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With a content portfolio like no other media organisation in the country, SBS occupies multiple channels and platforms, and provides a unique opportunity for employees to help make Australia a better place to live.

Indigenous Standards Editor

This is an identified role and applicants must identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.  SBS considers that being Aboriginal and/or a Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under s 14 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).

At SBS, we embrace difference, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. SBS is the home of National Indigenous Television (NITV). We acknowledge the unique contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples make to our society and our workplace through their enduring and continued connection to land, sea, sky and community.

About Us SBS

SBS is one of the world's most unique and innovative media organisations, producing trusted, meaningful and engaging content that exists for all Australians to inspire, support and celebrate the diversity of our multicultural society. 

Our purpose, for the last 49 years, has reflected and explored the evolving diversity of Australia, investing in initiatives to deepen its connections with communities, sharing their stories and giving a voice to those often unheard, with the aim of increasing understanding and respect of the differences that make up Australia.

SBS is a truly distinctive network, showcasing multicultural, multilingual and First Nations stories otherwise untold in the Australian media.

About us NITV

NITV has a distinct identity and unique purpose as part of the SBS network and is primarily produced by, for and about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; in turn promoting an understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures to all Australians.  

NITV first launched as the National Indigenous broadcaster in 2007 and in 2012, became a part of the SBS network – becoming available to all Australians on free-to-air television.  Not only did this improve accessibility for Indigenous people, it made NITV available to all Australians - showcasing the oldest continuous culture on Earth, and in particular facilitating connections with the newest Australians.

NITV’s purpose is to shape the Australian identity, amplify First Nations stories and place, and connect with those that call Australia home. In doing so, NITV seeks to grow its audiences and channels, sharing authentic, meaningful stories that continue to heal and celebrate, cleanse, grow and inspire Australia’s identity and purpose.

NITV’s Vision:

To be recognised as having meaningful and positive impact on the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

NITV’s Purpose:

Support and strengthen the oldest living culture in the world.

Celebrate and champion the place of unique, inspiring storytelling through indigenous voices.

Share culture, language and lessons today to develop strong leaders and champions tomorrow.

Use our strengths to foster change, champion equality and make an impact.

Build a legacy of strong, sustainable Indigenous Media for the future.

About the Role

Reporting to the National Indigenous Affairs Editor, and working closely with the editorial teams of news and current affairs at NITV and SBS, the Indigenous Standards Editor will:

  • Maintain the Indigenous Editorial hub on SBS's intranet with the latest tools and resources to ensure best practice reporting on First Nations stories and perspectives in line with First Nations centred frameworks and editorial excellence.
  • Ensure all content teams have appropriate guidance and advice to produce Indigenous stories in a meaningful way. The role will be working with journalists and editorial leaders in the development of Indigenous content across all programs and platforms. This includes ensuring the relevant and most appropriate advice and community consultation has been considered at planning, development and production stages of content.
  • Work collaboratively with the National Indigenous Affairs Editor and key First Nations editorial leads to draft editorial guides for all content making teams for key First Nations events, anniversaries, and significant coverage. Work on decks for presentation of coverage of key First Nations events, anniversaries, and histories. 
  • Champion the NACA ERAP deliverables to ensure that SBS News and Current Affairs includes diverse First Nations stories and perspectives in the daily run down across TV, Online, Radio, which should reflect on NACA's social platforms (both promoting other platform's content and social original content). 
  • Editorial Operational Responsibility – Respond to, triage and delegate (as most appropriate in each case and following the workflows in place) requests for cultural sense check and subediting scripts and articles. 
  • Community relationship management - Develop and maintain positive relationships with key Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders, particularly as they relate to issues of culture and knowledge, social cohesion, and the media.
  • Liaison & Cultural Understanding - Liaise with NACA following the agreed workflows in and environment of growth for understanding First Nations perspectives. Continue to collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure the workflow is relevant and working as effectively as possible for all parties.

We are looking for someone who has:

  • Demonstrated understanding of topics and issues of importance to First Nations Australians, the wider multicultural communities and where they intersect and align.
  • Sound editorial and/or research experience in the production of Australian news and/or current affairs and delivering work to high standards and to time and budget.
  • Deep understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures & knowledge of protocol.
  • Excellent report writing and research experience.
  • A deep commitment to assisting in delivering the SBS Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan and keen understanding of the context of Australia’s Indigenous history.
  • Ability to handle and manage sensitive and confidential information.
  • Education in media, history, Indigenous studies, social or political science or related qualification or equivalent work experience.
  • Excellent community contacts and strong long-standing relationships. Community engagement experience will be high valued.
  • Well-developed interpersonal, influencing and relationship-building skills, including an ability to communicate effectively and persuasively.
  • Well-developed organisational and administrative skills, including the ability to meet deadlines and determine priorities.
  • Adaptability to manage changing priorities, comprehend complex and/or ambiguous information in a timely manner and provide sound advice in a deadline driven newsroom environment.
  • Demonstrated leadership competencies, including organisation-wide, inclusive thinking

About you

Ideally, you will have:

  • 5+ years’ experience in research, media, or journalism in a professional environment. Newsroom experience will be highly valued.
  • Advanced PC and digital skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Outlook (Email) and simple non-linear editing.
  • High level organisational skills and a demonstrated ability to undertake research and analyse information to determine priorities.
  • Awareness of and sensitivity to cultural protocols and First Nations issues
  • Demonstrated high level collaboration skills and teamwork.

    Feel like you meet most, but perhaps not all the criteria listed? Then, send through your detail as whilst we have specific requirements in mind we can look at how we can bridge the gaps!

    Some of the reasons to consider working with us:

    • The people! We truly celebrate and welcome difference at SBS and encourage everyone to bring their whole self to work & you’ll be part of one of the most inclusive companies in Australia!
    • The culture and the engagement of our workforce! 93% of our employees have stated that they are proud to work for SBS!  
    • We offer a range of benefits from, health care checks, salary packaging, Employee Assistance Programme, flexible work arrangements and discounted gym membership nationally with Fitness Pass. 
    • We’re agile and innovative in the way we work, as well as being a trusted and established brand. At SBS we have been broadcasting for over 49 years and our future is packed with many more exciting developments!
    • We also love to promote from within! We have allocated training funds to do just that and help bridge the gaps when moving from role to role.

    Want to learn more? Then hit apply and take the first step to applying not just for another job but a possible whole new career in a purpose led organisation.

    For other opportunities within our organisation please visit our careers website SBS Careers - Working at SBS

    Reasonable adjustments

    SBS recognises that everyone is unique, and you might require some adjustments to ensure you have the best opportunity to apply and put your skills forward for consideration. If we can make some adjustments to the SBS recruitment/interview process to better enable you to shine, then please contact careers@sbs.com.au and let us know.

    Adjustments include but are not limited to; alternative application methods, interview setups, physical requirements, guidance for trans or gender diverse applicants, specific interview availability times and more.

    To find out more about reasonable adjustments with SBS, please view our video here.

    We are shortlisting applications as they come in, so don’t delay, apply today! 

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