Deputy national news editor, evenings

Guardian Australia is part of Guardian News & Media (GNM) publisher of. As a leading global media organisation we are renowned for our pioneering independent journalism and our award-winning digital products.

We are seeking a deputy national news editor to join our Editorial team to work alongside the national news editor and other newsdesk colleagues in planning editing and commissioning news stories for Guardian Australia.

This role is offered on a full-time fixed-term basis for a period of two years working over a seven-day roster with mostly late finishes and occasional early starts. This role is open to candidates based in either Sydney or Melbourne.

In this role you will

• Commission and edit stories including daily weekly and long-term national news coverage in collaboration with national news editor and other newsdesk colleagues
• Monitor and respond to breaking news throughout the day
• Initiate and develop fresh ideas for news stories
• Manage designated group of reporters including discussing pitches ideas commissions what went well and what could have gone better
• Liaise with morning editors on commissions deadlines and launch times
• Liaise with evening news editor live and breaking to plan morning launches and story mix and ensure scheduled launches and news agenda are communicated effectively to overnight editor and morning team
• Plan coverage of news events in conjunction with other editors
• Ensure all legal issues are resolved prior to publication
• Work with assistant and associate news editors in the planning editing and commissioning of longer-term news stories and features
• Approve leave for designated reporters and carry out their annual appraisals
• Liaise with the Canberra bureau on late stories
• Assume the duties of the national news editor or the deputy national news editor mornings when required including running afternoon conference

Youll bring.

Knowledge and experience

• A passion for independent journalism and an understanding of our editorial code and values
• Significant journalistic experience
• Substantial track record in commissioning national news stories preferably in a digital environment
• Strong people management skills
• Specialist knowledge in a commissioning area would be an advantage
• Understanding of diversity and inclusion issues
• Good understanding of Guardian values
• Good understanding of media law

Skills / behaviours

• Excellent writing commissioning and editing skills
• Impeccable news judgement
• Speed and accuracy with high attention to detail
• Good interpersonal skills; persuasive and decisive
• Efficient team player who is flexible and adaptable
• Confident assertive and diplomatic
• Open to challenge and correction

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 descriptionhere.

This role is offered on a full-time fixed-term basis for a period of two years working over a seven-day roster with mostly late finishes and occasional early starts. This role is open to candidates based in either Sydney or Melbourne.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 15 February 2026

If you have application questions or if you require an adjustment to be made during the recruitment process please email

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.