The British Museum is looking for a Director of Communications to lead the development of a strategic and proactive approach to communications, promoting the national and global significance of the British Museum, its collection and its programmes. 

About the British Museum:

The Museum is driven by an insatiable curiosity for the world, a deep belief in objects as expressive witnesses and documents of human history, in ground-breaking research, and above all the desire to expand and share knowledge in collaboration with partners and audiences across the UK and worldwide.

The British Museum was founded in 1753 and opened its doors in 1759. It was the first national public museum of the world, and the first to cover all fields of human knowledge. Today it is open to visitors, physical and digital, from across the world and ranks among the most visited museums globally.

The British Museum is facing one of the most exciting and challenging periods in its long history, embarking on a major project of transformation.

Director of Communications

The Museum’s new Director of Communications will develop and lead the implementation of an innovative, long-term communications strategy, using both traditional and digital media, to communicate the Museum’s values, ambitions and achievements, help carry the Museum forward, develop strong and lasting ties with its visitors and stakeholders, and a better understanding of its audiences based on effective analytics.

Key skills/responsibilities:

• Enhance the Museum’s public profile, strengthen its reputation and support its corporate strategic objectives both nationally and globally.
• Develop a new strategic approach to support the delivery of a long-term masterplan for the Museum.
• Balance a strategic, proactive position against daily responsive engagement with press and social media.
• Based on an established network and an understanding of the wider European and global media landscape, continue to develop strong media contacts in the UK – both London-based and nationwide –and internationally. 
• Develop a deep understanding of the Museum’s audiences through data analysis
• Develop and implement crisis communications plans.
• Deploy strong stakeholder management skills both internally and externally.  Internally you will act as a trusted communications adviser with the ability to effectively influence and liaise across the organisation from Board level across all functions.  Externally, you will manage key national and international stakeholder relationships.
• Support income generation to deliver the Museum’s objectives.
• Have excellent writing skills and be hands-on creating content across various channels from press releases to speechwriting for senior leadership.
• Coordinate the content and timing of communications on key matters across the Museum, to avoid conflicting approaches and maximise positive impact.
• Bring proven line-management experience to the job. You will be responsible for leading and developing a combined team of 8.
• A background in the Arts/Culture industry is desirable but not mandatory. A strong interest in, and passion for, the Arts/Culture sector is required.

If you have the experience and are interested in hearing more please apply via VMAGROUP with your current CV britishmuseum@vmagroup.com  Deadline for applications is Monday 5^th July 2021.