Senior Communications Manager COM

The British Council; Hong Kong; Hybrid; HKD 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Job summary

The British Council in Hong Kong seeks a Senior Communications Manager to develop and implement regional/global communications strategies, oversee external campaigns and media relations, and lead a dispersed team across Asia Pacific. The role emphasizes cross-cultural leadership, risk management, and strategic counsel to country directors.

We value experience in large organisations, strong stakeholder networks, and the ability to drive joined-up communications across markets, including Northeast

Qualifications

• Significant experience in managing communications within a large and complex organisation.
• Thorough understanding of the media and communication environment of the North East Asia region, and of Hong Kong in particular.
• Demonstrated ability to function in a diverse set of countries and cross-cultural environments
• Relationship management skills
• Strong team player who is highly motivated and willing to provide expert advice and guidance on internal and external communications
• Comfortable working virtually
• Demonstrable experience in managing and mitigating internal and external communications risks and issues
• Analytical and problem-solving mindset
• Proven record of managing multiple projects at the same time
• Experience working in a multi-market capacity in a global organisation
• Experience working with/in education and/or cultural organisations in a communications capacity
• Track record at developing and mentoring teams

Responsibilities

• Supports the development and implementation of communications strategies and plans aligned with global and regional priorities, leading the delivery of external communications campaigns, media relations, stakeholder engagement, and reputation management across markets.
• Provides strategic communications advice to Country Directors, Senior Leadership Teams, and business leads, ensuring consistent messaging, effective risk management, and alignment with British Council brand standards.
• Applies analytical expertise to assess communications needs, identify improvement opportunities, develop impactful communications initiatives, and translate complex business issues into compelling messages that influence decision-making and support organisational objectives.
• Builds strong understanding of market contexts, particularly in Hong Kong and Northeast Asia, to deliver innovative and business-focused communications solutions.
• Oversees the planning, delivery, evaluation, and continuous improvement of communications projects, ensuring adherence to global standards and effective budget management, reporting, and risk oversight.
• Develops and maintains strong stakeholder networks internally and externally, actively contributes to the Marketing Community of Practice, and leads a geographically dispersed communications team across Australia, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.
• As a senior member of the Asia Pacific Communications team, coordinates cross-functional contributions, drives joined-up delivery across markets, and maintains professional expertise through continuous development.

Skills

Relationship management

Cross-cultural

Analytical mindset

Project management

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

To manage the development and implementation of communications strategies for Hong Kong, and to support with the strategies for the other countries in their geography (Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Taiwan), including, external communications planning and delivery (media, PR, events) and stakeholder communications including digital communications. The Senior Communications Manager will also provide line management and pastoral support for other countries in their geography. The Senior Communications Manager will work closely with internal and external key stakeholders, implement strategies that strengthen and integrate marketing and communications initiatives to continue to engage current audiences, identify and attract new ones and create greater awareness of the British Council.

Role Accountabilities

Supports the development and implementation of communications strategies and plans aligned with global and regional priorities, leading the delivery of external communications campaigns, media relations, stakeholder engagement, and reputation management across markets. Provides strategic communications advice to Country Directors, Senior Leadership Teams, and business leads, ensuring consistent messaging, effective risk management, and alignment with British Council brand standards. Applies analytical expertise to assess communications needs, identify improvement opportunities, develop impactful communications initiatives, and translate complex business issues into compelling messages that influence decision-making and support organisational objectives.

Builds strong understanding of market contexts, particularly in Hong Kong and Northeast Asia, to deliver innovative and business-focused communications solutions. Oversees the planning, delivery, evaluation, and continuous improvement of communications projects, ensuring adherence to global standards and effective budget management, reporting, and risk oversight. Develops and maintains strong stakeholder networks internally and externally, actively contributes to the Marketing Community of Practice, and leads a geographically dispersed communications team across Australia, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. As a senior member of the Asia Pacific Communications team, coordinates cross-functional contributions, drives joined-up delivery across markets, and maintains professional expertise through continuous development.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Requirements

• Significant experience in managing communications within a large and complex organisation.
• Thorough understanding of the media and communication environment of the North East Asia region, and of Hong Kong in particular
• Demonstrated ability to function in a diverse set of countries and cross-cultural environments
• Relationship management skills
• Strong team player who is highly motivated and willing to provide expert advice and guidance on internal and external communications
• Comfortable working virtually
• Demonstrable experience in managing and mitigating internal and external communications risks and issues
• Analytical and problem-solving mindset
• Proven record of managing multiple projects at the same time
• Experience working in a multi-market capacity in a global organisation
• Experience working with/in education and/or cultural organisations in a communications capacity
• Track record at developing and mentoring teams

Language Requirements: The British Council systems and global processesoperatein English. Written and verbalproficiencyin English and Traditional Chinese isrequired.

• Contract type:Indefinite Contract
• Pay band:7
• Location: Hong Kong
• Travel: Travel to Northeast Asia markets as and when required
• Proof of Identity requirements & right to work in the country:Applications are also welcomed from candidates currently based in other British Council country offices, provided they already have the legal right to work in the role location and are willing to relocate. Please note that any relocation costs and associated formalities will be the responsibility of the candidate.
• Closing Date: Sunday, 1st Nov at 23:59 UK time,7:59 AM Hong Kong time, 2nd Nov 2026

British Council supports working in new ways such as hybrid working, subject to full approval by line management and conditional upon our ability to provide the appropriate level of service. This may not be appropriate for all roles but can be explored at interview.

Unlock job insights

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We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide.

We work directly with individuals to help them gain the skills, confidence and connections to transform their lives and shape a better world in partnership with the UK. We support them to build networks and

explore creative ideas, to learn English, to get a high-quality education and to gain internationally recognised qualifications.

Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2021–22 we reached 650 million people.

We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide.

We work directly with individuals to help them gain the skills, confidence and connections to transform their lives and shape a better world in partnership with the UK. We support them to build networks and

explore creative ideas, to learn English, to get a high-quality education and to gain internationally recognised qualifications.

Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2021–22 we reached 650 million people.

What can I earn as a Communications Manager