Head of External Communications

Join our team at the Guardian and be a part of a diverse and inclusive global organisation that delivers fearless, investigative journalism, and holds power to account. Our team of award-winning journalists, cutting-edge commercial professionals, and industry-leading digital experts are committed to making a difference and represent a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. We offer a challenging and exciting environment for career development, with a focus on training, growth and fostering an inclusive culture.

We are now looking for a Head of External Communications to join the Communications team on a 6 month fixed term contract. This role is ideally suited to a proactive, experienced communications professional with strong knowledge of UK media who thrives in a fast-paced environment.

We’re looking for a skilled writer who has the ability to communicate across a range of platforms, channels and styles. You should be able to build swift relationships with a superb grasp of reputation management and a love of rapid proactive and reactive communications. This is a great opportunity to join a global-thinking team in one of the world’s leading media organisations, managing and developing the press office team.

About the Role:

• Draft and oversee high-quality, engaging communications materials including press releases, presentations, speeches, multimedia and social media content and other communications materials.
• Develop relationships with key media sector stakeholders, journalists, analysts and influencers as part of a long-term plan of effective communications.
• Build the Guardian’s editorial and commercial reputation, and deal with any reactive reputational incidents.
• Demonstrate a good grasp of effective and data-led media monitoring, providing regular summaries and reporting of media coverage and recommending action plans for key internal stakeholders.
• Generate proactive and modern ideas for how to build the Guardian’s brand through social media and through video and audio content with innovative ideas for how to respond to misinformation about the Guardian online.
• Monitor and measure the performance of content across platforms using analytics tools, offering data-driven insights to optimise future content.

About You:

• Demonstrated experience in a senior external communications or media relations role in a high-profile organisation.
• Able to provide solid examples of managing crisis communications.
• Can demonstrate proven results in building the profile of organisations and key spokespeople proactively.
• Can demonstrate first-rate media relations and reputation management, with experience of handling major national and international stories and issues.
• Has a solid background in the creation of social content and an understanding of what works and doesn’t in direct media.
• Has a strong interest in and passion for news media and journalism.

We operate in a hybrid environment working 3 days a week from our offices in Kings Cross and 2 days a week remotely.

We value and respect all differences (seen and unseen) in all people. We aspire to have inclusive working experiences and an environment that reflects the audience we serve, where our people have equal access to career development opportunities, their voices are heard and can contribute to our future. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. Many of our staff work flexibly and we will consider all requests for flexible working arrangements.

How to Apply

To apply, please upload your latest CV and a cover letter which outlines why you’d love to take on this role, and why you’re a great match for what we’re looking for.

We appreciate the time taken to prepare each application we receive. We do not use AI-assisted technology to review applications; every application is reviewed by a member of our recruitment team.

The closing date for applications isFriday 25th July 2025.

All roles at the Guardian are open for everybody to apply. It is important to us that you feel supported and comfortable throughout your recruitment process, in order to perform your best. Please let us know if there are any changes we could make to help your application, this includes providing documents in accessible formats or personalising the process to better support your needs. Please contact Anna Vipers on to discuss further so we can work with you to support you through your application.

Benefits at the Guardian

You\’ll have 30 days of annual leave per year, plus bank holidays, pro-rated depending on the length of the contract. Our pension scheme is generous; if you contribute 5% then we will contribute 8-12% (depending on your age). We believe in giving back, which is why employees are given 2 volunteering days annually and the option of payroll giving. You are entitled to life cover, income protection, and eye tests. You can also opt in to dental insurance.

We have enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave policies in place. We also support our employees by offering an IVF, menopause, baby loss, and trans equality policy.

Culture and Wellbeing

We want everyone to feel like they belong at the Guardian and we champion diversity of thought. Our various employee forums provide a platform to use their voice to foster an inclusive workplace. We became the first major media organisation to achieve B Corp status.

We offer tools to help you prioritise your wellbeing including access to our employee benefits platform which provides tailored support for health and wellbeing. In addition, we also offer free yoga and pilates classes. These run alongside our corporate gym membership and cycle to work scheme.

Our canteen has views overlooking the Regents Canal and caters for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Learning and Development

We encourage personal and professional growth. Employees have access to a broad range of tools and solutions, and we are happy to support the pursuit of professional qualifications through vocational courses and apprenticeships.

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