Features Writer (Environment and Transport), Courier – DC Thomson (Scotland)

At DC Thomson we are a business with a purpose – to make a positive impact on the communities we serve.

We are home to some of the world’s best loved media brands, organised around local news and radio, companionship, kids, advocacy, energy, puzzles, and hobbies.

The Courier, The Press & Journal, The Sunday Post, Beano, Stylist, Puzzler, The People’s Friend, My Weekly, bunkered, Energy Voice, Findmypast and Brightsolid are just some of the brands you might know us for.

Deeply rooted in our communities, we are investing in data, technology, and talent to unlock a new level of understanding about what really matters to our customers. This is how we are shaping the future of media.

We’re changing the way we work to create a flexible, collaborative, learning-led culture that draws on expertise from across the organisation to create award-winning content and cultural moments that make audiences want to be part of our communities.

Our HQ is in Dundee and we have bases around the UK employing over 1,200 extraordinarily creative colleagues working in a mix of office/home/hybrid. They’re passionate about being part of the story of so many well-loved brands and they’re crucial to our ambitions for the company.

We’re looking for the best people to join us at DC Thomson, to share their energy, ideas and skills and be part of our story.

Why join us now?

DC Thomson is on an exciting transformation journey to growth. Our brands matter to people and we are passionate about sustaining meaningful relationships with the communities these brands serve.

Focused on creating brilliant content and experiences that inspire our audiences and communities.

The Opportunity

The Courier is looking for a features writer to join its award-winning editorial team. The successful candidate will be brimming with ideas and will create compelling, engaging features on the environment, transport and many other areas of interest to our readers.

You will be a highly adaptable writer, and content creator, who is as comfortable focusing on the issues our readers care about most – whether that’s interviewing a visiting celebrity or getting right to the heart of a human-interest story.

An enthusiastic, self-starting storyteller, the successful candidate will work across The Courier website, the print paper and its supplements.

We adhere to the hybrid working model. As part of this, you will be required to work two days a week in our Dundee HQ.

Skills and experience requirements:

• The ability to generate feature ideas on a wide range of subjects, including environment and transport.
• A flair for writing and an enthusiastic interviewer – one who is prepared to put in the work to source the best case studies.
• Either a journalism, communications degree, post graduate or equivalent experience creating digital or print content.
• Someone who lives within our community, or who has knowledge and understanding of our local area and the issues concerning our readers, would be an advantage.
• Collaborative team worker who is resilient, self-motivated and resourceful.
• An understanding of media law and industry ethical guidelines.

What to expect from the recruitment experience?

As we move through the recruitment process, we want to get to know you, as well as help you understand the team, where we are going and how you can play a part in our future a little better.

Following an initial screening process, if you are selected to move to interview, we will introduce you to the hiring panel over email and make sure you’re clear on the outcomes of your time with them, as well as timelines for hearing any next steps.

We will also share any helpful feedback we can with you, so whether it’s the right role or not this time around, we can help each other grow.

To make sure you are supported to be at your best through the process, please let us know if there is anything we can do to support your application or make adjustments along the way.

To apply for this role, please follow our online application process and submit a CV and cover letter.

Benefits

This is a full-time, permanent position, working 35 hours per week. This is a hybrid role offering a blend of home and office working from our Dundee Office. We offer a generous package including 34 days holiday, Health Cash Plan, excellent Pension, a competitive salary, and many more staff discounts and benefits.

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from everyone and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability or any other protected characteristics.

Please note that we reserve the right to close the vacancy early once we have received suitable applications. Therefore, please ensure you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Remember to mention the NCTJ jobs board when applying for this position.