E+ Head of Marketing & Communications & Events

We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity. Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries. We connect. We inspire.

The Department for Education has announced that the British Council is set to take on the role of National Agency for Erasmus+. In December the UK and EU arrived at a political agreement that the UK would rejoin the Erasmus+ scheme in 2027. That agreement has now been legally formalised under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The British Council has a longstanding commitment to supporting international exchange. It was a lead partner in the Erasmus+ UK National Agency from 2014–20, where Erasmus+ made a significant contribution to the UK's cultural relations activities, funding 8,091 projects, engaging 583,757 UK participants, and awarding around €1.1 billion to UK organisations.

Pay Band: SMP (9)
Contract Duration: 2 Year Fixed Term Contract with possibility of extension
Location: London, United Kingdom
Right to Work Requirements: Current right to work in the UK. The British Council is not able to support or sponsor work visa applications.
Closing Date: Applications will close on Tuesday 19 May at 21:59 UK Time

Role purpose
The Head of Marketing, Communications & Events provides strategic leadership for all marketing, communications, stakeholder engagement and events activity across Erasmus+. Reporting to the National Agency Director, the role is responsible for delivering an integrated, audience‑led strategy that enhances programme visibility, strengthens stakeholder confidence and supports grant outcomes. The postholder ensures all activity is aligned with client requirements, governance standards and brand integrity, while driving measurable impact and value for money. As a senior leader, they shape programme narrative, manage reputational risk and build strong external partnerships, while leading a high‑performing team to deliver clear, compelling and impactful communications across the full programme lifecycle.

Main Accountabilities

• Strategic Leadership & Planning
  Lead an integrated marketing, communications and events strategy aligned to programme and contractual goals. Provide strategic advice to senior leadership on messaging, engagement and reputation. Deliver insight‑led, audience‑focused campaigns and monitor performance against KPIs (ROI, reach, impact).
• Brand, Messaging & Reputation Management
  Protect brand identity and ensure consistent, accessible communications. Develop compelling narratives and key messaging frameworks. Proactively manage reputational risks and align closely with corporate communications teams.
• Events Leadership
  Oversee delivery of national and regional events, conferences and webinars. Ensure events drive engagement, meet programme objectives and follow governance standards.
• Consultancy, Analysis & Problem Solving
  Provide insight on business needs, opportunities and performance improvement. Manage end‑to‑end campaign delivery, including supplier coordination. Apply advanced marketing expertise to solve complex challenges.
• Relationships & Stakeholder Management
  Build strong internal and external networks to support best practice and programme success. Maintain effective stakeholder relationships to deliver shared goals and impact targets. Collaborate with global marketing teams to embed consistent standards.
• Agency & Supplier Management
  Manage agencies/suppliers, ensuring clear briefs, governance and performance oversight. Maintain strong financial and operational control, including approvals and delivery tracking.
• Governance, Compliance & Reporting
  Ensure compliance with brand, governance, procurement and data protection standards. Deliver high‑quality reporting and performance insights. Manage budgets effectively, ensuring value for money.
• Leadership & Team Management
  Lead, develop and coach a high‑performing team. Promote a culture of collaboration, innovation and accountability. Ensure effective planning, capacity and delivery at scale.

Role Specific Knowledge And Experience

• Minimum / Essential
  Proven leadership of marketing teams in large, complex organisations. Strong strategic planning, budgeting and commercial acumen. Experience influencing senior stakeholders and managing supplier/agency relationships. Knowledge of procurement processes and financial controls. Strong analytical capability with ability to translate data into clear insight and messaging.
• Desirable
  Experience with Erasmus+ or large, grant‑funded programmes. Sector knowledge (e.g. education, youth, sport, VET). Experience with marketing technologies, data and lead generation. Exposure to global organisations.

Language Requirements
Fluent written and spoken English required. Additional European languages desirable.

Professional Qualifications
Degree (or equivalent experience) in marketing, communications or business. Postgraduate qualification desirable.

Background Checks
Initial and continuing employment with the British Council is subject to an annual background check. The job undertaken defines the nature of check(s) and assessment applied. 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.

A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.

Safeguarding Statement
The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.