Jobs at The Citizen

Lifestyle Journalist

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Citizen has a permanent vacancy in its editorial department for a Lifestyle Journalist, reporting to the Lifestyle Editor.

The position is ideal for an energetic, self-motivated person interested in working in a digital-first environment who is digitally savvy and experienced in writing with SEO and Google algorithm requirements in mind and monitoring analytics to maximise your stories on citizen.co.za.

The role will cover lifestyle and entertainment content with a strong focus on local celebrity content, health, food and other lifestyle topics, including travel.

The ideal candidate would be a self-starter who comes with a great contact book, who can secure exclusive stories, should not be camera shy and should be able to easily put together a story with fresh comment.

This position is for someone who understands how to take a social media story forward. The ideal candidate should be accustomed to working on various online communication tools.

The candidate must have the ability to assume ownership of his/her work to ensure our readers of a quality product.

You should be brimming with ideas, be able to work in a fast-paced environment and understand how to prioritise work.

The position is office-based and entails shifts, weekend and after-hours work, irregular hours, attending events and launches and occasional travel.

Main Responsibilities

Lifestyle content:

  • Working on lifestyle-related content with a focus on celebrity, entertainment, health, food, fashion and travel topics.
  • Posting to social media.
  • Adhering to deadlines.
  • Willing to work in a team and independently.

Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications

  • Matric/Grade 12 qualification or SAQA Accredited Equivalent.
  • Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or a related field.
  • At least three years’ experience in journalism, communications, marketing, public relations, advertising, social media or related media field and writing/reporting experience
  • A portfolio of work that demonstrates reporting, writing, photography, video skills as well as successful social media engagement.
  • Good general knowledge on a wide variety of lifestyle and entertainment topics as well as a good understanding of the technicalities of online and how it operates.

Knowledge/Experience

  • Excellent reporting, researching, interviewing, writing and story-telling .
  • Can write with urgency, meaning and context for digital products.
  • Ability to handle multiple assignments and deadlines simultaneously and produce accurate work at a high volume.
  • Use research to tailor stories to fit the audiences for print and digital products
  • Be familiar and comfortable with standards for avoiding libel and slander, and have a good grasp of the legalities of filing for online.
  • Adhere to Code of Ethics and Editorial Standards and Practices.
  • Ability to work in a high-energy, fast-paced environment and be committed to learning throughout their career.
  • A demonstrated interest in pop culture.

Skills

  • MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Outlook.
  • Excellent communication, language, networking and people skills.
  • Excellent research skills
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Deadline-driven
  • High degree of professional journalistic conduct
  • Monitor analytics to maximise all stories and articles published on citizen.co.za.
  • Adhere to Google algorithm requirements and edit with SEO and Google search in mind.
  • Study and adhere to The Citizen’s Style Guide.

Other requirements:

  • Valid driver’s licence and own vehicle, as the position requires you to be mobile to attend events.
  • Solid references
  • No criminal record

Through screening and interview processes and the selection outcome will be deemed as final.
Applications to be submitted to [email protected] or HR Department no later than 13th February 2026

Direct Sales Representative

Province: Gauteng
City: Craighall, Johannesburg
Type: Full-time

The Citizen currently has a vacancy for a Direct Sales Representative in its sales department. The suitable candidate will be part of a vibrant, forward-thinking team, and be responsible for selling advertising opportunities to direct advertisers.
It is the ideal opportunity for an energetic, self-motivated person with a passion for sales. The successful candidate will report directly to the Sales Manager.

Requirements for the position:

  • Minimum qualification: National Senior Certificate (Grade 12)
  • or similar
  • Minimum of six years’ experience in a direct sales environment.
  • Sales or marketing diploma (IMM/AAA) will be an advantage
  • Market knowledge and insight
  • Strong customer service ability
  • Strong negotiation skills
  • Must be able to establish and maintain business relationships
  • Proven references in terms of client basis within the portfolio
    field
  • Must be able to cold canvass and must be target-driven
  • Strong admin and planning skills and computer literate
  • Proven experience on digital sales
  • Tenacity and initiative
  • Own reliable transport – driver’s license not negotiable
  • Own cellphone

Key responsibilities:

  • Ensure targets are met and exceeded
  • Grow existing and new business by effectively identifying new
    opportunities
  • Needs analysis

Please send suitable applications with a full CV to: Jessica Steenkamp [email protected]
Reference in subject line: Coordinator
Closing date for applications: 13 February 2026.
Preference will be given to individuals who will add to the diversity of the organisation.

Please consider your application as unsuccessful if you do not receive feedback within 14 days from the closing date.