Stanistreet, who is currently deputy general secretary for the union, was elected by the union's National Executive Council today after the only other candidate, freelancer Chris Youett, withdrew.
Stanistreet will take up the role from its current holder, Jeremy Dear, from 1 July. Quoted in an NUJ announcement she said she is "immensely proud" to be elected and to be the first woman in the job.
"I will repay the faith placed in me by working hard to build our union, speak up for members and stand up for journalism".
Outgoing general secretary Jeremy Dear, who has served in the role for 10 years added that "the union is in the best possible hands".
"Michelle has been a fantastic deputy and has always fought resolutely to defend journalists and journalism. She will work tirelessly on behalf of all members and to ensure the NUJ is and remains the voice of journalists in the workplace and throughout the industry".
Dear announced in February that he would not stand for re-election. He was the union's youngest ever leader when he was elected in 2001 and was also the first NUJ leader to be elected to the TUC General Council in 2002.
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