Assistant Editor, Global Journalism (Short Video)

BBC; London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Assistant Editor for its dynamic Short Video team. This role involves leading editorial agendas, managing resources, and ensuring high-quality video content that resonates with global audiences. The ideal candidate will possess strong editorial judgment, digital video experience, and a keen eye for social media trends. You will collaborate across departments to deliver engaging short videos, while also mentoring junior staff and navigating editorial policies. If you're passionate about journalism and thrive in a fast-paced environment, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Flexible Working Options

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Qualifications

• Strong editorial judgment with substantial digital journalism experience.
• Proficiency in video editing and social media trends.

Responsibilities

• Lead the short-form video team's editorial agenda and delegate tasks.
• Research and pitch trending ideas aligned with audience expectations.
• Monitor digital platforms for overperforming content.

Skills

Editorial Judgment

Digital Video Experience

Social Media Trends Awareness

Video Editing Skills

Scripting Skills

Resource Management

Education

Degree in Journalism or Related Field

Tools

Social Media Monitoring Tools

Job description

Introduction

Global Journalism is a key team within BBC World Service Languages, providing high-quality journalism and production across text, video, and social content to engage audiences worldwide. Our mission is to support language services in covering and explaining the world, focusing on content that grows audiences.

The Short Video team, part of our department, delivers quick-turnaround social and on-site videos for World Service language services and BBC News. This includes viral videos, breaking news clips, investigative social cuts, and compelling footage that highlights the world around us. Our daily video offerings aim to capture attention and drive audience engagement.

Role Overview

We seek an Assistant Editor with strong editorial judgment, diverse digital video experience, and a keen eye for content performance on various platforms. The ideal candidate will motivate junior staff, approve content for broadcast, and navigate copyright, legal, and editorial policies. Staying abreast of social media trends, spotting viral stories, and guiding producers are essential. Candidates should be familiar with the BBC’s language services, quick to craft or edit sharp copy, and confident in signing off content swiftly. Experience with social media listening tools to identify trends and inform video commissioning is also required.

Main Responsibilities

1. Lead the short-form video team’s editorial agenda with support from the wider team.
2. Organize staffing and delegate tasks, fostering staff development.
3. Evaluate pitches and supervise production processes.
4. Use strong editing skills to enhance captions and headlines.
5. Collaborate across BBC departments to deliver high-quality short videos and prevent duplication.
6. Research and pitch trending and viral ideas aligned with audience expectations and editorial guidelines.
7. Stay informed about social video trends and the news agenda.
8. Utilize social media monitoring tools to identify emerging trends and successful stories.
9. Monitor WS language services’ digital platforms for overperforming content to share widely.
10. Keep updated on style, verification, copyright, legal, and editorial standards.
11. Guide colleagues through processes ensuring high standards of accuracy, verification, and impartiality.
12. Meet tight deadlines, planning ahead for audience needs within 24-48 hours.
13. Assess footage and sources, maintaining our reputation for impartial journalism.

Candidate Profile

You will be self-driven, enthusiastic, and proactive in following and developing short video trends to reach global audiences. Essential qualities include:

• High editorial judgment, scripting, and production skills from substantial digital journalism experience.
• Strong awareness of social media video trends and viral content.
• Proficiency in video editing and providing constructive feedback.
• Experience with social listening tools to discover trending content.
• Ability to manage resources, staff, and budgets effectively.
• Flexibility and adaptability under pressure to meet deadlines and changing priorities.
• Prioritization skills considering deadlines, staffing, and resources.
• A journalist at heart, committed to diversity and understanding how individual differences benefit the organization.

About The BBC

The BBC prioritizes redeployment for employees seeking alternative roles, considering applications alongside those at risk of redundancy. Our values and behaviors are integral to our work, emphasizing diversity and inclusion. We aim to attract a broad range of talented individuals to reflect our diverse audiences and are committed to equality of opportunity. Flexible working options are considered unless operationally constrained. For more on our diversity and inclusion initiatives, click here.