Guardian Jobs
Head of Shortform Video, GUARDIAN NEWS AND MEDIA
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Head of Shortform Video – The Guardian
Join our team at the Guardian and be a part of a diverse and inclusive global organisation, delivering fearless, investigative journalism that holds power to account. Our team of award-winning journalists, cutting-edge commercial professionals, and digital experts represents a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives, and we offer a challenging and exciting environment for career development with a focus on training, growth, and fostering an inclusive culture.
The Role
As the Head of Shortform Video, you’ll shape and deliver a distinctive social video strategy that:
- Grows audiences
- Deepens engagement
- Strengthens the Guardian brand
- Expands reach across platforms (including the Guardian, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and emerging channels)
You’ll bring together video teams across these platforms, collaborating with editorial teams, audience editors, product teams, and commercial stakeholders. This is a permanent NUJ contract.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy & Direction
- Develop and own the Guardian’s shortform video strategy, working with the Head of Video and senior members of the department to:
- Define editorial priorities, formats, and publishing frameworks across platforms.
- Establish a distinctive voice and visual identity for shortform video globally (collaborating with US and Australian teams).
- Drive audience growth, engagement, and reach by analysing platform trends, algorithm changes, and emerging behaviours.
Audience & Analytics
- Use audience insights and analytics to inform commissioning, optimisation, and innovation.
- Work with the audience team to define and monitor KPIs for growth and engagement.
Team Leadership
- Lead and develop a team with the skills to produce compelling, platform-appropriate shortform content (news, investigations, features, sport, lifestyle, explainers).
- Foster a culture of experimentation, creativity, and continuous improvement, setting clear objectives, workflows, and performance standards.
- Partner with global Guardian teams to identify and develop shortform video opportunities.
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Stakeholder & Strategic Reporting
- Deliver regular reporting and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
- Evaluate emerging platforms and partnerships.
About You
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Significant leadership experience in video, social video, or digital content teams within a newsroom, publisher, or media organisation.
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Strong editorial judgment with a deep understanding of visual storytelling and journalistic standards.
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Deep expertise in YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and social platforms, with a proven track record of growing audiences through shortform content.
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Experience managing creative teams and complex editorial workflows.
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Strong grasp of audience analytics, performance metrics, and storytelling—including expertise in commissioning and story development.
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Experience either with developing talent-led content or appearing on camera.
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Proven ability to manage budgets and resource planning.
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Inclusive leadership: Actively promote equity, diverse perspectives, and remove barriers within your team.
- Ideally, demonstrate a diverse perspective in your approach.
- Encourage applications from groups traditionally underrepresented in UK media.
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Hybrid working: Typically three days a week in our central London offices (Kings Cross). Our culture values flexibility, diversity, and inclusion.
About the Guardian
- A global leader in journalism, celebrating diverse backgrounds and voices in our teams.
- Recent B Corp certification, marking our commitment to transparency, ethical engagement, and social impact.
- A mission to hold power to account through fearless investigative journalism.
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Inclusive Environment
- We ensure equality of access and foster a culture where everyone can grow.
- Our employee forums provide platforms for diverse voices to influence workplace policies.
- Accessibility is key: We accommodate adaptations to meet applicant needs (e.g., accessible documents, process adjustments).
How to Apply
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Submit your latest CV and a cover letter outlining:
- Why you’d love this role.
- How you align with our goals.
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Closing date: Wednesday, 15th July 2026.
All applications are welcome—however, if you require adjustments for a supportive application process, contact Sean Brinkley at sean.brinkley@theguardian.com. We strive to ensure accessibility and comfort throughout recruitment.
Benefits & Culture
Work-Life Balance
- 6 weeks’ annual leave (plus bank holidays), with the option to buy 5 extra days.
- Pension scheme: We contribute 8-12% if you contribute 5%.
Volunteering & Community
- 2 volunteering days/year.
- Payroll giving option.
Wellbeing
- Performance-based eye tests, dental insurance, life cover, and income protection.
- Enhanced parental leave policies, including support for IVF, menopause, baby loss, and trans equality.
- Free yoga/pilates classes, corporate gym membership, cycle-to-work scheme.
- Supportive canteen with views of the Regent’s Canal.
Growth & Development
- Encouragement of personal and professional growth through:
- Training programmes.
- Support for vocational courses/apprenticeships.
- Access to benchmark platforms for health, finance, and legal support.
"We want everyone to feel they belong at the Guardian." Our mission is to champion voices of all kinds, ensuring our organisation reflects the audience we serve.
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