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- Tasks: Lead growth strategies and digital innovation for BBC News, focusing on audience engagement and AI integration.
- Company: Join the BBC, the world's most trusted news provider, delivering journalism in 42 languages.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, 26 days holiday, and excellent training opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of news for millions and drive transformative change in a global powerhouse.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in strategic growth within media, with leadership experience and a journalism background.
- Other info: This is a permanent role based in London, reporting directly to the CEO of BBC News.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
The BBC is the world's most trusted news provider. Across our platforms we deliver world-class journalism to UK and global audiences - in 42 languages. We are an industry-leading innovator and are growing our digital audiences through strategic investment in key areas as audience needs shift, including the deployment of AI. We need that growth to continue, and are therefore today advertising the first role of its kind at BBC News. We are looking for a Director of Growth, Innovation and AI - a strategic growth leader who will shape our vision for audience expansion, digital innovation and AI adoption. This position will report directly to Deborah Turness, CEO of BBC News and Current Affairs, and will serve as a critical member of the BBC News Board.
As a key partner to the CEO and News Board, the new Director will be a leader of transformative strategies that ensure BBC News remains the UK's most widely used News outlet and grow the BBC's position as a global powerhouse of News.
Main Responsibilities
- Serve as a strategic partner to the CEO of News and Current Affairs in defining and driving the growth vision for BBC News, with an emphasis on audience acquisition and engagement.
- Work collaboratively with other key News Board team members to set and shape the strategies for growth, innovation and the use of data to drive BBC News' digital future.
- Engage as an active member of the BBC News Board to develop strategies to engage underserved audience segments, particularly younger demographics.
- Lead the BBC News social media team - with a focus on experimentation to drive innovation.
- Oversee the BBC weather teams, recognised as a driver of critical daily habit.
- Lead the integration of AI to enhance product offerings and advance digital strategies.
The successful candidate will significantly impact the ongoing digital transformation of BBC News. This is more than a leadership role - it’s an opportunity to redefine the future of BBC News. If you’re ready to shape the way millions experience News every day, we want to hear from you.
Are You The Right Candidate?
The ideal candidate will possess:
- A compelling track record of implementing strategic growth initiatives and audience-focused solutions within a large, complex media organisation, functioning at the executive level.
- An early career in journalism or news production will provide the editorial credibility necessary for the BBC News leadership team.
- Extensive experience in direct-to-consumer strategies, digital platforms, and leading transformation efforts.
- Proven leadership skills, emphasising collaboration with a range of stakeholders across editorial, technology, and business sectors.
- The capability to effectively manage change and lead transformation initiatives.
Package Description
- Band: Senior Leader
- Contract type: Permanent
- Location: London
Important - Application Process
The BBC has engaged an executive search firm, Spencer Stuart, to manage the selection process for this role. Please be aware that your application will be managed by Spencer Stuart, which will have access to your CV and personal details for the purpose of this vacancy only. Should you want any further information about the role, please contact the team at Spencer Stuart.
About the BBC
We’re happy to discuss flexible working. Please indicate your choice under the flexible working question in the application. There is no obligation to raise this at the application stage but if you wish to do so, you are welcome to. Flexible working will be part of the discussion at offer stage.
Excellent career progression - the BBC offers great opportunities for employees to seek new challenges and work in different areas of the organisation.
Unrivalled training and development opportunities - our in-house Academy hosts a wide range of internal and external courses and certification.
Benefits - we offer a competitive salary package, a flexible 35-hour working week for work-life balance and 26 days (1 of which is a corporation day) with the option to buy an extra 5 days, a pension scheme and discounted dental, health care, gym and much more.
Diversity matters at the BBC. We have a working environment where we value and respect every individual's unique contribution, enabling all of our employees to thrive and achieve their full potential. We want to attract the broadest range of talented people to be part of the BBC - whether that’s to contribute to our programming or our wide range of non-production roles. The more diverse our workforce, the better able we are to respond to and reflect our audiences in all their diversity. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles, unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.
Director of Growth, Innovation and AI - BBC News employer: ENGINEERINGUK
Contact Detail:
ENGINEERINGUK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Growth, Innovation and AI - BBC News
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the media and technology sectors, especially those who have experience with AI and digital transformation. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the BBC's culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in audience engagement and digital innovation within news media. Being able to discuss these topics intelligently during interviews will demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the role's requirements.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your leadership skills by gathering examples of past experiences where you've successfully led teams through change or innovation. Highlighting your collaborative approach will resonate well with the BBC's emphasis on teamwork.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the BBC's current digital strategies and recent initiatives involving AI. Being knowledgeable about their ongoing projects will allow you to tailor your discussions and show how you can contribute to their growth vision effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Growth, Innovation and AI - BBC News
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in strategic growth initiatives and audience engagement, particularly within media organisations. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to manage change.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should clearly articulate your vision for the role and how your background aligns with the BBC's goals for growth and innovation. Mention your understanding of AI integration and digital transformation in news media.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise any direct-to-consumer strategies you've implemented and your experience leading teams across editorial, technology, and business sectors. This will demonstrate your capability to drive transformative strategies.
Highlight Collaborative Skills: Since the role involves working closely with the CEO and other board members, illustrate your collaborative approach in previous roles. Provide examples of how you've successfully partnered with various stakeholders to achieve common goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at ENGINEERINGUK
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
As a candidate for the Director of Growth, Innovation and AI, it's crucial to articulate your strategic vision for audience expansion. Prepare to discuss specific initiatives you've led in the past that demonstrate your ability to drive growth and innovation in a media context.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Leadership
Highlight your experience working with diverse teams across editorial, technology, and business sectors. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with stakeholders to implement transformative strategies.
✨Emphasise Your Data-Driven Approach
Given the role's focus on using data to drive digital strategies, come prepared with insights on how you've leveraged data analytics in previous roles. Discuss how you can apply these insights to enhance BBC News' offerings and engage underserved audiences.
✨Prepare for AI Integration Discussions
Since the role involves leading the integration of AI, be ready to discuss your understanding of AI technologies and their application in media. Share any relevant experiences where you've implemented AI solutions to improve audience engagement or operational efficiency.
