We are recruiting for a Group Data Journalist

About Nesta

We are Nesta, the UK’s innovation agency for social good. We design, test and scale solutions to society’s biggest problems. Our three missions are to give every child a fair start, help people live healthy lives, and create a sustainable future where the economy works for both people and the planet.

For over 20 years, we have worked to support, encourage and inspire innovation. We work in three roles: as an innovation partner working with frontline organisations to design and test new solutions, as a venture builder supporting new and early stage businesses, and as a system shaper creating the conditions for innovation.

Harnessing the rigour of science and the creativity of design, we work relentlessly to change millions of lives for the better. Find out more at nesta.org.uk.

About The Behavioural Insights Team

The Behavioural Insights Team is the world leader in applying behavioural science to public policy challenges in order to strengthen communities and improve lives.

We design and rigorously test new ideas across a range of areas such as health, crime and education, to establish what works and what doesn’t. We have helped Tuberculosis patients take their medicine; reduced police susceptibility to cyberattacks; and helped organisations close their gender pay gap.

Summary

You will use a combination of data and storytelling to research, produce and publish a regular flow of data stories to support Nesta and BIT’s communications priorities. Based in the communications department, you will take part in residencies within each of our missions working on a range of storytelling projects related to heath, early years and home decarbonisation. You will work in an integrated way with policy specialists, designers, data scientists and analysts to design, write and build data stories that cut through. You will have the confidence to work autonomously on medium-term data projects and the journalistic ability to spot quicker, tactical stories that can help drive news and engagement.

The role

• Research and map the data universe relevant to Nesta’s missions with a particular emphasis on publicly available data sets
• Plan and produce compelling visual and narrative products, either as one-off pieces or as part of a broader integrated communications plan, publishing these on our own channels or working with colleagues to pitch and place them externally
• Bringing the data and statistical elements of our products (reports, publications, research) to life in a visually compelling way
• Develop quick pitch proposals about where and how to tell stories within large and sometimes complex data sets
• Work on quick turnaround tactical stories that align with the news agenda and can be placed externally
• Use publicly available data (e.g. BEIS, ONS, NHS) to tell regular stories that help frame problems related to our missions and goals
• Develop specific regular products e.g. chart of the week, monthly trackers
• Collaborate with the data science colleagues to ensure outputs are of the highest quality both in terms of rigour and presentation - while you will work autonomously, you will benefit from relationships with a well established and award winning experts in data visualisation
• Work with colleagues across Nesta and BIT to ensure all products are aligned to existing policy, worldview and/or mission goals

The person

• Experience of data journalism in either a media outlet or a relevant organisation
• A portfolio of work using data and statistics in journalism, including data-led stories and graphics
• Experience of using data analysis tools to interrogate large data sets to find a story - expert user of Flourish or similar
• Evidence of collaborating with internal stakeholders across multiple teams
• Experience of using visualisation software and tools to create multi-format data visualisations
• Understanding of the news media and social media in the context of data storytelling
• Evidence of visual literacy and an understanding of accessibility
• Evidence of creativity, a willingness to experiment, a flair for spotting gaps and opportunities
  As with all members of the Nesta Group communications team, the postholder will also be at their best working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, have a flexible approach and an appetite for taking on new tasks and challenges. They will also have excellent written and verbal communication skills and a proven ability to write for a range of different audiences.

What we offer

Salary: Circa £51k (pro rated) - plus array of benefits, including private medical insurance, dental insurance, the ability to buy and sell annual leave, eyecare vouchers and more

Location: This role is based in London, Blackfriars, hybrid working arrangement with a minimum of two days in the office

Term: Permanent

Hours: This is a part-time role (22.5 hours per week) over 3 days a week.

How to apply

To apply, please submit:

• A CV; and
• A cover letter outlining why you are interested in this role and a summary of why you think you would be a good fit, in line with the job description (max 1 page). Please submit both documents on 1 page.

Please note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

At Nesta, we believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more innovative, more creative and gets better results.

We want our workforce to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our workplace to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.

This means that when we are recruiting, we actively seek to reach a diverse pool of candidates. It also means that we are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.

We recognise the importance of a good balance between work and home life, so we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, compressed or part-time hours, job shares and other arrangements.

Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.