At a Glance
- Tasks: Unleash your creativity by telling impactful stories through data and visualisations.
- Company: Join the BBC, a leading inclusive employer with a commitment to diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with top journalists and work on award-winning projects.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that shapes narratives using data and technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in data journalism and proficiency in R and Excel required.
This job is with BBC, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork - the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
Job Details
- Job Band: C
- Contract Type: Fixed Term - Full Time (September 2026 - February 2027)
- Department: BBC News
- Location: The Mailbox, Birmingham, B1 1AY
- Proposed Salary Range: £28,000 - £38,000 depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience.
- The role is based in Birmingham and we adopt a hybrid working pattern including regular office days.
- Interviews for this role will be held remotely on 12 August 2026.
Purpose of Role
As one of BBC Verify's specialist data journalists, you will be a self-starter, full of ideas on how to find and tell stories using data. Your work will range from quick-turnaround data visualisation of new data and statistics to collaborations on original stories with specialist teams from across BBC News and longer-term exclusive investigations. You will be able to delve beneath headline figures then confidently and succinctly explain the fuller picture to our audiences as well as colleagues from BBC News.
Why Join the Team
BBC Verify is made up of investigative journalists who use enhanced editorial tools, technology and techniques to investigate, source and verify information, video and images to 'show what we know'. The data journalism team, based in Birmingham and London, focusses on telling stories with numbers: national and international projects in collaboration with story teams across BBC News. Recent examples of our work include:
- Russia seizing thousands of homes in occupied Mariupol
- How Britain's political map has been torn up
- Track UK's latest migration numbers - net migration, visas, asylum and small boats
Your Key Responsibilities and Impact
- Contribute to award-winning data journalism projects across BBC platforms.
- Develop content for digital, social media, TV, and radio audiences.
- Collaborate with journalists, correspondents, designers, and engineers to create engaging multi-platform storytelling experiences.
- Produce data-driven interactives and visualisations.
Your Skills and Experience
Essential Criteria
- Experience in a dedicated data journalist role
- An understanding of statistics and statistical analysis
- Ability to clean, parse and query data using R and Excel
- Demonstrable experience of originating story ideas using data
- Demonstrable experience of visualising data, including using tools such as Flourish / Datawrapper
Data Journalist, BBC Verify in Eccles employer: The Bbc
The BBC is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters creativity and innovation in the heart of Oxford. With a strong commitment to employee development, staff enjoy numerous growth opportunities and a collaborative culture that values diverse perspectives. Joining the BBC means being part of a prestigious organisation dedicated to producing high-quality content that resonates with local communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Journalist, BBC Verify in Eccles
✨Get Your Foot in the Door
Temporary roles often pop up when companies need extra hands for specific projects, so keep an eye on local job boards and news websites. Don’t hesitate to check out industry-specific platforms like Journalism.co.uk or local community groups for short-term gigs.
✨Network Like a Pro
Attend journalism and media events in your area, such as press launches or panel discussions. These are golden opportunities to meet industry insiders who might have the scoop on temporary openings. Plus, connecting with your peers can lead to unexpected recommendations.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a portfolio that showcases your best work, even if it’s just student projects or freelance articles. For journalism, a strong online presence is key, so make sure to share your pieces on platforms like Medium or your own blog to attract potential employers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Site
We often have temporary positions available at The Bbc. Keep an eye on our careers page and apply directly – you're one step closer to landing that opportunity. Tailor your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences that make you a standout candidate!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Writing Style:When applying for a temporary role in journalism-media, it's crucial to exhibit your unique writing voice. Attach samples of your work that showcase not just your ability to report, but also to engage readers. A link to your online portfolio can really help us see your style and versatility!
Tailor Your CV to Highlight Relevant Experience:In the world of journalism-media, it’s all about storytelling and your CV should reflect that! Focus on any journalism-related internships, freelance articles, or relevant coursework. Make sure to include specific achievements, like publications or recognitions, that make you stand out.
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:For a temporary position, we want to know what excites you about journalism and why this role at The Bbc matters to you. Share your motivation for applying and what you hope to learn during your time with us. Let your passion for the media shine through!
Stay Current with Industry Trends:Show us that you’ve got your finger on the pulse of journalism-media trends. Reference recent developments or challenges in the industry in your application to demonstrate your enthusiasm and awareness. This can set you apart from other candidates who may not be as in-the-know!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Bbc
✨Showcase Your Versatility
In the world of journalism, adaptability is key. Be prepared to discuss various topics you've covered, whether it's breaking news, features, or investigative pieces. Bring along a portfolio that shows your range—think articles, videos, or even social media content you've created. This will demonstrate your ability to tackle different formats and subjects under pressure!
✨Nail That Story Pitch
As a temporary journalist, you'll need to hit the ground running. Before your interview with The Bbc, think about a compelling story idea you could pitch them. Tailor it to their audience and showcase your unique angle—this will show you're proactive and understand their publication's style, which is gold in fast-paced media environments.
✨Know Your Tools
Familiarise yourself with the tools journalists use—whether that’s content management systems, Adobe Suite, or video editing software. During the interview, highlight your proficiency with these tools. A temporary role at The Bbc might require you to jump into production quickly, and showing you're tech-savvy can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Quick Adaptation
In temporary roles, your ability to adapt and learn quickly is crucial. Be ready to discuss a time when you had to adjust your writing or reporting style to fit a new audience or medium. This will show The Bbc that you can thrive in dynamic situations and won't just be another warm body—but a valuable team member right from day one.
