of one of Africa's most ambitious digital media organizations.

You'll help define the stories we tell, the conversations we shape and the standards by which C54News earns the trust of audiences across Africa and beyond.

If you're passionate about journalism, innovation and building institutions that influence the future, we'd love to hear from you.