SWNS, Head of Video

Reporting to: Vice President of Video - SWNS Media Group

SWNS seeks an experienced Head of Video to evolve our video offering and become a key player in the day-to-day editorial process.

Who we are:

SWNS is the UK’s biggest independent news content provider, with over 100 editorial staff in offices across the country and satellite offices in the US.

We distribute more than 1,000 original media assets every day, making us one of the single biggest sources of news content for publishers across the world. Our content spans everything from breaking news and human interest to health, science and technology.

We believe in real journalism; reporters, photographers and videographers who gather content at source and turn them into original media packages which leap off the page or screen. We also work with hundreds of contributors and major publishers to licence and monetise their content.

Alongside our core news agency operation, SWNS supplies a wide range of editorial and bespoke commission services ranging from assignments for brands to full outsource production services for publishers.

Our passion, drive and innovative business model has seen us grow exponentially over the last decade and this role reflects our continued investment in journalism and new markets.

Who you are:

You will be a video native with substantial experience in video news journalism, preferably at an agency or national or international publisher.

You will have a proven track record of sourcing unique video content at scale and the ability to run a team of acquisition specialists targeting trending and viral content.

You will have strong visual storytelling skills and will be adept at editing and packaging material to the highest level.

You will have innovative ideas on how to attain, grow and maintain a video audience across multiple platforms and will work alongside our VP Video to develop a robust, scalable video offering.

You will also have a thorough understanding of legal requirements, video copyright law and the complexities of rights management and video monetisation in today’s digital world.

The role:

This is a senior position within the business that involves:

• Managing a team of video editors and content acquisition researchers.
• Managing the day-to-day video operation – identifying video opportunities and deploying resources.
• Managing the delivery of video to our client feeds and international distribution partners.
• Manage incoming licencing enquires and video sales opportunities.
• First point of contact for rights management enquires and copyright claims.
• Working with VP Video and accounts team to develop and evolve video data reporting.
• Working with our Head of Audience and content marketing teams of our O&O channels to provide maximum video engagement.
• Oversee best practices around tagging, titling, metadata, thumbnails and upload processes.
• Driving audience growth and engagement on a growing slate of social channels.
• Identifying and implementing new video revenue opportunities through our O&O channels and third party partnerships.
• Identifying broadcast and commercial opportunities and using your network of contacts to grow video sales.
• Working with our commercial content business 72Point to deliver branded video packages.
• Oversee production of commercial video projects. From creation to completion, pre production through to post and delivery to client.

What you’ll need:

• A minimum of five years working in video at a senior level within the publishing industry.
• An extensive knowledge of how to source trending content before it trends and deploy resource in this area to maximum effect.
• A deep understanding of the economics and monetisation of video content, industry trends and the competitive landscape.
• A track record of increasing video coverage, engagement and revenue.
• Strong interpersonal and management skills that will enable you to build a loyal and focused team.
• The character, knowledge and energy to push video to the forefront of our operations.
• Significant production experience and highly proficient in Adobe Premiere Pro.
• An extensive contacts book that will bring new partnerships and relationships to the business.
• Expertise in implementing successful content strategies on multiple platforms including YouTube, O&O sites, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, etc

SWNS is part of the SWNS Media Group, a progressive and forward-thinking content business which spans news, features, images, video, PR, content marketing and market research.

We offer competitive salaries, a fun and engaging working environment and the best career prospects in the business.

How to apply:

If you want to be part of the success story, please click 'APPLY NOW' to send a CV and cover letter.