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Job Introduction

We have a 12-month Head of Communications vacancy in the news communications team. We need a strategic, creative leader to manage a small team of publicists and advise senior stakeholders on communications strategy.

The BBC World Service broadcasts across the globe in 42 languages, including English, on TV, audio and digital, to an audience of more than 350 million people. It is currently undergoing a period of change as it moves towards becoming a digital-first service.

You’ll report into the Senior Head of Communications, News.

This is a 12 month contract from March 2023, based in BBC’s Broadcasting House in London (hybrid).

Main Responsibilities

You’ll be experienced in working with senior execs – in this role you will support the Director of the BBC World Service and her senior management team as they move towards a digital-first service and support the new strategy set by the CEO, BBC News.

As Head of Communications you will routinely provide clear, senior level advice on significant corporate issues and handle a high volume of sensitive media queries, often under pressure.

You will oversee international communications across all 42 language services and promote the BBC as the world’s most trusted news source.

You’ll develop ways to illustrate the importance of the BBC World Service to opinion formers across the world through varied corporate communications activity.

Are you the right candidate?

You have a proven record of achievement in communications at a senior level and experience in delivering creative publicity campaigns as well as strategic communications plans.

You know how to manage and motivate a team and are able to provide leadership in a way which allows your team members to maintain ownership of their projects and areas.

You will have significant experience in effectively managing difficult, high profile media queries under pressure and providing authoritative communications advice to senior managers, talent and colleagues to protect and enhance the BBC’s reputation.

You will preferably be able to demonstrate international communications experience and a knowledge of the international news media, and the challenges facing the industry.

This role may involve some international travel.

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About the BBC

We don’t focus simply on what we do – we also care how we do it. Our values and the way we behave are important to us. Please make sure you’ve read about our values and behaviours in the document attached below.

Diversity matters at the BBC. We have a working environment where we value and respect every individual's unique contribution, enabling all of our employees to thrive and achieve their full potential.

We want to attract the broadest range of talented people to be part of the BBC – whether that’s to contribute to our programming or our wide range of non-production roles. The more diverse our workforce, the better able we are to respond to and reflect our audiences in all their diversity.

We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles, unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.

To find out more about Diversity and Inclusion at the BBC, please click here

Package Description

Band: E
Contract type: Twelve month fixed term contract to start
Location: London based role with some flexibility - ie hybrid working

We’re happy to discuss flexible working. Please indicate your choice under the flexible working question in the application. There is no obligation to raise this at the application stage but if you wish to do so, you are welcome to. Flexible working will be part of the discussion at offer stage.

• Excellent career progression – the BBC offers great opportunities for employees to seek new challenges and work in different areas of the organisation.
• Unrivalled training and development opportunities – our in-house Academy hosts a wide range of internal and external courses and certification.
• Benefits- We offer a competitive salary package, a flexible 35-hour working week for work-life balance and 26 days (1 of which is a corporation day) with the option to buy an extra 5 days, a defined pension scheme and discounted dental, health care, gym and much more.