At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the visual identity of New Scientist and manage creative teams across digital and print.
- Company: Join New Scientist, a pioneering brand for the curious minds of today.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for creativity and collaboration in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to exploring the wonders of science.
- Why this job: Shape impactful visual storytelling that engages audiences and drives innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in digital visual journalism and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
Location: New Scientist Headquarters, HSK, London, W8 5HY
Position: Full Time/Permanent
Job Introduction
We are seeking an experienced and innovative Head of Visuals to be the lead for New Scientist’s editorial visual identity and manage the picture, graphics, and art desks across digital and print platforms. This role is integral to shaping the visual identity of our journalism, and ensuring high-quality digital imagery, compelling graphics, and cohesive design elements that enhance storytelling and audience engagement. In addition, you will work in close partnership with our Product Design team to maintain a unified brand experience.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in visual journalism, digital visual storytelling, team leadership, and cross-platform production.
Main Responsibilities
- Take ownership of the visual identity of New Scientist’s storytelling, ensuring excellence and impact across all editorial output.
- Partner closely with the Head of Product Design to ensure a coherent and consistent visual brand identity across all customer touchpoints.
- Oversee the strategic direction and day-to-day management of the visuals department, including photography, graphics, and editorial design teams.
- Develop and implement a cohesive digital and print visual strategy that aligns with New Scientist’s editorial goals across all platforms.
- Collaborate with editors, reporters, designers and other relevant colleagues to create compelling visual narratives
- Ensure all visual content maintains high editorial and ethical standards, including accuracy, aesthetics, and adherence to copyright and other applicable laws and regulations.
- Ensure the workflows and production schedules meet tight deadlines while maintaining quality.
- Identify efficiencies in the print production process to free up resource for digital.
- Encourage innovation in digital visual storytelling through emerging digital formats, data visualisation, and interactive graphics.
- Work closely with external contributors, agencies, and freelancers to expand/develop visual content offerings.
- Oversee budget allocation and resource management for the visuals department.
- Ensure seamless integration of visual content across social media, mobile platforms, and emerging digital formats.
- Foster a collaborative and creative work environment within the visuals team.
Person Specification
- Relevant experience in digital visual journalism, including leadership roles in a newsroom environment.
- Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, CMS platforms, Figma and other industry-standard design tools.
- Strong editorial judgment and understanding of journalistic ethics in visual content.
- Proven ability to manage teams and projects in a fast-paced newsroom.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills, with a proven track record of building strong, collaborative partnerships across different internal departments (e.g. Product, Marketing)
- Experience with digital-first content strategies, including data visualisation and interactive storytelling.
- Understanding of SEO, social media engagement, and audience behaviour related to visual content.
ABOUT NEW SCIENTIST
New Scientist is a magazine brand for the insatiably curious, asking the big-picture questions about life, the universe and what it means to be human. From artificial intelligence to climate change, the latest innovations in health to the mysteries of quantum physics and the human mind, New Scientist covers the ideas and discoveries that matter.
Since our publication was founded in 1956 for “all those interested in scientific discovery and its social consequences”, it has expanded to include newsletters, videos, podcasts, holidays and live events. Our headquarters are in London, UK, and we also have staff in the US and Australia.
WORKING FOR NEW SCIENTIST
New Scientist is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applications to New Scientist will receive due consideration regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category.
Head of Visuals in London employer: dmg media
dmg media is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture, where innovation and strategic thinking are highly valued. Located in a vibrant area, employees benefit from a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and development, alongside competitive benefits that enhance work-life balance. Joining dmg media means being part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to shaping the future of talent acquisition.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Visuals in London
✨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 dmg media!
✨Explore Internships for Full-Time Opportunities
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Visuals in London
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 dmg media:When applying for the Head of Visuals role at dmg media, 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 dmg media 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 dmg media
✨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 dmg media. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
