Senior Journalist - The Stray Ferret

About Us:

The Stray Ferret is an independent, digital news service for Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough, Pateley Bridge, Masham and Boroughbridge in North Yorkshire. 

We launched in 2020 and have a reputation for high quality local news, public interest journalism, information and features. We break stories, investigate local issues and editorially punch above our weight. We are the only news service in the area that covers court cases every week. 

 We are regulated by Impress and are funded by subscription and advertising. We have 3,000 subscribers (and growing) and a million page views a month. Our audience is highly engaged and invested in the local area.

The Role:

We are looking for an experienced journalist to join our small, highly committed team. As a Senior Journalist you will have ideas that shape the editorial agenda, you will cover court cases and conduct investigations and campaigns.

You will be at home researching and reporting an investigation one week and writing a historical article the next. It is a varied role that requires flexibility and a love of all things local.

Based in our newsroom in Harrogate, you will be a self-starter who is capable of delivering news under tight deadlines and who makes a real contribution to our success.

This is a job for a journalist who wants to deepen their experience and work for a publication that wants to make a difference.

Essential requirements:

NCTJ qualification or equivalent (including shorthand at 100wpm)

At least one year’s journalism experience

Strong reporting and writing skills with a commitment to accuracy, fairness and balance

A comprehensive knowledge of media law

A motived, self-starter who has a passion for local journalism

The ability to work with a team and stay calm under pressure

Digital technical capability including the appropriate use of AI

Understanding of social media

Current UK Drivers licence

Desirable:

Knowledge of the geographical area we serve

Video skills

How to apply

Please email applications to sfadmin@thestrayferret.co.uk

In the email explain why you want this job and what makes you the perfect fit.

Attach a CV or link to your LinkedIn profile.

Please include examples of your previous work. We ask that you only apply if you have relevant qualifications and experience.

Salary - competitive. 

Please note this role is based in our Harrogate office. This role can be full-time or part-time. 

Applications close: Monday May 25th 2026

Interview date: June 4th