At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Guardian's shortform video strategy and drive audience engagement across platforms.
- Company: Join the Guardian, a diverse and inclusive global organisation committed to fearless journalism.
- Benefits: Permanent contract with opportunities for career development and training in a creative environment.
- Other info: Collaborate with award-winning journalists and digital experts in a dynamic newsroom.
- Why this job: Shape impactful video content and connect with audiences on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading video teams and strong understanding of social media trends.
As a Head of Shortform Video, you'll shape and deliver a distinctive social video strategy that grows audiences, deepens engagement, strengthens the Guardian brand and expands the reach of our journalism across platforms including the Guardian, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and emerging channels. Join our team at the Guardian and be a part of a diverse and inclusive global organisation that delivers fearless, investigative journalism, and holds power to account. Our team of award-winning journalists, cutting‑edge commercial professionals, and industry‑leading digital experts are committed to making a difference and represent a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. We offer a challenging and exciting environment for career development, with a focus on training, growth and fostering an inclusive culture.
You'll bring together video teams working in these areas, collaborating with editorial teams, audience editors, product teams and commercial stakeholders. This is a permanent NUJ contract.
About the role
- Develop and own the Guardian's shortform video strategy, working with the head of video and other senior members of the department to define editorial priorities, formats and publishing frameworks across platforms.
- Establish a distinctive voice and visual identity for shortform video across the Guardian globally, in collaboration with colleagues in our US and Australia teams.
- Drive audience growth, engagement and reach across shortform video platforms, keeping ahead of platform trends, algorithm changes and emerging audience behaviours.
- Use audience insights and analytics to inform commissioning, optimisation and innovation.
- Lead and develop a team with the culture, tools and skillset to produce compelling, platform‑appropriate shortform video, including news, investigations, features, sport, lifestyle and explainers.
- Foster a culture of experimentation, creativity and continuous improvement, setting clear objectives, workflows and performance standards.
- Work with the audience team to define and monitor KPIs for audience growth and engagement.
- Partner with Guardian teams globally to identify and develop opportunities for shortform video stories.
- Deliver regular reporting and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
- Evaluate emerging platforms and partnerships.
About you
- Significant experience leading video, social video or digital content teams within a newsroom, publisher or media organisation.
- Strong editorial judgement and understanding of journalistic standards, particularly with regard to visual storytelling.
- Deep expertise in YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and other social platforms.
- Proven track record of growing audiences through shortform video.
- Experience managing creative teams and complex editorial workflows.
- Strong understanding of audience analytics and performance metrics.
- Excellent storytelling, commissioning and story development skills.
- Experience developing talent‑led content and/or appearing on camera.
- Experience managing budgets and resource planning.
- Actively demonstrate inclusive leadership by promoting equity, valuing diverse perspectives, and addressing barriers that affect your team.
- Ideally, you'll have a demonstrable ability to bring a diverse perspective to this role.
The closing date for applications is 15th July 2026.
Head of Shortform Video employer: all
At the Guardian, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions diversity and inclusivity while delivering impactful journalism. As the Head of Shortform Video, you'll thrive in a dynamic environment that prioritises career development and fosters creativity, with access to cutting-edge resources and a collaborative culture. Join us in London, where your expertise will not only shape our video strategy but also contribute to meaningful storytelling that resonates with audiences worldwide.
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