At a Glance
- Tasks: Create engaging data stories and interactive tools for millions of readers.
- Company: Join the award-winning Deep Dive team at The Daily Mail in London.
- Benefits: Full-time role with a collaborative, fun environment and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to supporting all applicants.
- Why this job: Make data journalism popular and impactful while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in data journalism, strong skills in Python or R, and excellent storytelling instincts.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
The Daily Mail is looking for a sharp, highly motivated Senior Data Journalist to join our award-winning Deep Dive team in London. Deep Dive is a global digital-first department that covers data, graphics, interactive development and visual storytelling. Our team is fun, independent and collaborative, with a startup spirit and a go-getter attitude. We strive to make data journalism understood and seriously popular.
In this role, you will be responsible for producing "must-read" data-led stories and interactive tools for our millions of readers. You will work closely with the Data Editor and your Deep Dive colleagues to take projects from ideation to publication, ranging from everyday topics such as health, personal finance, weather and crime, to news-led data coverage such as the World Cup and election results. We are looking for someone comfortable working in an AI-assisted yet human-led environment where AI is used to speed up processes and ideation but the final product is created, verified and approved by our team members.
Main Responsibilities
- Project management: You will help build and maintain our personalised data pages and interactives on evergreen and trending news stories, coordinating cross-functional teams of designers, developers and writers.
- Methodological data wrangling: You will come up with re-usable, verifiable algorithms that will inform our interactive storytelling. You will find, scrape, FOI or creatively build datasets to feed into our flagship data stories and ensure every stat is bulletproof, adhering strictly to the Daily Mail’s editorial standards and stylebook. While AI-assisted research is allowed, you should be able to structure, write and debug your own analysis.
- Visual storytelling: In collaboration with our unrivalled design and development team, you will prototype and implement compelling tools, visual stories and graphics.
- Collaboration: You will rarely work alone. Every project will consist of at least a data journalist, a designer and a developer. You will also occasionally partner with the wider newsroom, liaising with specialists to dive deeper and champion our work across the newsroom.
Person Specification
- Significant practical experience in data journalism or a related field, including quantitative academic research, data communications or data analytics, ideally with time in a national newsroom.
- A track record of owning projects from start to finish, and coordinating cross-functional teams (designers, developers, writers, editors, post-production).
- An obvious data storytelling instinct and strong data wrangling skills in Python (or R) and Excel.
- Sound data verification judgement, transparency and adherence to internal processes and style guides.
- In-depth understanding of data visualisation and UX principles, and familiarity with modern data visualisation tools.
- A portfolio of trusted data sources is desirable.
- Cartography, spatial analysis and demonstrable QGIS or equivalent are a bonus.
- Experience mentoring junior colleagues; reviewing others' methodology is desirable.
- Desirable but not essential: confidence on camera and an interest in presenting short-form video.
- A nose for news, excellent writing skills, ability to operate under pressure, self-motivated, curious, adaptable and full of ideas.
Our Commitment
We are committed to increasing diversity and maintaining an inclusive workplace culture. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their ethnicity, race, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability. We are Disability Confident Committed. Please let us know if you require any recruitment documentation in other formats or if you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process. Please be assured that any such information will be held separately to your recruitment application and will not be considered as part of the selection process.
Senior Data Journalist employer: Dmgmedia
Dmgmedia is an excellent employer located in the vibrant Greater London area, offering a dynamic work culture that values teamwork and inclusivity. Employees benefit from opportunities for growth within the culinary field, alongside a commitment to maintaining high food safety standards. Join us to be part of a supportive environment where your passion for food can flourish and contribute to our mission of excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Data Journalist
✨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 Dmgmedia!
✨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 Dmgmedia, 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 Senior Data Journalist
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 Dmgmedia:When applying for the Senior Data Journalist role at Dmgmedia, 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 Dmgmedia 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 Dmgmedia
✨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 Dmgmedia. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
