Director External Communications

Join our team at Guardian News & Media (GNM) and be a part of a diverse and inclusive global organisation that delivers fearless, investigative journalism, giving a voice to the powerless and holding power to account.

Our team of award-winning journalists, cutting-edge commercial professionals, and industry-leading digital experts are committed to making a difference and represent a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. At Guardian News and Media, we offer an exciting environment for career development as well as an inclusive culture.

We are now looking for an External Communications Director to deliver a strong proactive external communications approach that promotes and enhances our journalism, business strategy, brand and products.

About The Role

• Draft and oversee high-quality engaging communications materials including press releases, presentations, speeches, social media copy and other communications materials, as part of a strategic communications plan that supports the Guardian’s editorial and commercial goals.
• Develop relationships with key media sector stakeholders, journalists, analysts and other key influencers as part of a long-term plan of strategic communications.
• Build the Guardian’s editorial and commercial brand, and deal with any incidents or crises which negatively impact reputation
• Manage numerous stakeholders and projects across the organisation, drafting plans and agreeing key milestones and measures of success.
• Build relationships with senior commercial leaders, journalists and editors, including those based in our growing US and Australian teams to support every area of the organisation effectively.
• Provide advice and communications support to the Guardian Media Group and Scott Trust boards when needed, as part of a holistic communication strategy.

About You

This role requires a senior and experienced communications leader with a passion for the Guardian’s editorial purpose and values, able to write and communicate brilliantly across a range of channels and styles and to think and work globally as part of our fast-growing international organisation.

They will also have a superb grasp of reputation management, great relationship-building and interpersonal skills and a love of fast-paced environments.

How to Apply

To apply, please upload your latest CV and a cover letter which outlines why you’d love to take on this role, and why you’re a great match for what we’re looking for.

The closing date for applications is Friday 31st March 2023.

All roles at Guardian News & Media are open for everybody to apply. It is important to us that you feel supported and comfortable throughout your application process, in order to perform your best. Please let us know if there are any changes we could make to the application process to make it easier and more comfortable for you. Please contact Karen Walter on [email protected] to discuss further so we can work with you to support you through your application.

About Us

The Guardian offers a competitive benefits package including 30 days holiday per annum, a generous pension, healthcare, dental insurance options, cycle to work scheme and 2 paid volunteering days per year.

We have a strong commitment to your learning, development and wellbeing, with hundreds of different courses available – ranging from bite-sized e-learning courses, to on-site workshops and professional certifications.

It’s the talent, energy and commitment our people bring to our business that make us who we are. Across our business we have some of the brightest and best people in media and beyond: award winning journalists, cutting edge commercial teams, industry leading digital talent and much, much more.

We are a vibrant and diverse community with many events groups and forums to get involved in. Our Kings Place offices overlook Regents Canal, with the newly-developed Coal Drops Yard, Granary Square and St Pancras Square shops, restaurants and pop-ups.

We value and respect all differences (seen and unseen) in all people at the Guardian. We aspire to have inclusive working experiences and an environment that reflects the audience we serve, where our people have equal access to career development opportunities, their voices are heard and can contribute to our future. The Guardian actively encourages applications from BAME candidates.

At The Guardian, many of our staff work flexibly and we will consider all requests for flexible working arrangements.

The Guardian