Assistant Editor – BBC News YouTube

JOB DETAILS

JOB BAND: E

CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent

DEPARTMENT: BBC News Social

LOCATION: London, Salford, Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow – Office based with some hybrid working

PROPOSED SALARY RANGE: £55,000 – £65,000 depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience. The expected salary range for this role reflects internal benchmarking and external market insights.

We’re happy to discuss flexible working. If you’d like to, please indicate your preference in the application – though there’s no obligation to do so now. Flexible working will be part of the discussion at offer stage.

JOB PURPOSE

Help shape the future of BBC News on YouTube.

As BBC News accelerates its growth on YouTube, you’ll play a central role in defining how our journalism reaches and engages audiences on one of the world’s most influential platforms. Working with teams across the UK and internationally, you’ll help transform world-class reporting into platform-native content, develop innovative formats and use audience insight to inform strategy. This is a hands-on opportunity to drive growth, influence digital transformation and leave a lasting impact on how millions experience BBC News.

WHY JOIN THE TEAM

Join one of the fastest-growing and most ambitious areas of BBC News. Following the launch of the BBC’s strategic partnership with YouTube, teams across the UK and around the world are redefining how trusted journalism reaches audiences on the platform. As an Assistant Editor, you’ll help shape YouTube strategy, lead a talented team, develop new formats and work on some of the world’s biggest stories. BBC News is on a mission to be the number one brand on social for news, and you will play a pivotal role in this work. This is a rare opportunity to combine editorial leadership, audience insight and innovation to help build the future of BBC News.

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & IMPACT

• Lead and develop a small, high-performing team, creating an environment where people can do their best work and deliver real impact.
• Shape and deliver BBC News’ YouTube strategy, using audience insight and platform expertise to drive growth and engagement.
• Work with journalists, creators and production teams across BBC News to identify opportunities and turn great journalism into successful YouTube content.
• Champion the value of YouTube across BBC News, helping colleagues maximise the reach and impact of their reporting on the platform.
• Oversee the development and delivery of platform-native formats that strengthen BBC News’ relationship with existing and new audiences.
• Use performance data and audience insights to evaluate content, identify opportunities and inform editorial and creative decision-making.
• Foster innovation and experimentation, helping BBC News adapt to changing audience behaviours and platform trends.

YOUR SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Essential Criteria

• Proven experience managing and growing a YouTube channel, with a strong understanding of audience behaviours, platform trends, content strategy and best practice.
• Demonstrable experience using audience data, analytics and performance insights to shape editorial and creative decisions and drive audience growth.
• Strong track record of working with content creators, journalists and production teams to develop ideas and optimise content for success on YouTube.
• Experience overseeing end-to-end content production, including commissioning, scripting, editing, publishing and evaluating performance.
• Experience leading and developing teams, setting priorities and delivering results in a fast-paced editorial environment.

DESIRED BUT NOT REQUIRED

• Experience developing innovative, platform-native video formats and editorial products.
• Experience presenting performance insights, strategic recommendations and growth opportunities to senior stakeholders.
• Understanding of the creator ecosystem and emerging trends across YouTube and wider social platforms.
• Experience influencing teams and building relationships across a large, complex organisation.
• Experience developing content for international audiences and global digital platforms.