Join the team!

The University Observer is hiring its next Editor and Deputy Editor on the editorial team for the next academic year 2026/2027.

Fixed-term full-time contracts: 27th July 2026 – 14th May 2027

UNIVERSITY OBSERVER EDITOR

This is a full-time, paid leadership role. You will control the editorial direction, lead the team, and decide what stories define the year on campus.

Editor key responsibilities:

• Oversee the editorial direction, publication, and distribution of the University Observer.
• Co-ordinate the print publishing cycle and manage the online content.
• Set publication standards, goals, and expectations.
• Suggest story ideas and generate headlines aligned with the target audience’s interests.
• Supervise and manage the editorial team, including writers and reporters.
• Manage layout, to include artwork, design, and photography, and ensure accuracy in all content. 
• Proofread, edit, and refine articles for clarity and quality.
• Recruit for internal editorial positions (excluding the Deputy Editor).
• Collaborate with designers, photographers, advertising representatives, writers, and artists.
• Ensure adherence to relevant legislation and the ethical guidelines of the Press Council of Ireland.
• Meet all publication deadlines and budgetary requirements.

Applicants will be responsible for producing a minimum of six editions of the University Observer and one special edition within the academic year. 

UNIVERSITY OBSERVER DEPUTY EDITOR

This is a full-time, paid leadership role. The Deputy Editor supports the Editor, manages content and operations, and steps in as needed, including occasional weekend work.

Deputy Editor key responsibilities:

• Supervise and manage the daily tasks of writers and reporters.
• Coordinate the distribution of materials to section editors and reporters, ensuring timely completion of tasks.
• Redraft, check, and ensure the linguistic integrity of content.
• Uphold the University Observer's editorial policy and unify its voice.
• Create headlines that reflect the newspaper's editorial standards.
• Assist Editor with managing the layout (artwork, design, photography) and ensure content accuracy.
• Verify the accuracy and validity of all content.
• Assist with internal recruitment (excluding the Deputy Editor).
• Collaborate with designers, photographers, advertising representatives, writers, and artists.
• Ensure adherence to all relevant legislation and the code of conduct and ethical guidelines of the Press Council of Ireland
• Meet all publication deadlines and budgetary requirements.
   

Requirements for both positions:

• Previous experience in journalism.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills with a solid portfolio.
• Hands-on experience with Google Suite, InDesign, Canva, or other publishing tools.
• Familiarity with search engine optimisation and social media best practices.
• Excellent English writing skills and attention to detail.
• Strong critical thinking and multitasking abilities.

Application Process

To apply, submit the following PDF documents to editor@universityobserver.ie:

• Cover letter specifying the role you’re applying for.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Detailed proposal (max 5,000 words) outlining how you plan to manage and improve the University Observer, including specific areas for improvement.

Important Notes:

• Shortlisting of candidates will apply.
• Applications must be submitted individually; joint applications will not be accepted.
• Canvassing members of the interview panel is prohibited and may result in disqualification.
• Application deadline: 5:00 pm, Friday, 27th March 2026
• For enquiries, contact editor@universityobserver.ie during office hours.

Contributing to the University Observer

The University Observer is looking for contributing writers! If you're interested in writing for the paper, now is the perfect time to get involved. As a contributor, you can write as many or as few articles as you would like, so the commitment that it involves is completely in your hands. Contributors will receive article pitches direct to their inbox every issue cycle. You can sign up to contribute to any area of the paper - including News, Sport, Politics, Fashion, Games, and so much more. You can also sign up to the multimedia areas of the paper, such as podcasting, social media, and illustrations.

Interested? You can find the sign-up form here. 

If you would like further information, or have any questions, you can contact the Editor and Deputy at editor@universityobserver.ie and deputy@universityobserver.ie respectively.