Magazine features editor: job description

They plan the features section of the magazine, supervise writers and set deadlines.

What do features editors do? Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills

Typical responsibilities of the job include:

• selecting articles for issues and planning publication contents
• generating ideas for articles and features
• organising meetings with writers and designers to discuss and plan the features section of the magazine
• commissioning features and stories from in-house writers or freelancers
• supervising staff, including freelance writers, and setting deadlines
• reading, writing and researching features and articles
• rewriting, editing, proofreading and subbing copy to ensure it is ready to go to press
• attending relevant events, fairs and conferences
• ensuring that all feature articles comply with ethical codes of practice and legal guidelines.

Typical employers of features editors

• Major commercial publishers (such as Future plc or Ascential)
• Smaller specialist publishers
• Online and digital media publishers
• Consumer magazines
• ‘In-house’ magazines for corporate customers
• Customer ‘loyalty’ publications
• Newspaper supplements
• Business to business magazines

Media graduate jobs are advertised via the internet, in the publication that is recruiting, Press Gazette , Campaign , Broadcast and their respective websites. Speculative applications are advisable because some jobs are not advertised. Using contacts within the industry can be a good way to find out about opportunities. A few employers operate graduate trainee schemes.

Qualifications and training required

Although you do not technically need a degree to become a features editor, entry into the profession without a degree is now unusual.

The role is not available to entry-level candidates, so previous experience and training is essential. Recent graduates typically enter in the role of editorial assistant . An English or media studies degree or a qualification accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) may be advantageous. The NCTJ offers a qualification in magazine journalism that covers many of the fundamental skills required for the position. Working on a student magazine can often provide a good introduction to magazine journalism. Specialist knowledge or a scientific or technical background may be required for some vacancies. Prior relevant experience is essential.

To find out how to get into a career in editorial via a school leaver route, visit the media section of TARGETcareers , our website aimed at school leavers.

Key skills for features editors

• Good general and current affairs knowledge
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• IT skills
• Creativity
• Confidence
• Organisational skills
• Determination and resilience

Next: search internships and graduate jobs

• View our media, journalism and publishing job vacancies
• View our media, journalism and publishing internship vacancies