Corporate Communications Director

The Corporate Communications Director reports to the UK Co-CEOs and the Director, Publishing Communications and will be accountable for embedding a proactive corporate communication strategy (internal and external) and approach for the UK Publishing business (print and digital).

This is a newly created position supporting the Publishing business transformation and resulting cultural change enhancing quality and consistency of communications throughout Publishing UK, proactively managing our reputation and positioning with all our audiences.

The successful candidate will work closely and constructively with the Publishing Communications Director and the UK Co-CEOs to devise and drive a creative transformation in how we communicate internally and externally.

There is a real appetite to create a voice in the market grounded in opinion and being issues-led. The successful candidate will also drive transformation of our internal communications aligned to the Global Publishing Communications strategy implementing formats for more creative and engaging ways of communicating.

The Corporate Communications Director Publishing UK will be a trusted advisor, a message maker and act as a guardian of the UK Publishing business working proactively to enhance our external and internal voice.

The candidate must be credible at the highest level both internally and externally as someone who represents the business and understands, takes ownership of, and responds to, any given relevant situation.

Responsibilities:

Specifically, the Corporate Communications Director Publishing UK will be expected to:

• Lead the development and implementation of a communications strategy for the UK Publishing business ensuring at all times it is aligned with the business’ objectives and the Publishing Communications strategy and plan.
• Create and own the UK Publishing narrative and building it out with proof points ensuring it is embedded across all communications.
• Lead complex transformation communication projects.
• Provide counsel to the UK Publishing leadership team on all communication issues.
• Drive the voice, tone and reputation of all communications.
• Possess a solid appreciation of the way the media views “newsworthiness” and story presentation is a must.
• Run proactive internal communications initiatives.
• Lead proactive media campaigns/commentary.
• Ensure consistency in all internal and external messaging.
• Be a person of high character, who is consistent and acts in line with a clear and visible set of values and beliefs; is direct, truthful and works with high integrity.

Essential Requirements:

• A solid background as a communications leader in a complex, high profile corporate environment ideally gained in a matrix organisation.
• Demonstrable and successful experience of both internal and external communications. The successful candidate must be able to evidence when they have turned a reactive function in to one built on providing strategic counsel and support.

The capabilities and experiences most critical to success in this role are:

• An experienced corporate communications professional with years of progressively larger leadership positions and experience encompassing corporate and external communications, substantial internal communications, crisis communications, media relations and change management work.
• A history of broad and extensive exposure to a variety of communications functions. Proven ability to use communication strategies, tools and techniques to support the achievement of business objectives, in alignment with overall business strategies.
• Demonstrable experience of managing large scale transformation communications.
• A proven track record in transformation of internal communication programmes, with an ability to show culture change within the organisation.
• A track record of conducting successful, proactive media relations programmes, which use creativity and a variety of forums, tools and media.
• A broad capability for crisis management.
• A thorough understanding of the needs and tactics of the business media.
• Excellent project management skills (Prince 2 or similar a distinct advantage).
• A thorough understanding of broadcast, print and digital media and each of their agendas, needs and priorities; plus a good sense of Social Media with experience of leveraging this as part of an effective communications strategy.
• A highly effective internal networker and relationship builder, recognising the need to provide effective counsel based on strong relationships .

Apply now and bring your expertise to a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

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