Data Journalist, Birmingham
Data Journalist, Birmingham

Data Journalist, Birmingham

Full-Time 22400 - 27200 Β£ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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Dr Jobs

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join the BBC to create impactful data-driven stories and support local journalism.
  • Company: Be part of the BBC, a leading broadcaster known for quality journalism and innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and a competitive salary ranging from Β£28,000 to Β£34,000.
  • Why this job: Work with a passionate team focused on storytelling that matters to local audiences.
  • Qualifications: Strong understanding of statistics, data cleaning, and experience with visualisation tools required.
  • Other info: Opportunity for travel to other BBC sites and collaboration with various teams.

The predicted salary is between 22400 - 27200 Β£ per year.

JOB DETAILS JOB BAND: CCONTRACT TYPE: Permanent Full-timeDEPARTMENT: BBC Nations BBC Local Data Unit (Central Team)LOCATION: Birmingham – 3 days in office; some travel to other BBC sites may be required on occasionPROPOSED SALARY RANGE: 28000 – 34000 depending on relevant skills knowledge and experience. The expected salary range for this role reflects internal benchmarking and external market insights.Were happy to discuss flexible working. If youd like to please indicate your preference in the application though theres no obligation to do so now. Flexible working will be part of the discussion at offer stage.PURPOSE OF THE ROLE Join BBC Locals Data Team (the England Data Unit) to deliver high-impact data-led stories. With experience in storytelling youll have technical expertise in sourcing harvesting and cleaning data at scale. Youll support the delivery of journalism across England working in partnership with regional and Verify teams across the BBC. Youll also be excited about the possibilities that AI may offer and eager to embrace new ways of working.WHY JOIN THE TEAMYoull be part of the Central Team which provides a range of multi-platform central services for local and regional teams across the last two years the England Data Unit has delivered key insights for local journalism worked with and supported our Regional Investigations teams and worked collaboratively with BBC News and network TV and radio colleagues. The team is focused on high-impact storytelling using data to help provide insight into the world around us about things that matter to our audiences.YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT:Confident in fielding statistical queries at pace and handling cleaning and building datasetsThe ability to work on multiple stories at once and handling shifting priorities across BBC Locals digital and linear services.Proven delivery of stories to multiple platforms with an awareness of the different audience needs of individual platformsTo generate original ideas for impactful data-driven investigations that will resonate with regional audiences and the wider BBC.Use off-the-shelf data visualisation tools such as Flourish and Datawrapper to explain complex datasets.YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCEESSENTIAL CRITERIA:A good understanding of statistics and statistical analysis.A strong grasp of how to clean and query data using spreadsheet software such as Excel and Google Sheets and experience of using visualisation tools such as Datawrapper and Flourish (including spatial data).Experience negotiating with public officials for data and open records and sound understanding of how to gather information via Freedom of Information requests.Experience of writing for the web and using content management systems to make compelling content.You will be passionate about local news and have an understanding of BBC Local and the BBC teams across England. You will have experience in creating graphics telling visual stories online and/or for TV and be confident in telling stories across all of our platforms.DESIRED BUT NOT REQUIRED:Knowledge of programming languages used by data journalists such as Python and R.A knowledge of basic HTML and CSS and an understanding of web page design.Knowledge of web scraping tools.Knowledge and experience of bespoke data visualization and Photoshop.Experience in content production and broadcasting: audio reporting video/TV reporting production and online journalism.If you can bring some of these skills and experience along with transferable strengths wed love to hear from you and encourage you to apply. For more information please contact ED Barlow : Lead for Data Formats and Innovation BBC Local and Jonathan Fagg : Senior Data Journalist#LI-BD1 Key Skills Filming,HTML5,Interviewing,AP Style,Research Experience,Ftp,Journalism,SEO,Final Cut Pro,Video production,Photo Editing,Writing Skills Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1 Monthly Salary Salary: 28000 – 34000

Data Journalist, Birmingham employer: Dr Jobs

Joining the BBC as a Data Journalist in Birmingham means becoming part of a dynamic team dedicated to impactful storytelling through data. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, flexible working arrangements, and collaboration across various platforms, the BBC fosters a supportive work culture that values innovation and creativity. This role not only offers competitive salary packages but also the unique opportunity to contribute to local journalism that resonates with audiences across England.
Dr Jobs

Contact Detail:

Dr Jobs Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

We think this is how you could land Data Journalist, Birmingham

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the BBC's local news landscape. Understanding the specific needs and interests of regional audiences will help you generate original ideas for impactful data-driven stories that resonate with them.

✨Tip Number 2

Brush up on your data visualisation skills using tools like Flourish and Datawrapper. Being able to effectively explain complex datasets visually will set you apart and demonstrate your technical expertise in storytelling.

✨Tip Number 3

Network with current or former employees of the BBC, especially those in the Data Unit. They can provide valuable insights into the team culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during interviews.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on the latest trends in data journalism and AI technologies. Showing your enthusiasm for new ways of working and how they can enhance storytelling will demonstrate your commitment to innovation in the field.

We think you need these skills to ace Data Journalist, Birmingham

Statistical Analysis
Data Cleaning
Data Querying
Spreadsheet Software (Excel, Google Sheets)
Data Visualisation Tools (Datawrapper, Flourish)
Freedom of Information Requests
Content Management Systems
Web Writing Skills
Storytelling
Multi-Platform Delivery
Negotiation Skills
Local News Understanding
Graphic Creation
Audience Awareness
Programming Languages (Python, R)
Basic HTML and CSS Knowledge
Web Scraping Tools
Content Production Experience

Some tips for your application 🫑

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in data journalism, storytelling, and data analysis. Emphasise your skills with tools like Excel, Google Sheets, Datawrapper, and Flourish, as well as any experience with public officials and Freedom of Information requests.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for local news and the BBC's mission. Discuss how your background aligns with the role's responsibilities, particularly your ability to generate impactful data-driven stories and your familiarity with various platforms.

Showcase Your Work: If possible, include links to your previous work or portfolio that demonstrates your data journalism skills. Highlight examples where you've used data visualisation tools or created compelling content for different audiences.

Be Clear About Flexibility: If you have preferences regarding flexible working, mention them in your application. This shows your willingness to engage in discussions about work arrangements, which is encouraged by the BBC.

How to prepare for a job interview at Dr Jobs

✨Showcase Your Data Skills

Be prepared to discuss your experience with data sourcing, cleaning, and analysis. Highlight specific projects where you've successfully handled datasets and how you used them to tell compelling stories.

✨Understand the BBC's Audience

Familiarise yourself with the BBC's local news landscape and audience needs. Be ready to share ideas on how you can create impactful data-driven stories that resonate with regional audiences.

✨Demonstrate Your Storytelling Ability

Prepare examples of your previous work that showcase your storytelling skills, especially in a digital context. Discuss how you've used visualisation tools like Datawrapper or Flourish to enhance your narratives.

✨Embrace Flexibility and Innovation

Express your enthusiasm for new technologies, including AI, and how they can be integrated into journalism. Show that you're adaptable and open to exploring innovative ways of working within the team.

Data Journalist, Birmingham
Dr Jobs
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