Editor at Am Paipear

Editor - Am Pàipear Location: Isle of Benbecula Contract: Full time Salary: Up to £36k depending on experience Working: Office-based with travel across the islands We are looking for a creative and enthusiastic individual to become Editor of Am Pàipear. This is a fantastic opportunity to get involved in a respected local newspaper reporting on the life of a busy community within the Outer Hebrides. Am Pàipear is published once a month. There is also a website and social media channels. Our aspiration is to provide a comprehensive news service with content prepared in different formats appropriate for each audience. Purpose The Editor will be responsible for sourcing, writing and publishing all content. There is an expectation the editor will be actively engaged in reporting, but also working with volunteer and freelance contributors to ensure a rich supply of articles. The Editor will bear overall responsibility for the quality of content, ensuring that all news is presented in an accurate, engaging, and timely manner. This role is ideal for someone with a deep understanding of rural issues, a passion for community journalism, and a commitment to maintaining the highest journalistic standards. Duties Include Writing and editing compelling articles for the newspaper, website and social media. Commissioning contributions from volunteer and freelance contributors. Driving website traffic and social media engagement. Designing the print edition, including advertising, to meet publication deadlines. Line managing the support staff focussed on administration and sales. Ensuring that emails, calls and messages are answered in a timely manner. Growing advertising sales by establishing trusting relationships with local businesses, public agencies and charities. Ensuring the newspaper reflects the unique cultural, economic, and social interests of the local community. Developing relationships with the local community and being present at local events to capture news and views first-hand. Engaging with the board of directors to making recommendations, report on progress, and support the development of strategy. Person Specification The successful candidate must demonstrate a strong interest in the communities Am Pàipear serves and the issues that matter to readers. They will know how to develop good contacts within the local community, from political representatives to community groups, businesspeople, crofters and volunteers. This role is suitable for someone experienced in local journalism, who is comfortable working independently and prepared to be “hands-on”. Skills and Experience Experience in journalism and excellent story-finding and writing skills. Strong organisational skills. Excellent IT skills with proficiency in standard business software, including email and the Microsoft Office suite/Apple Mac operations. Solid experience of design software eg (Adobe InDesign). Good interpersonal and networking skills. Experience in motivating and supporting staff. Confident working independently. Experience using content management systems (WordPress) and managing social media channels. Strong interest in island affairs. Responsible for · Overall operational management, including staff supervision and overseeing administration and sales function. Responsible to Board of directors (UCVO Trading Ltd) About us Am Pàipear has a proud history as the voice of the islands. For 50 years the paper has ensured residents continue to be informed about what is happening in their community. Am Pàipear is currently on hiatus, following a restructure, and part of the aim of this role is to relaunch the paper, with a new management structure in place. Our aim is to create a sustainable platform — a news service fit for the current day. We want to create a space to give voice to the opinions and concerns of islanders, on matters including, but not limited to, public services, transport and crofting. We also want to showcase local people, community developments and initiatives, and local events. Applications with CV and covering letter should be sent to [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) Closing date – November 23rd 2026