Senior Media and Campaigns Manager, UK

We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity.

Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries.

We connect. We inspire.

The Role:

The Senior Media and Campaigns Manager (UK Region) plays a key role in shaping and delivering the British Council’s external communications strategy across the four nations of the UK. Working as part of the Media and External Communications team, the role delivers insight‑driven media relations activity and social media content as part of integrated campaigns that raise awareness of our work and strengthen our reputation. The postholder also provides reputation management advice and supports colleagues working on UK‑focused communications, championing best‑practice approaches to media engagement.

Accountabilities:

The role leads the planning, execution and evaluation of proactive UK media relations, ensuring alignment with the wider communications strategy and maintaining the organisation’s reputation across the UK media landscape. It provides expert guidance on reputational opportunities and risks, drives coordinated UK media activity for integrated campaigns, and participates in key team systems such as the 24/7 duty press officer rota, news monitoring and press/social media evaluations. The postholder analyses press and social media insights to inform communications, translates complex information into persuasive media content, and will consider organisational and sector priorities in order to shape effective communication strategies. They work closely with internal stakeholders to anticipate business needs, contribute to digital channel planning, and recommend improvements to enhance operational effectiveness. The role delivers professional advice within the communications function, maintains continuous professional development, and applies commercial discipline through effective budget and financial management. It builds and sustains influential relationships with journalists, peers and internal stakeholders to support joined‑up working and the adoption of best practice.

Requirements of the role:

• Degree or professional qualification in communications or demonstrable level of equivalent experience


• Demonstrable experience of working in a media relations or public relations role with a track record of successfully creating, delivering and evaluating media/PR campaigns to support business objectives


• Experience of developing relationships with senior journalists across the UK regions, including in broadcast media and working with them to deliver impactful coverage


• Experience of working with communications teams in partner organisations on joint projects to ensure that all partners achieve their communications objectives on a shared project.


• A track record of identifying and highlighting reputational risks and successfully mitigating impact.


• Experience of training and guiding senior colleagues on working with the media and giving interviews.

Closing Date:   Applications will close at 23:59 on 8th February 2025 UK Time.

You must have the legal right to work in the listed locations at the time of application.

Important Information:

Contract type: 12 months Fixed Term Contract
Pay band: 8

Salary: £38,820-£46,203 (depending on experience) plus London allowance of £3,300 if London based

Location: UK - London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast only. Successful candidate is expected to travel into one of the above offices at least 3 times a week

Requirements:
Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing, legal right to work in the listed locations at the time of application. 

Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided. 
 
British Council supports working in new ways such as hybrid working, subject to full approval by line management and conditional upon our ability to provide the appropriate level of service.  This may not be appropriate for all roles but can be explored at interview.

A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.

Safeguarding Statement

The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.

If you experience any difficulties with submitting your application, please email [email protected]