Regional Head of Communications at British Council

Job Description

The Regional Head of Communications will oversee the development and execution of communications strategy (internal and external) for the British Council in support of and aligned with global communications strategies. The Head of Communications is responsible for our internal and change communications and external communications planning and delivery, including media, PR and stakeholder communication in region. They will also work closely with other regional and global Communications colleagues to ensure alignment.

Main opportunities/challenges for this role:

The successful candidate will be responsible for: 

1. Developing a regional communications strategy and plan which aligns with the British Council’s global communications strategy and plan, enables country strategies and goals, and supports country programmes to reach key stakeholder and public audiences across all areas of our work.
2. Developing and managing key media partnerships and relationships, and managing crisis communications, and proactive media relations, working closely with the global Corporate Communications team, including managing and developing relationships with key journalists and media outlets in region.
3. Leading at a strategic level the communication of the British Council’s profile to internal and external stakeholders across the region and provide support and guidance to colleagues leading key regional-relevant relations outside the region.
4. Building a strong and coherent brand position for the British Council in the region.
5. Acting as a spokesperson for the British Council in the region with key media.
6. Overseeing all British Council regional high-profile visits and events. 

Requirements

Essential:

1. Relevant degree e.g. communications, journalism, marketing, or equivalent level of experience (minimum 5 years)
2. Significant experience in managing communications within a large and complex organisation
3. Demonstrable experience in providing expert advice and guidance on internal and external communications
4. Demonstrable experience in managing and mitigating internal and external communications risks and issues
5. Proven experience of working with key national/international media
6. Experience of managing crisis communications
7. Experience of working in a matrix organisation
8. Experience of working with government stakeholders

Desirable:

1. Experience in a global organisation
2. Demonstrable experience and understanding of working with UK Government stakeholders in Whitehall/Westminster.
3. Experience and understanding of working in Sub Saharan Africa region