Writers SA
Digital editorial strategist - Splinter journal
Writers SA is looking for a person to develop a digital publishing strategy for our literary journal Splinter.
Writers SA publishes Splinter – a literary journal based in Tarntanya (Adelaide) that features new short fiction, non-fiction, and poetry by writers from across Australia and the world.
Splinter launched in 2024 as a print-only journal. We are planning to expand Splinter with a digital offering and are looking for a person to create a strategy for this transformation.
SALARY
$80,000/annum + superannuation
1.5 days/week pro rata
LOCATION
Adelaide
Hybrid office and remote work arrangements available by negotiation
ABOUT US
Splinter is published by Writers SA with support from Adelaide University, Flinders University, and Creative Australia.
The journal is sold in bookstores around Australia and by direct subscription. In its first two years, the journal established its editorial purpose and released four print-only issues. Now, the Writers SA team is planning a digital expansion for the publication with the aim of adding online publishing and subscriptions to our operations, while maintaining our print presence.
The journal has a small and highly collaborative team. It is led by editor Farrin Foster, with support from Writers SA’s CEO, operations manager, marketing co-ordinator, and finance manager. We exist to support writers and to find ways to connect readers to great writing. Splinter does this by publishing work that is accessible and funny, while also being thoughtful, sometimes experimental, and unafraid to grapple with big ideas.
ABOUT THE JOB
The digital editorial strategist is a strategic planning role. It is a fixed-term 10-month contract. The role is part-time with 1.5 days of work per week.
The person in the job will:
- Survey Splinter’s current digital presence
- Implement immediate attainable improvements to this digital presence
- Analyse Splinter’s editorial approach in print
- Create strategic recommendations for either adapting Splinter’s print content for digital publication or introducing a new online-only stream of writing commissions
- Develop a proposal for an accompanying online-only subscriber tier
- Scope the web development required to support the recommended online publishing and subscriber strategy
- Assist with forecasting resources required to implement the recommended online publishing strategy
- Recommend a series of audience development initiatives to onboard subscribers to the planned digital tier
- Assist with identifying potential funding streams for implementing the digital transition and assist with preparing, where possible, application materials
During this work, the digital editorial strategist will be working closely with and will be supported by Splinter’s editor. There is also scope to consult with outside experts – for example, web designers or marketing advisors – in developing the plans listed above.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
We are looking for a person with these qualities:
- Experience in digital publishing
- Knowledge of the Australian literary sector
- Track record in project management, including some experience in budget and timeline management
- An understanding of audience development strategies, and
- A genuine interest in new writing
- Experience in working on web development projects would also be a plus
Writers SA believes in the importance of diverse voices in literature and encourages applications from people belonging to communities that are often under-represented in the sector.
HOW TO APPLY
Please send:
- A cover letter of 500 words or less outlining why you believe you are a good fit for this role
- A resume of up to two A4 pages detailing your relevant work experience and with three referees, including contact details, listed
To [email protected] before 11.59pm (ACST) on Thursday July 30.
We will be conducting interviews for the role in late August. We intend for the role to commence in September.
If you have any questions about the role, please email Farrin Foster on [email protected] or call Writers SA on 0476 999 002.
FOR BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT SPLINTER
