External Communications Manager

Michael Page; Leeds; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 57,000; Part time

Job summary

Michael Page is seeking an experienced communications professional to lead external communications, media relations and reputation management for a Leeds-based client on a temporary basis. You will shape narratives, deliver integrated campaigns and provide strategic advice to senior stakeholders, while protecting and enhancing organisational reputation.

Role involves leading press office activities, incident/crisis communications and cross-functional collaboration with marketing, digital and

Qualifications

• Significant experience within external communications, corporate communications, media relations, journalism or a related field.
• Proven experience working within or closely alongside a busy press office environment.
• Strong background in reputation management and handling sensitive or high-profile communications issues.
• Experience delivering communications support during incidents, crisis situations or periods of heightened scrutiny.
• Ability to translate complex technical or operational information into engaging and audience-focused content.
• Demonstrable success delivering integrated communications campaigns and measuring impact.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and advise senior stakeholders.
• Highly organised, collaborative and resilient, with strong judgement and the ability to perform effectively under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of external communications strategies that enhance reputation and build trust with key audiences.
• Create engaging content across multiple channels, including media relations, articles, case studies, leadership communications, digital content and social media.
• Identify and develop compelling stories from across the organisation, turning complex subjects into clear and accessible communications.
• Manage press office activity, responding to media enquiries and proactively securing positive media opportunities.
• Support reputation management initiatives, providing communications advice on high-profile, sensitive and business-critical issues.
• Lead and support communications activity during incidents and crisis situations, ensuring accurate, timely and consistent messaging.
• Plan and deliver integrated communications campaigns, working closely with colleagues across marketing, digital, stakeholder engagement and leadership teams.
• Use audience insight, media monitoring and performance data to evaluate communications activity and inform future strategy.

Skills

External communications

Media relations

Reputation management

Crisis comms

Strategic advisory

Job description

An exciting opportunity for an experienced communications professional to lead external communications, media relations and reputation management for a nationally recognised organisation. You'll develop compelling stories, deliver integrated campaigns and provide strategic communications advice to senior stakeholders while helping to protect and enhance organisational reputation.

Client Details

Our client is a large, purpose-driven organisation with a strong regional and national presence based in Leeds. They play a vital role in supporting communities, customers and key infrastructure, and are committed to delivering trusted services, driving innovation and maintaining a positive reputation through effective stakeholder engagement and storytelling.

Description

• Lead the development and delivery of external communications strategies that enhance reputation and build trust with key audiences.
• Create engaging content across multiple channels, including media relations, articles, case studies, leadership communications, digital content and social media.
• Identify and develop compelling stories from across the organisation, turning complex subjects into clear and accessible communications.
• Manage press office activity, responding to media enquiries and proactively securing positive media opportunities.
• Support reputation management initiatives, providing communications advice on high-profile, sensitive and business-critical issues.
• Lead and support communications activity during incidents and crisis situations, ensuring accurate, timely and consistent messaging.
• Plan and deliver integrated communications campaigns, working closely with colleagues across marketing, digital, stakeholder engagement and leadership teams.
• Use audience insight, media monitoring and performance data to evaluate communications activity and inform future strategy.

Profile

• Significant experience within external communications, corporate communications, media relations, journalism or a related field.
• Proven experience working within or closely alongside a busy press office environment.
• Strong background in reputation management and handling sensitive or high-profile communications issues.
• Experience delivering communications support during incidents, crisis situations or periods of heightened scrutiny.
• Ability to translate complex technical or operational information into engaging and audience-focused content.
• Demonstrable success delivering integrated communications campaigns and measuring impact.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and advise senior stakeholders.
• Highly organised, collaborative and resilient, with strong judgement and the ability to perform effectively under pressure.

Job Offer

Daily rate: £280 - £310, dependent on the level of experience.

Temporary position based in Leeds.