Global Communications Director - (9-12month FTC)

The Financial Times is one of the world’s leading news organisations, globally recognised for its authority, integrity and accuracy, with a mission to deliver quality information and services worldwide. At the FT, curiosity thrives and ambitious thinking is rewarded. Here, you’re given the chance to reach millions, create work that matters and deliver impartial journalism in a polarised world. In our warm, collaborative culture, you’ll connect with a diverse community of experts who support your growth, career aspirations and wellbeing. Your future at the FT will be filled with opportunities that challenge and inspire you.

Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion: We believe in the power of unique perspectives and want all voices in our organisation to be heard, respected and valued. A supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves and operate to their full potential. We are committed to removing barriers for everyone, with a focus on addressing those faced by underrepresented groups.

The role: The Financial Times (FT) is one of the world’s leading business news and information providers. Operating at the heart of the FT Group, the communications department offers a fast-paced environment with a positive, creative and ambitious culture. The global communications director leads a team of high-performing internal and external communications specialists based in London, New York and Hong Kong. The role drives the global communications strategy to shape the FT’s narrative and reputation as the news brand that brings modern, responsible capitalism to life. The FT has ambitious plans for global growth in subscriptions and paying audiences, as well as new products and services. The communications director works with the FT board and senior leadership team to develop and bring our success stories to key audiences. The successful candidate will have demonstrable experience of creating proactive communications strategies, building relationships with senior executives and external contacts, and handling reputational issues and crises. They will be a seasoned people manager with a positive approach, willing to lead by example.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Provide strategic PR advice and counsel to the board and senior leadership team.
• Manage leadership profiles, creating powerful opportunities to tell the FT story.
• Ensure the FT is positioned as an industry pioneer and innovator in digital subscriptions, gold-standard journalism and customer experience.
• Build and leverage relationships with top-tier global media outlets and influencers to maximise corporate announcements and advocacy around FT brands and products.
• Launch and promote new products and initiatives from across the business to drive coverage and engagement.
• Oversee key external communications platforms and materials including the corporate website, press releases, holding statements, Q&As, position papers, executive briefings.
• Work with the newsroom and the business on sensitive issues and act as spokesperson for the company, maintaining oversight of a busy press office.
• Showcase and communicate the best of the FT to help create an inclusive culture and engaged workforce.
• Ensure staff stay informed by sharing business updates, performance highlights and priorities.
• Provide regular opportunities for staff to engage with senior leadership.
• Promote our employer brand in conjunction with our talent teams.
• Lead and inspire a team of eight staff, and act as a role model to the 30+ members of the central communications and marketing group in which they sit.
• Work with peers in brand and marketing to evolve the FT’s brand messaging and ensure consistency of narrative for internal and external audiences.
• Stay on top of competitive intelligence and marketplace opportunities and challenges.
• Identify and test new communications tools, services and software and develop strategies to leverage and build reputation.
• Manage the global communications budget.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• Significant professional experience in a corporate communications leadership role, in media, publishing, tech or a high-profile, complex global business.
• Proactive approach with proven track record in implementing successful, multichannel communications strategies.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail.
• A confident personality who is able to quickly establish strong working relationships with, and influence, a range of intelligent and challenging colleagues at all levels.
• An ability to work to tight deadlines, juggle a number of projects and give timely advice on developing issues.
• A highly motivated self-starter and team leader with a strong interest in business, news and current affairs.
• Strong leadership skills and experience managing a global team in different locations.

The FT is committed to providing an inclusive working environment for all. We are an equal opportunities employer that seeks to recruit and appoint the best talent regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We have implemented a hybrid working model and we also promote flexible working and will consider specific requests around flexibility for all roles where it can be accommodated. Please let us know if you require any adjustments as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview.