Head of Media & Communications

Be part of the vision; be part of RIBA.

RIBA is a global professional membership body and a cultural organisation, driving excellence in architecture.

Salary: up to £65,000 pro rata

Location: London/Hybrid working

Hours: 35 hours per week, full-time, 3-6-month fixed-term contract

Notice: Available immediately, or in a very short notice period

About 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.

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

Why Join us?

Our Benefits:

RIBA offers an amazing employee benefits package which includes (a) a generous pension scheme with employer contributions (up to 12%), (b) life assurance, (c) annual leave of 27 days plus bank holidays and paid closure of 3 discretionary days between Christmas and New Year. For more details on our benefits please visit our website.

If you would like to apply for the position, please submit your CV and covering letter on our website after you click "Apply". Please note that we will only consider applications received directly through our company website.

Closing date: 11th July 2025

Interview date: 18th July 2025

Due to high volumes of applications, we are unable to respond to everyone, however, should you be shortlisted for interview we will be in touch. We may also close an advert earlier than the date above if we receive enough quality applications.

Please note that you must be able to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. We are unable to proceed with any candidates who cannot show the relevant documentation so please only apply if you meet these criteria. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship.

RIBA aims to be an inclusive employer, committed to building an authentic and diverse environment where all are encouraged to be themselves. We champion work/life balance and welcome requests for flexible working across our organisation. We value applications from all sections of society and appreciate divergent experience, therefore if you are excited about the role and working with us, yet your experience may not align perfectly with every single skill or competency, we encourage you to apply anyway.

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