At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead BBC News strategy, ensuring editorial excellence and innovation in journalism.
- Company: Join the BBC, a trusted global leader in news and media.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse workplace, and opportunity to shape the future of journalism.
- Other info: Be part of a globally significant newsroom with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global news while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Senior editorial leadership experience and strong judgement in high-pressure environments.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
The BBC is recruiting a Director of News, accountable for setting and delivering its strategy across editorial, operational and financial dimensions. The Director of News will be responsible for sustaining and strengthening BBC News’ reputation for trusted journalism; upholding editorial excellence, impartiality and standards across all output; delivering universal reach and relevance for UK audiences; and strengthening reputation, reach and sustainable revenue in the dynamic global media environment.
The remit includes oversight of editorial standards, organisational performance and long‑term sustainability, alongside delivery of transformation to improve digital relevance and audience engagement.
Senior editorial leadership experience within a large, complex and high‑profile news organisation, with credibility to lead at global scale. Strong editorial judgement, including experience managing high‑pressure and high‑visibility issues. Experience leading large, matrixed organisations and driving transformation across structure, capability and ways of working. Experience leading large‑scale digital transformation and responding to changing audience behaviours, alongside sound financial and commercial judgement.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Accountability for editorial excellence, standards and governance.
- Maintaining and growing trust in BBC News across all platforms.
- Setting and leading the strategic direction for BBC News, aligned to changes in audience behaviour, technology and the global news environment.
- Leading innovation in approaches to journalism, stories and their distribution to improve digital growth, efficiency and long‑term relevance.
- Overseeing international strategy, including global editorial priorities, partnerships and commercial activity.
- Contributing to organisation‑wide decision‑making as a member of the Executive Committee.
Reporting to the Director‑General, the successful candidate will lead a globally significant newsroom and play a central role in shaping the future direction of BBC News. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for a news operation that ranks first for independence and reliability.
We welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio‑economic background, religion and/or belief.
Director of News - BBC News employer: BBC Group and Public Services
The BBC is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead one of the world's most trusted news organisations from its iconic headquarters in London. With a commitment to editorial excellence and innovation, employees benefit from a dynamic work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration, alongside robust professional development opportunities. The BBC's dedication to diversity and inclusion ensures a supportive environment where every voice is valued, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and impactful careers in journalism.
Contact Details:
BBC Group and Public Services Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of News - BBC News
✨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 Director of News - BBC News
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 Director of News - BBC News 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.
