At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape vibrant, thought-provoking content for Northern Ireland's creative sector.
- Company: Join the BBC, a leader in innovative broadcasting.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on how Northern Ireland is seen globally.
- Qualifications: Experience in factual programme-making and strong editorial judgement required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.
JOB BAND: D
CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent, Full-time
DEPARTMENT: Commissioning
LOCATION: Belfast - Hybrid
PROPOSED SALARY RANGE: £45,000- £60,000 depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience. The expected salary range for this role reflects internal benchmarking and external market insights. We're happy to discuss flexible working.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
Join BBC NI’s Commissioning team to shape vibrant, thought-provoking content that drives the development of Northern Ireland’s creative sector and cultural identity. As Assistant Commissioner (Specialist Factual), you’ll be central to enhancing the level of ambition, energy and impact of the BBC NI and BBC Content’s co-commissioned content from Northern Ireland, with a focus on the development and delivery of Specialist Factual and broader unscripted factual content.
WHY JOIN THE TEAM
Be part of a team where creativity meets purpose, at an exciting moment in the evolution of the BBC’s Across the UK strategy. BBC NI Commissioning is enhancing alignment and integration with BBC Network Commissioning, to create new impactful content from NI. The next phase of our work will create new opportunities to commission high-quality content from the local creative sector, which aligns with BBC Network Genre strategies and pan-UK audience needs across platforms. You will work to support and assist a BBC NI Commissioning Editor and Network colleagues in developing and delivering an ambitious and coherent slate of specialist factual and broader un-scripted content. You will assist in the development of skills and credibility of the local NI creative sector in these genres. With a focus on innovation, inclusion and cultural impact, this role offers the chance to shape how Northern Ireland sees itself and how it is seen across the UK and on the world stage.
YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT
- Support the Commissioning Editor for Drama & Documentary, in developing and delivering BBC NI’s strategy and portfolio, in the specialist factual and broader un-scripted genres.
- Work effectively to help align strategies and processes between BBC NI and BBC Network Unscripted genres, especially specialist factual.
- Develop relationships with Northern Ireland talent and suppliers to shape standout projects.
- Provide editorial feedback on proposals and treatments, ensuring creative excellence.
- Oversee delivery of commissioned programmes, maintaining high editorial standards and ensuring value for money.
YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
- Editorial Influence: Proven experience and capacity to act as an effective editorial voice on high quality, impactful specialist factual content broadcast by BBC Network or equivalent.
- Strong editorial judgement and creative flair with a track record of developing new ideas, and meticulous attention to detail in managing delivery of complex content.
- Specialist Factual: Proven experience in factual programme-making. Strong knowledge of the specialist factual and unscripted landscape and industry trends within and beyond the BBC.
- Deep understanding of Northern Ireland content and talent, with a passion for factual storytelling.
- Editorial Standards: Experience in working on compliance-heavy content. Experience in the management of editorial with high levels of legal or reputational risk.
- Partnership Models: Capacity to work effectively in partnership and collaboration models, articulating and asserting the interests of the BBC and its audiences in a collegiate, robust and effective manner.
- Excellent editorial judgement, written skills, and stakeholder management.
- Evidence of decisive interventions in enhancing content storytelling in pre- or post-production.
DESIRED BUT NOT REQUIRED
- Experience nurturing and developing creative talent.
- Familiarity with commissioning processes and budget management.
- Track record of delivering complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
- Strong leadership and collaborative team ethos.
Disclaimer: This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.
Please note: If you were to be offered this role, the BBC will conduct Employment screening checks which include Reference checks; Eligibility to work checks; and if applicable to the role, Safeguarding and Adverse media/Social media checks. Any offer made is conditional on these checks being satisfactory. Before your start date, you may need to disclose any unspent convictions or police charges, in line with our Recruitment policy. This allows us to discuss any support you may need and assess any risks. Failure to disclose may result in the withdrawal of your offer.
For any general queries, please contact: bbchr@bbc.co.uk
Redeployment: The BBC is committed to redeploying employees seeking suitable alternative employment within the BBC and they will be given priority consideration ahead of other applicants.
Information at a Glance: At the BBC you can create and innovate in an inclusive environment while contributing to some of the world’s best loved content, and the BBC’s mission to inform, educate and entertain.
Find out more about the BBC Life at BBC Here you will benefit from:
- Fair pay and flexible benefits including a competitive salary package, a flexible 35-hour working week, 25 days annual leave with the option to buy an extra 5 days, a defined pension scheme and discounted dental, health care and gym.
- Excellent career and professional development.
- Support in your working life, including flexible working which you can discuss with us at any point during the application, selection or offer.
- A values-based organisation where the way we do things is important as what we do.
Benefits may vary if you are joining on an FTC basis or on an orchestra conditions contract. Learn more about life at the BBC and our values in our candidate pack.
You belong: We have a working environment where we value and respect every individual's unique contribution, so all our employees feel that they can belong, thrive and achieve their full potential. We want to attract the broadest range of talented people to join us. The more diverse our workforce, the better able we are to respond to and reflect our audiences in all their diversity. We welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.
Find out more about diversity, inclusion and belonging in our strategy below.
Diversity, inclusion & belonging strategy: Disability confident. We are a disability confident employer. If you need to discuss adjustments or access requirements for the interview process, or to carry out this role, please contact us via email and we’d be happy to discuss: reasonable.adjustments@bbc.co.uk
Assistant Commissioner, Specialist Factual employer: BBC Group and Public Services
At BBC Studios, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture in the heart of London. With competitive salaries, generous bonuses, and a commitment to employee growth, we empower our team to drive innovation and creativity in the media landscape. Join us to collaborate with industry leaders, develop your skills, and contribute to world-class commercial products that engage global audiences.
Contact Details:
BBC Group and Public Services Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Commissioner, Specialist Factual
✨Get Involved in Local Journalism
Join local journalism groups or community events to meet industry folks and make connections. Try volunteering for community newspapers or online platforms – it's a great way to get your foot in the door and show your commitment to the craft.
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Create a personal website or a blog to showcase your best articles, videos, or multimedia projects. This not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates your passion for journalism and helps establish your personal brand in the media landscape.
✨Stay Updated on the Industry Trends
Follow industry leaders on social media and stay updated on the latest trends in journalism. Engage with them by sharing your thoughts or asking questions – you never know when an informative tweet might catch the eye of a recruiter or journalist at BBC Group and Public Services!
✨Explore Internships for Full-Time Opportunities
Don’t shy away from internships, even if you’re looking for full-time roles. Many journalism companies, like BBC Group and Public Services, often hire from their intern pool, so using these as stepping stones can really pay off. Keep an eye on their career page for any openings!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Commissioner, Specialist Factual
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills:In journalism and media, your ability to write well is essential, so make sure your CV and cover letter reflect that. Include diverse writing samples, whether they’re articles, blog posts, or reports, that showcase your style and versatility. We want to see your voice and ability to engage an audience from the get-go!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've interned at a media outlet or contributed to any publications—whether student-run or professional—don't keep it a secret! We love seeing real-world experience, so clearly detail your responsibilities and achievements. Quantify your impact where possible, like mentioning audience growth or story reach.
Tailor Your Application for BBC Group and Public Services:When applying for the Assistant Commissioner, Specialist Factual role at BBC Group and Public Services, really dig into what makes their content stand out. Reference their tone, style, or any recent articles that resonated with you in your cover letter. This shows we you’re not just sending out generic applications—you’re genuinely interested in what we do!
Prepare for a Portfolio Spotlight:Since you're applying for a full-time role, you're likely expected to have a portfolio ready to go. Make sure to curate a selection of your best work that aligns with what BBC Group and Public Services produces. Provide a link to your online portfolio in your CV and be prepared to discuss your favourite pieces in interviews—this is your chance to shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at BBC Group and Public Services
✨Show Off Your Writing Skills
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best writing samples. This is crucial in journalism as hiring managers want to see your voice and style. Make sure to include a variety of pieces, like news articles, features, and opinion pieces, showing your versatility.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
During the interview, be ready to discuss how you approach storytelling. You might be asked to outline a story you reported on, your process for gathering information, and how you engage your audience. Practice telling a couple of your best stories concisely and compellingly.
✨Know the Current Media Landscape
Be prepared to discuss industry trends and how they affect journalism today. Familiarise yourself with key developments in media, and have opinions ready for discussions about digital versus traditional platforms, as well as ethical considerations in reporting.
✨Convey Your Passion and Drive
As you’re applying for a full-time role, they’ll want to know about your long-term commitment to journalism. Share your aspirations for future projects, any internships or freelance work, and how you see yourself growing within BBC Group and Public Services. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
