Head of Media and Communications

Head of Media and Communications – 3-6-month fixed-term contract

Are you an experienced media & communications professional with a track record of managing and implementing media engagement and corporate communications strategies, for a charity?

If so, this may be a perfect role for you!

The organisation

The Royal Institute of British Architects ‘RIBA’ is a global professional membership body, and a cultural organisation, driving excellence in architecture (https://www.architecture.com/).

We are proud to partner with RIBA to identify talent for their Head of Media and Communications – 6-month fixed-term contract.

For nearly 200 years, RIBA has been dedicated to serving its members and society, striving to create better buildings, places, and stronger communities. Committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive culture, RIBA is a place where everyone can thrive and make a difference.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join this renowned organisation at an exciting time and contribute to the successful delivery of its ambitious strategy.

The role

We’re looking for a dynamic and strategic communications leader to champion the reputation of the RIBA, architects, and the built environment. In this high-impact role, you will lead, develop, and support a talented team.

You will shape and direct the RIBA’s approach to media relations and corporate communications building strong relationships with the media and key stakeholders.

Key details:

• Contract: Full-time, 3-6-month fixed-term (PAYE)
• Location: Hybrid – mostly, home-based blended with working from offices in central London (1-2 days a week)
• Salary: £65,000 + benefits (a generous pension scheme with employer contributions up to 12%, life assurance, annual leave of 27 days plus bank holidays and paid closure of 3 discretionary days between Christmas and New Year)
• Notice: available immediately, or in a very short notice period

As Head of Media and Communications, you will:

• Lead, develop and support the Media & Communications team.
• Develop a programme of media engagement and external communications to protect, build and strengthen the reputation of the RIBA, architects, and the built environment.
• Manage and develop a corporate communications strategy to engage volunteer members and external stakeholders; and lead on the development of corporate documents.
• Provide expert advice to senior colleagues on reputation management and media relations, particularly on highly sensitive and confidential matters.
• Represent RIBA at the highest level externally through targeted engagement with key stakeholders and sector influencers.
• Act as senior lead for cross-organisational communications planning to ensure maximum impact for all activity, working closely with key senior colleagues across the wider Communications & Marketing team.
• Develop and manage RIBA’s media partnerships, agencies, and consultants.
• Manage the Media & Communications budget.
• Deputise for the Executive Director of Communications & Marketing, where necessary.
• Role model RIBA values.
• Take on any other work, as directed by the line manager.

What are we looking for?

• Significant senior level experience of managing and implementing media engagement and corporate communications strategies.
• Proven track record of devising and achieving significant proactive media coverage on major PR campaigns.
• Significant experience of crisis and reputation management.
• Excellent judgment and decision-making skills in difficult or pressurized circumstances.
• Significant experience of stakeholder, agency, and external partnership management.
• Significant knowledge of the UK political system.
• Experience of managing media events and briefings.
• Strong and relevant contacts within the national, regional, and professional media, especially related to architecture, construction and the cultural sector.
• Ability to work well under pressure with a range of projects and deadlines.
• Excellent negotiation and advocacy skills.
• Experience of managing people and budgets.
• Experience of speech writing.
• Ability to work out of hours, as part of a rota, to support on reactive communications.

Closing date: Friday 11th July

Interview date: Friday 18th July (online)

Interested?

For a confidential conversation with FJWilson Talent (RIBA's recruitment partner) please contact Fiona Wilson, on 0203 195 3600, or email our team at [email protected]

*Please note, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.*

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FJWilson Talent Services is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

FJWilson Talent Services encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates who represent the full diversity of communities in the UK. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.