Interim Communications Director

Ellwood Atfield; Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A newly established organisation is seeking a Director of Communications to develop and implement an effective communications strategy across various channels. This senior role involves managing change communications, crisis management, and enhancing the reputation of the organisation within a politically sensitive context. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in communications, exceptional skills in stakeholder engagement, and a proactive approach to media relations. This position is based in London and offers a salary of approximately £100k pro rata for a 12-month contract.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior communications role within a complex environment.
• Strong understanding of media relations and crisis communications.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to engage effectively with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Define strategic plan for communication across all audiences.
• Manage all key communications channels effectively.
• Craft corporate messaging to enhance visibility and engagement.
• Oversee the crisis communication strategy and media relations.

Skills

Change communications expertise

Crisis management

Stakeholder engagement

Media relations

Public affairs

Education

Relevant degree in communications, public relations, or similar field

Job description

The Director of Communications at this newly established organisation has overall responsibility for developing the communications strategy and shaping the function within a newly created, commercial organisation. The role remit will cover all communications disciplines, including corporate communications, media relations, marketing / branding, public affairs and internal communications. This newly created role will join the organisation at a critical time of change and transition. It is also a role which operates within a sensitive media and political environment.

Externally, there are a number of challenges and tasks which are likely to fall on the desk of the Interim Director of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement. These include but are not limited to: ensuring the organisation's voice is heard in debates about the future of its services; building effective working relationships with politicians at local and national levels; managing the profile of the brand in the media; ensuring the organisation's unique operating model is understood by media, stakeholders, partners and suppliers; and, developing a crisis communications plan for service areas.

There are major internal challenges too. The introduction of the operating model will require major change to existing practices which will need to be managed carefully and communicated effectively. Therefore, familiarity with organisational and change communications is critical. Ensuring that the communications function can effectively drive the agenda and respond to emerging issues is a critical aspect of this role. With a dual reporting line to the CEO and Communications Director of one of the key sharedholding businesses, the role will oversee a function of c10 communications professionals.

Key responsibilities

• Define the organisation's strategic plan for all audiences including employees, customers, political stakeholders, the public, the media and third parties.
• Management of all key comms channels including press office, social media, website, intranet, noticeboards, advertising, events, brand and corporate collateral & campaigns. Review existing communications channels and look to introduce new ways of engaging key audience groups.
• Craft and position corporate messaging, driving visibility for the business direction, performance, culture / way of working and any change initiatives.
• Support the business in developing relationships with key stakeholders.
• Budget management.
• Own relationships with key internal and third party stakeholders.
• London-based with national travel when necessary.

Media

• Manage the organisations reputation in the media and with the public and our employees.
• Oversee and lead all crisis communications.
• Oversee and approve all corporate media relations.
• Oversee the press office function as well as acting as approver for all issue management. Ensure that press office is manned appropriately at all times and is accessible 24/7.
• To oversee the corporate online communication strategy including corporate websites, intranets, as well as social media sites.

Communications

• Design & oversee a corporate communications programme aligned to the corporate business objectives.
• Manage change communications activities.
• Develop and implement the brand & values strategy.
• Oversee all corporate collateral and sales materials including videos, literature and key presentation materials.
• Oversee all advertising, media buying and sponsorship for the company.
• Support all Executive Team communication requirements including speech writing, presentation, event attendance and Executive Employee Briefings.

This is a fantastic opportunity to utilise your change communications expertise within a politically sensitive and highly complex stakeholder environment. Starts ASAP for 12 months, paying c£100k pro rata.