About the role The Mandarin is an essential resource for anyone interested in how the public sector works. Through independent journalism, expert analysis and commentary, we support public servants in navigating complexity, improving practice, and delivering outcomes for the public good. We don’t cover politics; we specialise in the business of government.

This approach is clearly working. Unlike other media brands, The Mandarin has experienced significant audience growth over recent years. We have also expanded beyond digital publishing into new audio and video storytelling executions and host several public sector conferences every year around Australia.

Now we’re looking for a talented and versatile Assistant Editor to join our small and hard-working editorial team. This is a hands-on role for someone who is comfortable coming up with sharp editorial ideas, overseeing multi-faceted projects, commissioning and editing multimedia stories, and managing production across a range of platforms.

What you’ll be doing

- Conceptualising and managing editorial projects across a variety of topics, formats and timeframes
- Commissioning, rewriting and subbing articles, and identifying suitable video and audio content for publication
- Managing the production of special features, newsletters, multimedia projects and other editorial initiatives and products
- Collaborating with journalists, producers, and freelancers to manage workflow, streamline processes, and meet deadlines efficiently
- Assisting the editorial team at events, webinars and other activations

Skills and experience

You’ll thrive in this role if you have:

- Outstanding news sense and the ability to turn editorial concepts into reality
- A good knowledge of how governments function and the role of public servants at all levels and jurisdictions
- The ability to manage multiple projects on a variety of topics
- Proven sub-editing skills with meticulous attention to detail and excellent grammar, spelling,



and writing standards
- Multimedia production capabilities stretching across audio, visual and text platforms, especially WordPress
- A solid understanding of media law, basic SEO principles, and the ability to work under pressure to meet demanding and often competing deadlines

About us

Private Media is Australia’s leading independent digital media company with seven distinctive brands (The Mandarin, Crikey, SmartCompany, Startup Daily, Flying Solo, Business Builders and Your Money Your Life), a series of events and audio brands, and a content marketing agency.

We’ve spent more than 20 years investing in Australia’s best journalism. With the recent addition of Pinstripe Media, we’ve expanded our reach into the startup and small business community. We employ more than 50 people across offices in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra, and have a network of over 100 contributors across the globe.

Our values

1. Growth focused. We believe in the positive impact of each brand. We are determined in our plan and actions to achieve each of our missions. We act individually and as a team to overcome obstacles.
2. High standards. We have high expectations of ourselves because our readers and customers deserve the best. We care about each piece of work we do. We welcome feedback as we know it helps us meet the standards we set.
3. Thinking deeply. We do not rush to superficial conclusions. We welcome the chance to go deep on hard topics. We respect our colleagues enough to constructively criticise their ideas.

Six good reasons to work at Private Media

- Flexible working is who we are:



Digital-first for over 20 years, flexibility is built into how we work. A third of our team is part-time or remote, and our hybrid model keeps our employees connected while supporting work-life balance.
- Purpose-driven journalism: We’re proudly independently committed to holding power to account and producing journalism that matters. Our people know their work has a real impact.
- Growth that’s personal: Every team member has a growth map, regular pit stops and a $400 annual L&D; budget to keep learning and progressing.
- A passionate, supportive team: Smart, curious and collaborative. Our people challenge ideas, not each other.
- Diversity and inclusion that’s intentional: We champion new voices and perspectives, and embed I&D; in how we hire, develop and lead.
- A mentally healthy workplace: Clear roles, transparent leadership and open feedback create a positive culture backed by trained Mental Health First Aid-ers and free EAP support for staff and families.

This is a full-time hybrid role which could be remote (preference for a Canberra, Sydney or Melbourne location). There will be regular domestic travel requirements.

Inclusion statement

While the role is advertised as full time, we wish to be flexible for the right candidate and believe that part-timers should always be given a go. We strongly encourage diverse candidates to apply, including people from multicultural backgrounds, LGBTQI+, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders, people with disability, and over 45 years of age. We’re looking for the best possible talent to join us at Private Media, regardless of age, gender, religion, race, sexuality, education or physicality.

Ready to apply?

Apply directly through LinkedIn or email [email protected] with your cover letter and resume. Please apply by Monday 7 September 2026. We will be reviewing applications as they come in, so don't delay.

📌 Assistant Editor, The Mandarin (Sydney)
🏢 The Mandarin
📍 Sydney