View Vacancy - Head of Communications

Main purpose of job:

The job holder will be responsible for setting the strategic direction for communications output of the British High Commission and Consulates across Canada, and managing – in part directly and in part through remote leadership – that communications. To do this, the successful applicant will have strong experience communicating through traditional media, social media, and by using innovative tools of public diplomacy. They will also have a good understanding of Canadian audiences and the political environment in Canada.

Roles and responsibilities:

The job holder will be responsible for:

- Setting the strategic direction for all of the High Commission’s communications and public diplomacy output across Canada. This will require close co-operation with the network of four Consulates across the country, and the full range of British Government departments represented in that network.

- Providing leadership to the media and public affairs team across Canada in delivering those communications through the full range of channels to selected audiences including decision makers, opinion formers, academics and the general public. Setting the direction for that team for an ambitious digital output.

- Advising the High Commissioner and other senior communicators across the network on the communications landscape, particularly print and broadcast media. This will necessitate maintaining a strong contact network of media contacts in Ottawa and across Canada.

- Keeping abreast of political developments in Canada and the UK, and developing a familiarity with UK policy across the full range of issues the British Government works on in Canada, such that they are in a position to advise senior leadership how to handle managing emerging situations and getting important British Government messages to key audiences.

- Identifying and organising, with the broader team, innovative ways of communicating, including through communications campaigns, events and marketing opportunities. As part of this, bidding for and managing project funding.

Essential on arrival: At least 5 years’ experience working in communications, including traditional and digital media. Experience organising events including managing funding.