View Vacancy - Head of Media Team, Paris (FRA19.182)

The British Embassy in Paris is part of a worldwide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. We are looking for a Head of Media Team to play a leading role in our communications work and in building Franco-British relations at an important, and fascinating, time in both countries. The ideal candidate will have a real appetite for current affairs, as well as enthusiasm to work across multiple different spheres, including culture, science and technology, business and defence. You will be a compelling advocate and leader, be comfortable working on a wide range of complex issues, show excellent team-working skills, and be motivated to make a real contribution to cross-Channel relations.

Specifically this means working across the Embassy – and the wider France Network - to help set direction for our communications effort, and then setting a high standard of service delivery within the team of communications officers that you will lead. You will be able to provide strategic advice and media handling support, including pitching stories and drafting press releases, to ensure the embassy lands key messages with a range of media across France. You will be required to liaise with journalists through building relationships. Around major visits and events you will help deliver positive coverage of the UK, balancing the needs of visiting delegations and the media team.

You will oversee the production of a daily press review of French media coverage of important issues affecting British interests, translation into English of specific articles/interviews and lead on evaluation of communications activity and recommend media handling approaches.

You will shape the Embassy network’s digital and social media presence, providing strategic advice to individual users, promoting the links and connections between the UK and France. You will also drive improvements in graphic and audio-visual skills in the team and wider Embassy network.

You will support the Spokesperson in leading the Embassy’s Politics, Engagement and Public Affairs, deputising during absences and balancing the needs of both team members and senior management. You will contribute to the wider Embassy network’s corporate objectives, e.g. on staff wellbeing, internal communications or diversity.

Main Duties and Responsibilities 

Media Strategy: You will work with colleagues to lead the design of the Embassy’s media strategy, identifying clear objectives and prioritizing in how to achieve them. This will include: pitching stories and drafting press releases; refining and rehearsing messages; liaising with both journalists and UK ministries to deliver interviews, op-eds and features. You will incorporateboth traditional and digital tools to maximize impact, and measuring it. (Approximate 25% of time)

Building bilateral media relations: In collaboration with relevant stakeholders, you will support factual and positive coverage of the UK by building an excellent network in Paris and the regions, and leading the team to deliver. In particular you will design and deliver engaging content and events which highlight and promote: the future UK-France partnership; trade and investment opportunities; UK-France security and economic cooperation; the rights of British nationals living in France; and the UK’s reputation as an open and responsible partner. You will support and advise the Ambassador, Senior Leadership Team and other colleagues on the French media and engagement, contributing to individual projects and the overall bilateral relationship. Support engagement between the French media and British VIPs and lead the team’s provision of organisational support including: accreditation, media handling, press conferences and logistical arrangements for travelling press. You will help prepare talking points, speeches and other interventions involving representatives of the embassy and Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). (Approximate 20% of time)

Media Reporting: Oversee the production of a daily press review of French media coverage, and translate specific articles/interviews into English. Your reporting will show real added-value which can be harnessed in the elaboration of key messages, the communications strategy, and policy work at the Embassy and in London. (Approximate 15% of time)

Management: Set direction for a team of staff, focusing on their professional development so that the Embassy has the right mix of skills to deliver a world-class service. Carry out line management and leadership duties on time and to a high standard. You will support the Spokesperson in leading the Embassy’s Politics, Engagement and Public Affairs, deputising during absences and balancing the needs of both team members and senior management. To contribute to the wider Embassy network’s corporate objectives, e.g. on staff wellbeing, internal communications or diversity. (Approximate 15% of time)

Digital communications: To shape the Embassy network’s digital and social media presence, providing strategic advice to individual users  and ensuring our corporate channels deliver persuasive, lively and varied content. To drive improvements in graphic and audio-visual skills in the team and wider Embassy network; measuring impact and adapting strategy and content as required.  (Approximate 20% of time)

• Fluent English and French with excellent writing skills including the ability to summarize long articles and draft speaking notes
• Excellent knowledge of the French media and contacts in French broadcast and print media
• Track record in managing a team
• Significant experience in journalism, communications or a related field
• Track record of delivering positive media coverage
• Excellent networking skills
• Sophisticated understanding of social media and proficient user of the main channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn)