Deputy Head of Communications (Policy, Development and Corporate) (Maternity Cover)

The British Academy - the UK's national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking a Deputy Head of Communications to join our Communications and Marketing team, leading strategic communications focused on our policy, corporate and development audiences.

ROLE PURPOSE / OVERVIEW

The Deputy Head of Communications (Policy, Development and Corporate) plays a central role in extending and enhancing the influence of the Academy with key external audiences.

You’ll be leading a small team to devise and deliver communications that meet the needs of our policy, corporate and development audiences and lead to tangible outcomes.

Priority projects in 2027 include coordinating delivery of our 125th anniversary campaign and launching our new strategic plan.

We’re looking for an experienced strategic communications professional who enjoys bringing colleagues together across different teams to align on a shared goal.

You will be comfortable working in complex environments, turning competing priorities and differing perspectives into clear plans and effective action.

You will be able to build relationships with and influence colleagues at all levels, as well as lead and develop a high-performing team.

Alongside a strong track record of developing and delivering integrated communications strategies, you will bring the judgement, credibility and collaborative approach needed to help the Academy achieve its ambitions

OFFICE LOCATION - 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, St James Park, London, SW1Y 5AH

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• 1. Leadership and Team Management
• Line management of a Strategic Communications and Production Manager
• Oversee the development and delivery of integrated communication plans targeting policy, corporate and fundraising audiences
• Deputise for the Head of Communications and Marketing as appropriate.
• Role model organisational values and be a leader for positive change
• Ensure team outputs are delivered to a high-quality and that the team is clear on priorities, and quality levels that are expected for their work.
• 2. Strategic communications
• Working with the Head of Communications and Marketing and key colleagues across the Academy, develop and deliver integrated communication plans and strategies for major Academy projects and campaigns to achieve maximum impact with the audience.
• Support the team to schedule, plan and coordinate communication outputs, assets and content ensuring there is sufficient time to plan, design and publish outputs to meet project objectives.
• Work with the Head of Communications and Marketing and Deputy Head of Communications (Fellowship and the Academic Community) to get a deep understanding of our audiences and how to reach and engage them with our communications content.
• Be a champion for communications best-practice, ensuring accessibility, adherence to the Academy style guide, excellent copywriting and editing, and project management.
• Oversee the regular publication of the Academy's email newsletters for the policy, development and corporate audiences
• Alongside the Deputy Head of Communications (Fellowship and Academic Community), play a central role in managing relevant communications channels and monitoring performance of both channels and outputs in line with Communications and Marketing Team objectives
• Working with the Deputy Head of Communications (Fellowship and the Academic Community) and the Marketing Manager, design and deliver training and onboarding of Academy staff in the digital and brand processes, including the website and style guide.
• Working with the Head of Communications and Marketing and Head of Media and Public Affairs, be responsible for overseeing the overall "communications grid" and scheduling to ensure stories are launching at the right time, spaced appropriately, given sufficient capacity and have appropriate lead-in times
• 3. Content and asset production and management
• Oversee the commissioning and production of written content, audio and video following the team's processes to ensure copyright and legal safeguards are in place for content publication.
• Oversee the production of high-quality, accessible videos and podcasts to support our policy, fundraising and corporate communications.
• Oversee the development and publication of policy assets, fundraising materials and corporate documents such as the annual report.
• Ensure the team works effectively with our in-house designer and external consultants to manage the production of a range of communications assets.
• Own and manage the relationship with external content production agencies as needed
• Report on the performance of all content, comparing reach and engagement and using insights and trends to optimise subsequent publications.
• Work with the Deputy Head of Communications (Fellowship and the Academic Community) to manage the team’s budgets for asset and content production, and digital tools.
• 4. Digital strategy and development
• With the support of the Head of Communications and Marketing and working alongside the Deputy Head of Communications (Fellowship and the Academic Community) develop and oversee the Academy's web and digital strategy
• Working with our web agency, ensure the website is being used to the best effect to meet the Academy's needs.
• Use available data and analytics to report on the performance of our digital communications channels.
• KEY STAKEHOLDERS

Internal: Development and Fellowship Directorate; Policy Directorate; SMT; Media and Public Affairs

External: Fellows of the British Academy; Policy professionals, including communications counterparts; Trusts and Foundations and corporate supporters; Development stakeholders

• ROLE REQUIREMENTS
• WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Works and communicates effectively.

• Proven experience of forming and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Positive attitude to challenges, collaboration and negotiation with colleagues.
• A professional and confident approach when dealing with a variety of people and work styles
• Interpersonal and team working skills, with the ability to clearly and concisely communicate aims, creative approach, priorities and concerns
• Tact and discretion
• A persuasive and confident communicator
• KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Demonstrates and develops appropriate knowledge and skills.

• Experience of working collaboratively to develop and deliver impactful communications plans and campaigns
• Experience overseeing complex and multi-faceted communications projects
• Experience of digital communications, content strategy, digital design, accessibility, UX, usability and SEO
• Experience of producing effective content for different platforms, including web, email newsletters, podcast, You Tube and social media (including Linked In, Instagram and Bluesky).
• Experience of moderating and managing social networking accounts
• Experience of working with a CMS
• Experience of using CRM systems to support digital marketing and mailings.
• Extensive experience of proofreading, copywriting and editing
• Familiarity with audio editing and streaming tools and online video publishing
• Strong understanding of Analytics platforms - particularly Google Analytics, Microsoft Clarity and in-platform email marketing and social media analytics - and how to use this data to drive performance.
• PROACTIVITY AND PLANNING

Manages time and resources effectively in order to achieve own and organisational objectives.

• Ability to present innovative ideas to optimise our communications plans
• Knowledge of university, research and academic sector
• Knowledge of policy audiences, current affairs and the political landscape
• Knowledge of the current digital landscape and emerging trends
• PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION MAKING

Ensures good decisions are made through a rational and methodical approach.

• Ensures good decisions are made through a rational and methodical approach
• Understand how and when to involve more senior colleagues in decision-making
• Able to prioritise effectively and delegate when appropriate
• LEADERSHIP

Gives a clear sense of direction while inspiring others with vision and actions.

• Proven experience of managing and motivating high-performing teams
• Experience of producing and managing communications assets and digital content for a range of different audiences on behalf of a high-profile organisation.
• Confident, open-minded, flexible and enthusiastic outlook
• Comfortable advising senior colleagues
• Model drive and enthusiasm for the Academy’s mission, focusing on achieving great work.

MUST BE COMMITTED TO THE BRITISH ACADEMY'S WORKPLACE VALUES OF

• COLLABORATION, CREATIVITY, EMPATHY, EXCELLENCE, INTEGRITY, RESILIENCE AND RESPECT
• Role closes to applications on 30 October 2026