At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Guardian's shortform video strategy and grow our audience across platforms.
- Company: Join a diverse, inclusive team at the Guardian, known for fearless journalism.
- Benefits: Enjoy six weeks annual leave, generous pension contributions, and wellness support.
- Other info: Hybrid work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape impactful video content and engage with a global audience on trending platforms.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading video teams and strong understanding of social media dynamics.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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.
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, You Tube, Instagram, Tik Tok and emerging channels.
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 judgment and understanding of journalistic standards, particularly with regard to visual storytelling.
- Deep expertise in You Tube, Instagram, Tik Tok 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.
We actively encourage applications from groups traditionally underrepresented in the UK media.
We currently operate a hybrid environment working at least three days a week from our offices in Kings Cross, central London.
We value and respect all differences (seen and unseen) in all people.
We aspire to have inclusive working experiences and an environment that reflects the audience we serve, where our people have equal access to career development opportunities, their voices are heard and can contribute to our future.
We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.
How to apply
To apply, please upload your latest CV and a cover letter which outlines why you'd love to take on this role, and why you're a great match for what we're looking for.
The closing date for applications is Wednesday 15th July 2026.
All roles at the Guardian are open for everybody to apply.
It is important to us that you feel supported and comfortable throughout your recruitment process, in order to perform your best.
Benefits at the Guardian
You'll have six weeks of annual leave per year (plus bank holidays) with the option to purchase an additional 5 days.
Our pension scheme is generous; if you contribute 5% then we will contribute 8-12% (depending on your age).
We believe in giving back, which is why employees are given 2 volunteering days annually and the option of payroll giving.
Season ticket loans are also available.
You are entitled to life cover, income protection, and eye tests. You can also opt in to dental insurance.
We have enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave policies in place.
We also support our employees by offering an IVF, menopause, baby loss, and trans equality policy.
Culture and wellbeing
We want everyone to feel like they belong at the Guardian and we champion diversity of thought.
Our various employee forums provide a platform to use their voice to foster an inclusive workplace.
We became the first major media organisation to achieve B Corp status.
We offer tools to help you prioritise your wellbeing including access to our employee benefits platform which provides tailored support for health and wellbeing.
In addition, we also offer free yoga and pilates classes.
These run alongside our corporate gym membership and cycle to work scheme.
Our canteen has views overlooking the Regents Canal and caters for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Learning and development
We encourage personal and professional growth.
Employees have access to a broad range of tools and solutions, and we are happy to support the pursuit of professional qualifications through vocational courses and apprenticeships.
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Shortform Video
✨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 Critical Playground LLC!
✨Explore Internships for Full-Time Opportunities
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Shortform Video
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 Critical Playground LLC:When applying for the Head of Shortform Video role at Critical Playground LLC, 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 Critical Playground LLC 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 Critical Playground LLC
✨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 Critical Playground LLC. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
