Head of Video, US

The Guardian is a global, reader-funded news organization that delivers fearless, independent journalism. From breaking news and award-winning investigations, to in-depth coverage of technology, sports, film, culture and lifestyle, the Guardian offers a global view that deepens our audiences' understanding of America and the world.

The Guardian's US edition – headquartered in New York City, with growing bureaus in Washington DC and Los Angeles – is an entirely digital operation that combines the best of the Guardian's international reporting with US voices and expertise. Core coverage areas include the climate emergency, economic and racial inequality, wellness, culture, digital privacy and sports – all highlighting the Guardian's distinctive role within the US media landscape: journalism that's global, independent, and free.

It's the talent, energy and commitment our people bring to the Guardian that make us who we are. Across our business we have some of the most creative thinkers in media and beyond: award winning journalists, cutting edge commercial teams, digital talent and more.

Department: Editorial

Reports to: Deputy Editor and SVP strategy, US; Global Head of Multimedia

Location: New York, NY

Hybrid/Remote/In-Person: Hybrid

Terms and conditions: Full-time, permanent

As the Guardian embarks on an ambitious effort to reach new audiences and expand our visual journalism, we're seeking an accomplished, creative and strategic leader to oversee our US video team. The head of video will set the vision for the team in partnership with other newsroom leaders, recruit and develop staff, and play a central role in overseeing the Guardian's US video output, including shortform video, breaking news, and new shows for YouTube and other platforms. The right candidate will have experience building large, engaged audiences and experience with the YouTube ecosystem and algorithm. They may also be involved in developing investigations, features, series and documentaries.

We're seeking a highly collaborative leader who can work with global colleagues to lead the Guardian's 24-7 video news operation during the US time zone, work with US desk heads and reporters to amplify the impact of our text journalism in video formats, develop reporters and newsroom talent for video and commission original video stories. They will also partner with the social and podcast team on video output.

Strong management skills and a deep understanding of the Guardian's editorial standards, values and journalistic approach are essential. Knowledge of the creator landscape and familiarity with strategies for video monetization are key. This role requires a leader with the vision to build a department over time and a hands‑on maker who can jump in and support a small team with daily execution.

Key Responsibilities

Final responsibility for all US video content, including shortform and social, breaking news and explainers, new shows, features and documentaries

Ensure U.S. video output aligns with the Guardian's global video strategy and standards, work closely with global video and multimedia leaders to develop a cohesive global product

Act as chief editor for US video projects, ensuring that the Guardian's video output meets its high editorial standards, achieves its artistic & journalistic goals, and advances the Guardian's reputation for innovation

Collaborate closely with the US audience and social team, which leads video for Instagram and Tik Tok.

Make strategic decisions around video resources to maximize the impact of a small team

Build and sustain close relationships with the Guardian newsroom, and develop workflows and systems for connecting video team to the newsroom's wider journalistic output

Hire and manage video journalists, and support them in their development; identify and develop host talent from around the US newsroom

Develop new strategies for video on platforms such as YouTube, participate in conversations about new channel launches and approaches on social platforms

Help manage relationships with partners at video platforms, including Youtube

Act as advocate for video across the organisation, working with other editorial teams on joint projects

Collaborate with US podcast team (Stateside with Kai and Carter) and advise podcast team on Youtube and video strategy

Collaborate with Guardian Studios, a UK-led team focused on creating Youtube-first personality-led shows

Collaborate with US audience team and ensure video meets audience growth targets, including traffic & engagement

Develop a video strategy that considers commercial opportunities. Collaborate with US commercial colleagues on video monetization strategies

Ensure that video content meets legal and ethical standards

Oversee US video budget

Monitor the wider digital video landscape, identifying key trends and insights and staying on top of new technology and opportunities

Act as US point person for partnerships and co-productions

Represent the Guardian at industry events

Key Relationships
US Editor, VP, audience and strategy, head of social, executive producer, Stateside with Kai and Carter, UK head of video, Australia head of multimedia, US editorial desk leads (news, features, opinion etc.), digital editors, head of visuals

About You

Experienced video storyteller with deep knowledge of YouTube and other video platforms

Highly collaborative leader, comfortable working in matrixed organization with many stakeholders

Track record of making compelling video journalism in multiple formats

Strong manager

Curiosity that spans a wide range of topic areas including hard news, culture, lifestyle, comedy and sports

Deep understanding of legal and ethical issues around journalism and video

Experience working in a busy newsroom and ability to work across multiple deadlines and editorial priorities

How to apply
We know there are great candidates who might not check all these boxes or who possess important skills we haven't thought of. If that's you, we encourage you to apply and tell us about yourself.

All candidates interested in applying should upload a resume and cover letter.

All roles at the Guardian are open for everybody to apply. It is important to us that you feel supported and comfortable throughout your recruitment process, in order to perform your best. Please let us know if there are any changes we could make to the application process to make it easier and more comfortable for you. Please email the recruiter listed on the job posting or at recruitment.us@theguardian.com to discuss further so we can work with you to support you through your application.

Compensation and benefits

20 days of vacation leave in addition to 12 company holidays and 2 personal days

Free Headspace subscription for you and your family members(Headspace is a company that offers evidence-based meditation and mindfulness tools, mental health coaching, therapy, psychiatry, and EAP services)

401(k) Match

Subsidized healthcare coverage including medical, vision, and dental

Medical and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts

Generous parental leave with 100% pay

Long Term and Short Term Disability insurance

Life insurance

Work/Life balance: Flexible hybrid schedule

We want everyone to feel like they belong at the Guardian and we champion diversity of thought. You will also have the opportunity to hear unique insight from our journalists in our morning conference, a live discussion on the news story of the day.

We offer great tools to help you prioritize your wellbeing including a free Headspace subscription and access to an Employee Assistance Program.

We encourage personal and professional growth. Employees have access to a broad range of tools and solutions, and we are happy to support the pursuit of professional qualifications through vocational courses and apprenticeships.

Sustainability
Our goal is to become an environmentally regenerative company and we have signed up to a sustainability vision and strategy to reach it. Find more information about sustainability at GNM here.

We value honesty in your application.
AI generated content must not be presented as your own work. Please review our guidance on the use of AI in your application here.

The Guardian is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, national origin, ethnic origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law in its employment policies. In addition, the Guardian will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.

We value and respect all differences (seen and unseen) in all people at the Guardian. We aspire to have inclusive working experiences and an environment that reflects the audience we serve, where our people have equal access to career development opportunities, their voices are heard and can contribute to our future.

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