Senior External Communications Manager

The Alan Turing Institute; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 62,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Family friendly policies

Job summary

The Alan Turing Institute in London is seeking a Senior External Communications Manager to lead strategic external communications, turning complex research into accessible, engaging stories that strengthen the Institute’s reputation.

You will manage proactive and reactive media relations, build strong journalist relationships, shape campaigns and announcements, and advise senior leaders on messaging across channels.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in external communications, media relations or public relations.
• Ability to translate complex information into clear, engaging content for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Shape and lead strategic external communications across Institute priorities.
• Identify opportunities for media coverage and storytelling.
• Advise senior leaders on messaging, opportunities and reputation.
• Develop and deliver campaigns and thought leadership content across channels.
• Lead and develop a small external communications team.
• Collaborate across communications, policy and research communities.

Skills

External communications

Media relations

Storytelling

Strategic thinking

Team leadership

Job description

This is an exciting time to work in AI communications, as advances in technology, growing public interest and important questions about AI’s opportunities and risks create new opportunities to inform debate and shape understanding. We are seeking a Senior External Communications Manager is a key figure within our Communications and Engagement Directorate, bringing creativity, sound judgement and a flair for turning complex information into accessible and engaging stories.

With a passion for effective communication and a natural eye for great storytelling, the Senior External Communications Manager will play a key role in strengthening the Institute’s reputation and communicating the value and impact of our science and innovation.

You’ll lead our proactive and reactive media relations activity, building strong relationships with journalists and commentators and identifying opportunities to raise the profile of our work.

Alongside this, you’ll help shape and deliver strategic external communications across the Institute’s priorities, leading communications projects, announcements and campaigns, developing compelling content and providing expert advice to senior leaders and researchers.

The role also includes leading and developing a small external communications team, working closely with colleagues across the wider directorate.

ABOUT YOU

You will have significant experience in external communications, media relations or public relations, with a strong track record of delivering high-quality proactive and reactive communications. You will be an excellent communicator and storyteller, able to translate complex information into clear, accurate and engaging content for different audiences and channels.

You will bring experience of developing and delivering communications campaigns and announcements, alongside the judgement to handle sensitive or complex issues. Strong influencing and interpersonal skills will enable you to build effective relationships with journalists, senior leaders, researchers and external stakeholders. You will also have experience of leading and developing a team, while experience in science communications or a research-focused organisation would be advantageous.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

• Shape and lead strategic external communications across key Institute priorities.
• Find and tell powerful stories about our research, people and impact, identifying opportunities for media coverage and creative storytelling.
• Build strong relationships with journalists, commentators, senior stakeholders, researchers and external partners.
• Advise senior leaders and researchers on messaging, media opportunities and reputation.
• Develop and deliver strategic communications campaigns and thought leadership opportunities, writing and editing compelling, high-profile content across a range of channels and audiences.
• Help shape the Institute’s response to emerging and sensitive issues.
• Lead and develop a small external communications team.
• Work collaboratively across communications, policy and research communities.

Please see our portal for a full breakdown of the role.

Due to the upcoming holiday period, interviews will take place in January 2027.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 06 December at 23:59 (London, UK BST/GMT)

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This full time post is offered on a permanent. The annual salary is £62,000-£67,000 plus excellent benefits, including flexible working and family friendly policies which can be seen here.

We offer a flexible, hybrid approach to working, recognising the benefits of both remote working and in-person collaboration. Office attendance expectations may vary depending on the role, team and organisational needs, and may evolve over time. The hiring team will be happy to discuss the current arrangements during the interview process.

EQUALITY DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

The Alan Turing Institute is committed to creating an environment where diversity is valued and everyone is treated fairly. We value diversity of background, experience, and perspective, and are proud to be an inclusive employer. We warmly encourage applications from all backgrounds, particularly from groups currently under-represented in our sector. If you feel passionate about this role but don’t meet every single requirement, please apply - we recognise that great candidates may bring strengths beyond the criteria listed.