Head of Communications Team

The British Embassy in Berlin is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head of Communications Team to join the Comms & Bilateral Section.

Main Purpose of Job:

This role is at the heart of the UK's Embassy network in Germany and is an opportunity to work on high-profile political, economic and cultural issues. Reporting to the Embassy Spokesperson, the jobholder will manage a team of seven providing a full range of communications services and advice to UK government ministers and officials. By designing and delivering innovative campaigns and engaging content, the main aim is to enhance the UK's reputation in Germany and encourage closer cooperation between our two countries

Main Duties / Responsibilities

• In collaboration with internal and external partners, to design and deliver engaging content and events which highlight and promote: the future UK-EU partnership; trade and investment opportunities; UK-German security and economic cooperation; the rights of British nationals living in Germany; and the UK's reputation as an open and responsible partner;
• To provide strategic advice and media handling support to the Ambassador, Consuls General (in Munich and Düsseldorf) and UK ministers: pitching stories and drafting press releases; refining and rehearsing messages; liaising with both journalists and UK ministries to deliver interviews, op-eds and features;
• Around major visits (e.g. from the Prime Minister or members of the Royal Family) and events (e.g. Munich Security Conference, international summits), to help deliver positive coverage of the UK, balancing the needs of both visiting delegations and the media. To lead the team's provision of organisational support including: accreditation, media handling, press conferences and logistical arrangements for travelling press;
• To oversee the production of a daily press review of German media coverage, translation into English of specific articles / interviews and to lead on evaluation of our communications activity;
• To shape the Embassy network's digital and social media presence, providing strategic advice to individual users (especially the Ambassador on Twitter) 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;
• To support the Spokesperson in leading the Embassy's Communications & Bilateral Section, 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.

Essential Experience, Skills and requirements

• Proficiency in English and German (written and spoken, minimum of C2 level for CEFR framework);
• Significant experience in journalism, communications or a related field;
• Experience in management of a diverse range of teams and individuals;
• Extensive knowledge of and contacts in German broadcast and print media;
• Experience in developing and delivering communications campaigns;
• Knowledge of digital media landscape, tools and strategies;
• Availability to travel across Germany and occasionally to work in the evenings and at weekends, including in case of a crisis (e.g. terrorist incident) affecting UK nationals in Germany. (An official smartphone will be provided).

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

• Experience in international trade and business communications;
• Knowledge of UK politics and culture;

Additional information The successful candidate will be subject to professional background check and security clearance. All applicants should have the right to live and work in Germany. The successful candidate must have pre-existing work authorization for Germany in order to apply. The British Embassy does not sponsor for work permits. Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy in Germany are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local German employment law. Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your languages skills are going to be assessed. Please note that we can only accept applications submitted through the FCO's recruitment platform. Please be advised that the British Embassy will not be able to meet the travel costs incurred when travelling to the interview, nor the costs connected with relocation if offered a job.