Communications Manager

When meeting us, you’ll quickly discover that the best thing about the Association of British Insurers is the people. We’re hugely proud that 98% of our people think individual differences are respected and we are empowered to bring our whole self to work without fear of judgment. If that sounds like your sort of culture, read on to find out how you can join us.

We’re looking for a Communications Manager to join the ABI's management team, generating proactive media coverage and managing reactive enquiries to increase the media influence of the ABI and deliver for our members.

This is a great opportunity to develop and deliver key communications and contribute to the delivery of campaigns for the ABI across our world-leading insurance and long-term savings industry. The subject matter is likely to be broad-ranging and will span across the ABI’s business plan and priorities, including (but not limited to): demonstrating how the sector is promoting diversity and inclusion; showcasing our efforts to drive regional growth; and encouraging more people to prepare financially for retirement, as well as other areas of corporate communications.

We are open to flexible, part time and/or job share working – please let us know if this would be your preference. We work in a hybrid way with at least 40% of time in the office.

We welcome people who are new to insurance (most of us were when we joined!) – as well as those with experience.

What’s the job?

• To build and maintain strong and sustainable relationships with media on behalf of the ABI and to use these strategically to ensure that the ABI’s views and priorities are reported as positively as possible.

• To be a key driver of a quality press office operation, dealing with reactive enquiries quickly and effectively and delivering proactive coverage to further the agenda of the ABI membership.

• Proactively generate PR and media opportunities to support our communications strategy and campaigns, working closely with policy colleagues to make sure our media work helps achieve wider ABI objectives.

• Act as an ABI spokesperson when required, including national TV and radio.

• Line management of a small team of Communications Adviser professionals, and oversight of the quality of the outputs they deliver.

• To transform technical and complex policy issues affecting the industry into clear messages which get traction with media and on social media.

• To develop trusted internal relationships with colleagues, including the senior ABI executives, and provide credible advice and an efficient press office function which supports the progression of ABI goals.

• Participate in the Press Office out of hours duties, including the on-call rota.

• To develop a working knowledge of how the ABI design and production process works, delivering on brand, compelling content which presents the ABI in a professional, expert light supporting broader communications activity.

• To quickly build confident, professional relationships with your peers in ABI member companies to make sure you can keep in close contact and add real value to members.

• Actively participate in member networking opportunities (e.g. at ABI events), proactively highlighting ABI value during these interactions and expressing confidence in our ability to deliver on behalf of the industry.

What skills are we looking for?

• Prior media relations experience (or experience as a journalist) is essential.

• The ability to devise and deliver credible, multi-channel communications and campaigns, including digital, to promote an issue and get results.

• Extensive experience of handling media queries and managing complex reputational issues across print, online and broadcast.

• Expertise in the power of digital media in getting messages across, with experience of harnessing the potential of online web and social media channels to enhance communication campaigns and get results.

• Outstanding interpersonal, communication and networking skills, with the proven ability to build productive professional relationships internally and externally, particularly with journalists, member firms and colleagues.

• The proven ability to produce written work of a high quality, which communicates complex information and ideas in clear and imaginative ways.

• The ability to create and project positive storylines about the insurance industry and the work of the ABI.

• Effective leadership style, helping others to identify their strengths and empowering others to make decisions and take actions within clear frameworks of accountability and authority.

• Ability to oversee and manage a number of complex work areas simultaneously and independently, and to plan and prioritise own and others’ work effectively.

• Willingness to be flexible and adapt to changing work demands, and the ability to react quickly to urgent issues and incidents.

• Keen interest in current issues and affairs.

We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t have all the skills above right now.

Throughout the interview and assessment process, we will be looking for you to demonstrate our values; We are Brave; We take Ownership; We are Appreciative; We are Human and We are Curious.

Inclusion matters to us

We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds and we run our application process a bit differently – we don’t assess based on your CV. We’ll ask application questions which are relevant to the role and the skills we need to ensure our process is fair, inclusive and everyone has equal opportunity to demonstrate their suitability.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and are committed to making adjustments to help you perform at your best in our recruitment process. Additionally, where practicable, we offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum requirements for a role. To discuss, please contact careers@abi.org.uk

To find out more

You can find lots more information on our careers page, including details of our generous benefits package and who we are as an organisation.