- Executive Level - salary commensurate with experience
- Specified task vacancy for approximately 6 months
- Location: Flexible
- Open to internal applicants only
The Role
Drives original, daily, commissioning of key stories for ABC News
We are looking for a Managing Editor to lead the National Commissioning team as it guides reporting on key stories across ABC News platforms.
The Job
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In this role you will:
- Provide senior editorial leadership in driving the direction of key stories of interest to a broad section of the Australian community
- Ensure ABC News prioritises stories of impact and delivers news breaks, agenda-setting original reporting and outstanding breaking news coverage
- Uphold the highest standards of journalism, ensuring independence, integrity, accuracy and responsibility
- Work closely with editors across all News teams to align commissioning and delivery with strategy, priorities and audience needs
- Ensure effective planning and deployment of resources for breaking news, major events and forward coverage
- Foster collaborative and meaningful editorial conversations across teams that focus on good outcomes for audiences
- Oversee the delivery of the National Commissioning team strategy by serving the needs of key platforms and creating content initiatives that support the achievement of News’ objectives.
- Offer support to National Commissioning leads to ensure a culture of collaboration and continual improvement across teams
- Identify opportunities for skill development and knowledge sharing at all levels
Position Description: Managing Editor National Commissioning EL role.docx
You will drive original, daily commissioning of key stories for ABC News. You will lead a team of senior editors to determine which stories will be covered as a priority across the division, and ensure the deployment of adequate newsgathering and production resources to deliver timely content to all platforms, in line with the Audience-First News Strategy.
About You
You are an experienced leader with exceptional editorial skills, along with a clear understanding of the ABC's strategic aims and the interests of a broad range of audiences.
You'll have:
- Demonstrated senior editorial leader with extensive experience driving the daily national news agenda through original commissioning and strategic story selection, including providing nuanced editorial guidance on sensitive or challenging subjects under time constraints.
- Highly skilled in providing clear editorial direction in fast paced environments, making sound, fast decisions. Strong track record of aligning commissioning and delivery across News teams to ensure cohesive, high quality coverage that meets audience and organisational priorities.
- Ability to foster a collaborative, engaged and high performing newsroom culture.
- Experienced in breaking news, major events and forward planning, with a strong commitment to continuous improvement and contributing strategic insight to strengthen ABC News’ impact.
- Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline, or significant equivalent skills, knowledge, and experience working in a media organisation.
- A proven track record in developing content strategies around major events and in developing new editorial products aimed at building trust and achieving audience growth.
- Demonstrated highly developed organisational skills, with the ability to juggle a broad variety of tasks and prioritise accordingly
- ABC Values: Demonstrated personal commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment, grounded in integrity and aligned with the ABC Values of aiming high, thinking differently, taking ownership, and delivering together.
More info:
In line with our focus on diversity and inclusion, applications are strongly encouraged from Indigenous Australians, people from a range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disability and LGBTQIA+ individuals. The ABC also aims to achieve a gender-balanced workforce.
To request recruitment and selection information in alternate formats, request adjustments, or if you have accessibility requirements please contact [email protected]
If you want to know more, please contact Lee Glendinning [email protected]
cc- Jo-Anne Duncan [email protected]
We are unable to accept email applications, please ensure that you submit your application via the online portal.
If you are an ongoing employee and would like to apply for this role, please note it may not always be possible for your manager to facilitate your request. If you have any questions about the Temporary Transfer Guidelines contact your ABC People & Culture Team.
Please note: For casuals to be eligible to apply a minimum of one shift must be worked during the advertising period.
Applications Close: Tuesday 7th April 2026 at 12 Noon