Head of Press and Communications

Joining English National Ballet, you will find a community of artists, musicians, theatre and costume craftspeople, creatives, business and administration professionals, all working together to achieve a common goal: to open up the possibilities of ballet, to move more people in more ways. We are a multi-skilled, multi-cultural, open and inclusive organisation and we place a high value on diversity and diversity of thought in our teams.

About the role

English National Ballet is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Press and Communications to lead and shape our press, media, and organisational communications activity. As Head of Press and Communications, you’ll drive high-impact campaigns that raise the profile of English National Ballet, tell our brand story and support our organisational goals. You’ll play a key role in setting the strategic direction for how we communicate with audiences, stakeholders, and the wider cultural sector. You’ll also lead media relations, manage reputation and advocacy work, and shape messaging to ensure it is clear, consistent, and compelling across all channels. You’ll work closely with senior leadership, oversee internal communications, and support the Press Officer in delivering high-quality work. With strong relationships across the cultural media landscape, you’ll bring strategic insight, creativity, and confidence to fast-moving and high-profile communications activity.

Your main responsibilities as Head of Press and Communications will include:

• Setting strategic positioning and raising the profile of English National Ballet, its artists, and its work through effective press and communications activity
• Leading on press and media relations and building a wide network locally, nationally and internationally
• Developing and delivering an effective, audience-led communications strategy using multiple channels to communicate English National Ballet’s brand
• Advising senior leadership on advocacy and reputation management
• Developing and delivering an internal communications strategy that keeps all staff well informed about company news and information
• Managing and developing the Press Officer, providing support with learning and development

Key Selection Criteria

• Significant experience of developing and delivering strategic press and communications campaigns within an arts or culture environment
• In-depth knowledge of the cultural media landscape, with an existing network of contacts and the ability to develop and nurture new professional relationships
• Experience managing internal communications and effective use of internal channels to keep staff informed and engaged
• Skilled at tailoring messaging and copy for a range of outputs and audiences across external and internal communications
• Ability to build positive working relationships with internal and external contacts, across all levels of an organisation
• Ability to manage, coach and develop direct reports, offering clear guidance and supporting learning pathways to acquire new skills and knowledge

About English National Ballet

English National Ballet has been opening up the possibilities of ballet for over seventy five years. We are a pioneering Company at the forefront of ballet’s growth and evolution: celebrating tradition whilst forging innovation and developing the artform. English National Ballet is also a UK leader in creative learning and engagement practice, building dynamic partnerships and community programmes. We strive for artistic excellence and to share ballet with as many people as possible, across the UK and around the world. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where staff of all backgrounds can thrive and grow. We would particularly like to hear from black and global majority applicants and from applicants living with a disability or a long-term health condition, both groups which are currently underrepresented in our organisation. English National Ballet is based at the Mulryan Centre for Dance on London City Island in Canning Town, East London. We would particularly like to hear from local East London residents, and would encourage those based in the boroughs of Tower Hamlets, Newham, Waltham Forest, and Hackney to apply.