Director of Media and Corporate Communications

Director of Media and Corporate Communications Location: London Contract type: 12 months fixed term (maternity cover) Hours per week: 35 Salary: Circa £85K per annum

We have an exciting opportunity for a collaborative and influential media and communications leader to shape and drive the external and internal voice and positioning of the British Red Cross.

As Director of Media and Corporate Communications, you will drive the organisation’s external media profile whilst ensuring excellent internal communications to our people. You will play a critical leading role in the event of a UK or International crisis (e.g. emergency response), and will work in collaboration with colleagues within the British Red Cross and the wider international Movement to raise awareness and understanding of our humanitar ian work both here in the UK and overseas.

You will lead a large, geographically-spread team to respond quickly and confidently during times of crisis and emergency response, as well as oversee a planned, proactive internal and external comms calendar. You will maintain oversight and development of external messaging and narrative, build an effective, ambitious celebrity engagement and deployment strategy, and drive continued high engagement across our key corporate social media channels.

This is a high profile, pivotal position at the British Red Cross, reporting directly to the Executive Director of Strategy and Communications. In this diverse and exciting role, you will provide the Executive Leadership Team (and Board of Trustees, as appropriate) with effective guidance on significant issues and play an active and constructive senior leadership role within the Strategy and Communications Directorate, as well as the wider British Red Cross Strategic Leade rship Team.

*This role has been classified as ‘hybrid’ and the successful candidate will work between home and any suitable British Red Cross Office. Although there is a high level of flexibility, there is an expectation that you will be available to regularly attend the office for collaborative work such as key meetings, directorate/team core days and training.

We’re passionate about equality, diversity, and inclusion

Diversity is something we celebrate at the British Red Cross, and we’re looking for the best people to help us provide support to millions of people affected by crisis in the UK. We want our team to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, offering equal opportunities to everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

What we are looking for

We need someone who can think strategically about how we build our profile and influence the news agenda, whilst also managing the risks and day-to-day challenges associated with leading a high-profile media and corporate communications service, covering both international and domestic issues.

With an excellent working knowledge of the public relations landscape, you will have extensive experience of working as a senior communications leader in a large, high-profile organisation.

A confident and creative communicator, you’ll have experience of leading the planning and implementation of media and PR plans for an organisation with diverse needs.

Senior leadership experience is essential in this critical position; you will have good negotiation and influencing skills, experience that includes people leadership of multi-disciplinary teams.

You will have experience of social media engagement and str ategy with up-to-date knowledge of the latest relevant developments and best practice.

You will have a genuine interest in upholding the British Red Cross fundamental principles; leading, and advocating for the organisation’s values, promoting diversity, inclusion and ethical behaviours supporting people in crisis.

Please review the attached role profile for more information about this vacancy

How to apply

Please apply online via the British Red Cross careers page. Closing date for applications is 23.59 on Wednesday the 3rd of August 2022, with interviews anticipated to be held week commencing the 15th of August 2022 (first stage by Zoom and second stage in person at our UK office in Moorfields, London)

A little bit more about us

The British Red Cross help anyone, anywhere in the UK; get the support they need if crisis strikes. From hiring a wheelchair or dealing with loneliness, to adjusting to life in a new country – we’re there when you need us.

Our organisation was born out of a desire to bring help without discrimination. Impartiality and neutrality have been central values for the Red Cross since we started.

Diversity is something we celebrate, and we want you to be able to bring your authentic-self to the Red Cross. We want you to feel that you are in an inclusive environment, and a great position to help us spread the power of kindness.

In the British Red Cross, we will not tolerate any form of misconduct, including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse. We have a code of conduct in place and are committed to creating a culture of integrity in the organisation where misconduct is not tolerated, situations of abuse are quickly investigated, and perpetrators are dealt with effectively.

If you are appointed to a role within BRC you will be subject to the organisation’s Code of Conduct, a copy of which you can find on our website.

The British Red Cross, incorporated by Royal Charter 1908, is a charity registered in England and Wales (220949) and Scotland (SC037738).

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Connecting human kindness with human crisis