At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to shape BBC News' YouTube strategy and create engaging content.
- Company: Join the BBC, a trusted name in journalism with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working hours, and excellent career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to redefining journalism for the digital age.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on how millions experience news on YouTube.
- Qualifications: Experience managing YouTube channels and a strong understanding of audience engagement.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Job Closing Date: 20th of September 2026
Location: London, Salford, Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow - Office based with some hybrid working
Contract Type: Permanent
Proposed Salary Range: £55,000 - £65,000 depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience.
Job Purpose:
Help shape the future of BBC News on YouTube. As BBC News accelerates its growth on YouTube, you'll play a central role in defining how our journalism reaches and engages audiences on one of the world's most influential platforms. Working with teams across the UK and internationally, you'll help transform world-class reporting into platform-native content, develop innovative formats and use audience insight to inform strategy. This is a hands-on opportunity to drive growth, influence digital transformation and leave a lasting impact on how millions experience BBC News.
Why Join the Team:
Join one of the fastest-growing and most ambitious areas of BBC News. Following the launch of the BBC's strategic partnership with YouTube, teams across the UK and around the world are redefining how trusted journalism reaches audiences on the platform. As an Assistant Editor, you'll help shape YouTube strategy, lead a talented team, develop new formats and work on some of the world's biggest stories. BBC News is on a mission to be the number one brand on social for news, and you will play a pivotal role in this work. This is a rare opportunity to combine editorial leadership, audience insight and innovation to help build the future of BBC News.
Your Key Responsibilities & Impact:
- Lead and develop a small, high-performing team, creating an environment where people can do their best work and deliver real impact.
- Shape and deliver BBC News' YouTube strategy, using audience insight and platform expertise to drive growth and engagement.
- Work with journalists, creators and production teams across BBC News to identify opportunities and turn great journalism into successful YouTube content.
- Champion the value of YouTube across BBC News, helping colleagues maximise the reach and impact of their reporting on the platform.
- Oversee the development and delivery of platform-native formats that strengthen BBC News' relationship with existing and new audiences.
- Use performance data and audience insights to evaluate content, identify opportunities and inform editorial and creative decision-making.
- Foster innovation and experimentation, helping BBC News adapt to changing audience behaviours and platform trends.
Your Skills & Experience:
- Proven experience managing and growing a YouTube channel, with a strong understanding of audience behaviours, platform trends, content strategy and best practice.
- Demonstrable experience using audience data, analytics and performance insights to shape editorial and creative decisions and drive audience growth.
- Strong track record of working with content creators, journalists and production teams to develop ideas and optimise content for success on YouTube.
- Experience overseeing end-to-end content production, including commissioning, scripting, editing, publishing and evaluating performance.
- Experience leading and developing teams, setting priorities and delivering results in a fast-paced editorial environment.
Desired but Not Required:
- Experience developing innovative, platform-native video formats and editorial products.
- Experience presenting performance insights, strategic recommendations and growth opportunities to senior stakeholders.
- Understanding of the creator ecosystem and emerging trends across YouTube and wider social platforms.
- Experience influencing teams and building relationships across a large, complex organisation.
- Experience developing content for international audiences and global digital platforms.
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.
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 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.
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 Editor, BBC News YouTube 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 Editor, BBC News YouTube
✨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 Editor, BBC News YouTube
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 Editor, BBC News YouTube 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.
