Head of Real Life

About the role

The Head of Real Life is a new role that will lead a team developing a new Telegraph content strand. 

This will include, but not be limited to, elevated human interest articles, first person case studies, exploratory essays that tap into the zeitgeist, warm and engaging lifestyle columns that explore how we live and that stimulate the empathetic and the sympathetic, provoking an emotional reaction in the reader. 

The Head of Real Life will be responsible for setting and maintaining a rich TOV, balancing emotive content with entertaining, witty writing.

Key responsibilities

• Leading a team of commissioners and writers producing a new content strand - ‘Real Life’. 
• Responding swiftly to news lines; while motivating commissioners and writers to execute stories at speed.
• Defining a strategy to turn this new content pillar into a core Telegraph offering.
• Overseeing the commissioning of Real Life content to an exceptionally high standard.
• Establishing and nurturing a rich tone of voice for Real Life stories
• Introducing new writing talent and forging strong relationships with existing writers.
• Assembling a team of internal and external talent that delivers consistent excellence.
• Working closely with audience and growth teams to determine promotion opportunities.
• Developing digital-first article formats in which to house Real Life content beyond first-persons. 
• Innovating and collaborating with teams across the newsroom to deliver content on different platforms, eg audio or newsletter.
• Working closely with the Head of Lifestyle to develop performance. 
• Driving ambitious visual presentations that utilise the full range of the Telegraph’s toolbox.
• Using data to help guide commissioning decisions and performance understanding. 

Key skills

• Experience of commissioning and planning features or Lifestyle content. 
• A strong network of relevant contacts.
• A collaborative working style
• Experience of managing teams
• Strong digital skills and experience of innovative new formats and promotion.
• Experience of editing content for publication on different platforms.
• Confident leading meetings and strategy proposals.
• Confident in dealing with others and managing upwards.
• Highly organised, enthusiastic, and diligent.

Our benefits

The nature of our industry means life at the Telegraph Media Group is fast-paced, demanding, and interesting. We also want it to be rewarding for everyone who works here by creating a suite of benefits that contribute to lifestyle choices and leisure activities. From dynamic working opportunities, medical cover, and parental leave (six months fully paid maternity leave and enhanced paternity/partner leave), to life assurance and season ticket loans, you can choose from a range of flexible benefits, designed to support your lifestyle and help you achieve a healthy work-life balance.

Training and development

With support from your manager and colleagues, you’ll also have access to a variety of training and development opportunities through The Academy. Covering a range of personal and professional skills, our courses enable you to develop an enjoyable and rewarding career.

Our commitment to inclusion

At Telegraph Media Group, we foster a diverse and inclusive workplace and we are committed to building a team that reflects a wide variety of skills, perspectives and backgrounds. We believe in equality of opportunity and welcome candidates from all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.

We are proud to be a Level 3 Disability Confident Leader as part of the government’s Disability Confident Scheme. If you are disabled or have a long-term health condition and would like support in applying for any of our roles or if you require any reasonable adjustments in the recruitment process with us, please make us aware.

To find out more about Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at Telegraph Media Group, and for more information on our purpose, beliefs, and people values, please visit our website.