Press & Communications Manager (Maternity Cover)

We are a world leader in dance education and a prestigious awarding body. RAD’s mission is to inspire the world to dance. Based in our vibrant Battersea headquarters, close to the Thames and Clapham Junction, our studios and offices offer an energetic and inspiring place to work. We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Press & Communications Manager to join our Marketing & Communications team on a 12-month maternity cover basis. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping the global voice of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), supporting our mission to inspire the world to dance.

You will be an excellent communicator with strong media instincts, capable of delivering impactful press, PR and social media strategies. With both strategic vision and hands-on delivery, you will help enhance our global profile, manage a talented team, and drive meaningful engagement across audiences.

What will you be doing?

• You will lead the development and delivery of RAD’s press, PR and communications strategy, ensuring a strong and consistent voice across all channels.
• You will build and maintain relationships with journalists, media outlets, influencers and industry partners, while overseeing all media relations activity including press enquiries, interviews and high-profile placements.
• The role involves creating compelling content such as press releases, thought-leadership pieces and campaign materials, as well as managing and growing RAD-owned media channels, including the podcast.
• You will create, curate and publish content that positions the RAD as an authoritative voice in dance, education and training, while shaping and evolving the organisation’s social-media strategy.
• You will plan and deliver integrated campaigns, identify emerging trends, risks and opportunities, and take proactive action to maximise impact.
• In addition, you will maintain and implement crisis communications plans to safeguard the organisation’s reputation, oversee photography and videography projects, and line-manage and support two direct reports, fostering their development and performance.

You will demonstrate:

• Strong knowledge of media relations, PR strategy and campaign planning
• Experience managing social media platforms, tools and analytics
• Experience of content management and publishing including podcasts
• Strong organisational and project management capabilities
• Awareness of digital media trends, tools and emerging platforms
• Confidence in managing multiple stakeholders and priorities
• Understanding of brand management and reputation building
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach with strong attention to detail

Our ideal candidate is:

• A strategic thinker with hands-on experience delivering high-impact communications campaigns
• A natural relationship builder with strong media contacts
• Passionate about storytelling and audience engagement
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
• A confident leader with experience managing and developing teams
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Enthusiastic about arts, culture or dance (desirable but not essential)
• Adaptable, creative and always looking for new opportunities to raise organisational profile

Why work for us?

We are passionate about providing a positive workplace culture. Our accessible London (Wandsworth / Battersea) studios and offices are conveniently located, with facilities such as the Café and Library onsite. We operate a hybrid working model, normally 3 days per week on site and offer services to support flexible commuting e.g. cycling. We offer 25 days paid holiday (pro rata) plus bank holidays and a birthday day off, contributory pension scheme, access to the Perkbox discounts platform, life assurance, WeCare scheme and a health cash plan including access to 24/7 online GP, counselling, an Employee Assistance Programme, health assessments and other wellbeing resources and perks and in-house free movement classes.

Due to the nature of the RAD’s work, the successful candidate will be required to have an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. We encourage and welcome applications from people with a disability, people from minority ethnic backgrounds, and people from the LGBTQIA+ community. All colleagues are required to promote and safeguard the welfare of children they are responsible for, or come into contact with, and to adhere to and ensure compliance with the RAD’s Safeguarding Policy at all times.