Make Up Artist

JOB DETAILS

JOB BAND: B

CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent, Full-time. At Will

FLSA Status: Exempt

DEPARTMENT: BBC News

LOCATION: Washington, DC

PROPOSED SALARY RANGE: $72,820 - $79,440 depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience. The expected salary range for this role reflects internal benchmarking and external market insights.

This is a local hire position and eligible candidates must be able to live and work in the US (US citizenship, Green Card or work authorisation).

Closing date: 18:59 EST, 6 October 2025

PURPOSE OF ROLE

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

As a key creative within BBC productions, you will design and create hairstyles and looks that fulfill the vision of the make-up designer, ensuring technical accuracy and artistic flair. You’ll collaborate with colleagues and performers, read scripts to anticipate requirements, and manage continuity across scenes. This role involves budgeting, sourcing materials, and maintaining high standards of health and safety, while delivering consistent, professional results that enhance the storytelling and visual impact of every production.

WHY JOIN THE TEAM

Joining the BBC’s creative team means working alongside talented professionals on world-class productions that reach global audiences. You’ll have the opportunity to bring stories to life through innovative hair and make-up design, collaborate with leading industry experts, and develop your craft in a supportive, dynamic environment. At the BBC, your creativity and technical skills will be valued, and you’ll play a vital role in delivering memorable, high-quality content that inspires and entertains millions.

Your Key Responsibilities And Impact

• Collaborate with colleagues and actors to address day-to-day make-up and hair requirements, offering solutions and guidance as needed.
• Interpret scripts and produce creative design ideas for hairstyles and make-up, ensuring all looks are technically accurate and visually compelling.
• Manage continuity in hair and make-up across scenes, working closely with the team to maintain a consistent and professional appearance.
• Demonstrate budget awareness by sourcing, ordering, and managing materials efficiently, while considering financial implications.
• Apply specialist techniques, including cutting, styling, prosthetics, and mould-making, while prioritizing health, safety, and the well-being of performers.
  
  

Essential Criteria

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Qualified Media Make-Up Artist.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Experience of both make-up and hairdressing, with an understanding of the various roles in design and production teams.
• Able to deal with all colleagues with diplomacy and tact (including Chief Presenters, Correspondents and supporting artists).
• Creative problem-solving skills, flexibility and keen eye for detail.
• Demonstrate a practical understanding of lighting, the photographic process and colours.
  
  

Desired But Not Required

• Good IT skills.
• Experience of working in a theatre or wig makers.
• Experience in the use of prosthetics.
• Understanding of the freelance nature and structure of the industry.
  
  

If you can bring some of these skills and experience, along with transferable strengths, we’d love to hear from you and encourage you to apply.

Disclaimer

This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.

Please note: If you were to be offered this role, the BBC will conduct Employment screening checks which include Reference checks; Eligibility to work checks; and if applicable to the role, Safeguarding and Adverse media/Social media checks. Any offer made is conditional on these checks being satisfactory.

For any general queries, please contact: bbchr@bbc.co.uk