Director, Written Content, BBC StoryWorks

Job Band

E

BBC Studios

Bold. British. Creative: that’s BBC Studios. Combining the strengths of the UK’s most-awarded production company with a world-class distributor, we fund, create, distribute and commercialize world-class content for the BBC and other UK and international companies. Our aim is to inspire audiences around the globe with quality content that informs, educates and entertains and to strengthen the BBC, our partners and wider industry both creatively and financially. We seek to be the best British content company in the world; a first-choice partner and employer, where everyone can flourish and do their best work.

BBC StoryWorks

BBC StoryWorks North America, the commercial content studio of BBC Studios Ad Sales, combines the BBC’s award-winning storytelling expertise with innovative digital content and branded journalism. We create compelling written, video, and digital experiences that captivate audiences and help our partners achieve their messaging goals.

Job Purpose

We are seeking a Director, Written Content, BBC StoryWorks North America to shape and elevate the editorial voice of BBC StoryWorks’ branded content. This role will oversee the creation, execution, and quality of all written content, ensuring alignment with BBC Studios standards while delivering engaging narratives that resonate with global audiences.

Key Responsibilities And Accountabilities

Core responsibilities consist of:

Editorial Leadership & Content Strategy

• Establish and elevate the commercial editorial voice, tone, and standards of all written content to ensure consistency and quality in publishing.
• Oversee the creative development and production of branded content with written components, inclusive but not limited to articles, digital hubs, web-based interactives, social experiences, and promotional copy, ensuring compliance with BBC Studios guidelines.
• Collaborate with video, design, product, and digital teams to optimize content for engagement.
• Identify and leverage market trends and audience insights to inform content strategy.
  
  

Content Creation & Execution

• Bring, grow and manage a network of specialized freelance writers, bonus for freelance editors and photographers.
• Assign, brief, and guide writers to ensure consistency in storytelling and brand alignment.
• Direct the sourcing of imagery and multimedia elements to enhance content.
• Edit and quality-control all written materials, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and impact.
• Write and oversee ad copy for promotional assets, including social media, traffic drivers, and native ad placements.
• Own the target audiences’ content experience end-to-end to optimize engagement.
  
  

Collaboration and Stakeholder Management

• Partner with sales, marketing, media planning, and creative strategy teams to develop compelling RFP responses and pitches.
• Attend client meetings and present content strategies as needed, interface with clients directly.
• Work closely with BBC Studios Ad Sales teams to share best practices and campaign insights.
• Provide editorial leadership to internal teams and external partners.
  
  

Project & Team Management

• Oversee content production timelines, ensuring projects are delivered on schedule.
• Manage the performance of freelancers and support development of junior StoryWorks colleagues.
• Work with leadership to refine best practices for branded content production.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, Training And Experience

Required Qualifications:

• 10 years of experience in digital journalism, branded content, or editorial production.
• Strong background in writing, editing, and content strategy within a media or publishing environment.
• Proven ability to develop high-quality written content across service journalism verticals including business, finance, travel, tech, health, sports.
• Experience managing writers, editors, and creative teams.
• Knowledge of SEO, audience engagement strategies, and digital publishing platforms.
• Experience in marketing, brand strategy, or ad copywriting is a plus.
  
  

Desired Qualifications

• Exceptional storytelling ability with a keen editorial eye.
• Solutions-oriented with a passion for digital content.
• Collaborative leader who can thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• A strategic thinker with a commercial mindset, excited to bridge editorial excellence with brand objectives.
• Adaptable communicator able to effectively dialogue with myriad internal and external stakeholders.
  
  

Benefits and Perks

• 100% Employer-Paid Medical and Dental Insurance (PPO plans)
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Flexible, Hybrid Working Arrangements
• Work/life balance
• Free Retirement Consulting to All Employees
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Gym Reimbursement
• Bagel Mondays, Monthly Happy Hours, and more!
  
  

Hybrid: This role is classified as hybrid, typically requiring at least two designated in-office days per week.

Compensation

The anticipated annual base salary for this position is $150k to $160k. This range does not include bonus compensation or other benefits that an individual may be eligible for. The actual base salary offered depends on the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and geographic location of the position.

About The BBC

We don’t focus simply on what we do – we also care how we do it. Our values and the way we behave are important to us.

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.