At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Insight series, crafting compelling long-form features and commissioning impactful stories.
- Company: Join the BBC Sport team, a leader in innovative sports journalism.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working hours, and excellent career development opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a diverse environment that values your unique contributions and supports your growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by uncovering human stories behind sports and engaging global audiences.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in long-form journalism and a passion for sports storytelling.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 54000 £ per year.
JOB BAND: D
CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent, Full-time
DEPARTMENT: BBC Sport
LOCATION: Salford
PROPOSED SALARY RANGE: £44,000 - £54,000 depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
BBC Sport is seeking a creative and experienced senior journalist to lead our Insight series within the Sport+ team. This role involves commissioning and delivering high-quality, long-read features, aimed at both UK and global audiences. Insight is a series dedicated to uncovering the human stories behind the sport.
YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT
- Lead the Insight series by generating ideas, commissioning features, and overseeing delivery and promotion.
- Write original long-form pieces and commission freelance contributors, including expert analysis and interviews with high-profile sports figures.
- Develop clear briefs and provide editorial guidance to ensure all content meets BBC standards.
- Work alongside Production Manager on the most efficient use of the budget, planning content to maintain consistent output.
- Collaborate with the Sport+ and BBC Sport website teams on broader projects, contributing to ideation, production, and written content strategy.
- Ensure content is engaging, timeless, and tailored for digital audiences, with strong performance across platforms and social media.
YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:
- A strong track record in writing and commissioning long-form journalism.
- Excellent editorial judgement and a deep understanding of what makes a compelling feature.
- Demonstrable experience of developing writers’ work through constructive feedback.
- Thorough knowledge of digital platforms and audience engagement strategies.
- A solid grounding in sports journalism, with the ability to make informed editorial decisions and a demonstrable passion for human-interest stories in sport and a commitment to quality storytelling.
DESIRED
- Experience managing freelance budgets is desirable.
This is a senior role, and we are seeking candidates with demonstrable experience in feature journalism. Please review the criteria carefully before applying. If you can bring some of these skills and experience, along with transferable strengths, we’d love to hear from you and encourage you to apply.
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.
Information at a Glance
This is your BBC 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. 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.
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
Senior Journalist, Sport+ (Insight) in Salford employer: BBC Group and Public Services
The BBC is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that fosters creativity and innovation. As a Senior Journalist in the Sport+ team based in Salford, you will enjoy flexible working arrangements, competitive salary packages, and ample opportunities for professional development, all while contributing to high-quality journalism that resonates with diverse audiences. With a commitment to valuing every individual's unique contribution, the BBC ensures that all employees can thrive and achieve their full potential in a supportive environment.
Contact Details:
BBC Group and Public Services Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Journalist, Sport+ (Insight) in Salford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow journalists, editors, and industry contacts. Attend events or webinars related to sports journalism to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your work! Create a portfolio that highlights your best long-form pieces and any commissioned work. Make sure it’s easily accessible online, so potential employers can see your storytelling skills in action.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the BBC's recent sports features and understanding their editorial style. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their vision for the Insight series.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll be part of a community that values quality journalism and creativity in storytelling.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Journalist, Sport+ (Insight) in Salford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Storytelling:When you write your application, let your passion for storytelling shine through. Share examples of how you've uncovered human stories in sport and why they matter to you. We want to see your unique voice and perspective!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the role. Highlight your experience in long-form journalism and how it aligns with our Insight series. We love seeing candidates who understand what we’re about and can connect their skills to our mission.
Be Clear and Concise:While we appreciate creativity, clarity is key! Keep your application well-structured and to the point. Use headings and bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read and find the information we need.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at BBC Sport.
How to prepare for a job interview at BBC Group and Public Services
✨Know Your Stories
Before the interview, dive deep into the types of human-interest stories that resonate with audiences. Familiarise yourself with past Insight pieces and think about how you can bring fresh ideas to the table. This will show your passion for storytelling and your understanding of what makes a compelling feature.
✨Showcase Your Editorial Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in commissioning and developing long-form journalism. Bring examples of your work that highlight your editorial judgement and ability to provide constructive feedback to writers. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the Insight series effectively.
✨Engage with Digital Platforms
Since the role requires a solid grounding in digital audience engagement strategies, come ready to discuss how you've successfully tailored content for various platforms. Share specific examples of how you've maximised audience reach and engagement in your previous roles.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the team dynamics, the vision for the Insight series, and how they measure success. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
