Group Communications & External Relations Director, Virgin
9 Month Contract, November 2024 to July 2025
1-3 days a week in office
Investment group
Job no longer available
Investment group
501-1000 employees
Job no longer available
1-3 days a week in office
501-1000 employees
Company mission
To create unique customer experiences, challenging the status quo and championing people and the planet. For five decades, in five business sectors and on five continents, its purpose is to change business for good.
Role
Who you are
- Extensive experience in managing an in-house press office and working with UK and international media
- Proven track record of achieving positive media coverage for organisations, particularly in the UK and internationally
- Experience in providing organisational commentary and supporting others in media interviews for national outlets
- Proficiency in overseeing media events such as press conferences and interviews
- Excellent relationships with a range of media outlets
- Demonstrated ability to work with commercial partners, sponsors, and Virgin branded companies
- Thorough understanding of a business operational environment, especially regarding UK Government relations and media engagement
- Experience in developing and maintaining internal communications channels, including digital solutions
- Strong leadership skills, including strategic planning, budget management, and team development
- Excellent relationship-building and influencing skills, with the ability to communicate effectively at all organisational levels
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, diplomatic approach, and ability to handle confidential matters with discretion and political astuteness
What the job involves
- We’re seeking a Group Communications & External Relations Director on a fixed-term contract, to step into the spotlight and be the driving force behind the company's media strategy and brand protection
- You’ll provide strategic leadership on press matters, aligning with the overall communications strategy, and execute proactive campaigns to elevate Virgin’s profile across various audiences
- You'll advise the Founder and leadership team on reputation management and media relations, while also overseeing group internal communications, content and digital communications and advocacy to keep employees worldwide buzzing with Virgin energy
- Working closely with teams in London and New York and Virgin companies across the world, you'll safeguard the reputation of the Founder and the group, while also promoting the Virgin brand globally through media engagements, Virgin events, and third-party collaborations
- Reporting to the Chief People Officer Nikki Humphrey, this role provides strategic communications counsel to the Founder and the Virgin Group leadership team and the Virgin Group leadership team, including planning key Virgin events and campaigns
- Lead global communications, mentoring teams and managing crisis communications for the group and support key Virgin Company activities
- Forge and develop strategic partnerships with UK and US partners, like-minded brands, and Virgin Companies
- Collaborate with Brand and People teams on integrated communications and activation strategies
- Develop and implement media and PR strategies to maximise Virgin Management's profile and ensure effective reputation management
- Oversee press office operations, providing efficient, proactive and reactive services for print, digital, and broadcast media
- Cultivate relationships with UK and international media to secure positive coverage and organise media events
- Coordinate with Virgin Company Media teams and Internal Communications teams to amplify good news stories and share best practices
- Lead the Communications & External Relations team, providing direction, managing budgets, and developing performance indicators
- Oversee group internal communications initiatives to engage employees worldwide
Application process
- Closing date: 18 September 2024
Salary benchmarks
Our take
Virgin, a globally recognised and respected brand, was founded on the principle of changing business for good. The Virgin Group spans 40+ companies in sectors such as travel, health, music, telecommunications, and finance.
At the heart of the Virgin empire is Virgin Management, playing a pivotal role in nurturing and developing valuable Virgin businesses worldwide. This central hub collaborates with each Virgin company and its global teams, fostering a shared culture and purpose that unites the Virgin family.
Committed to fostering entrepreneurship, Virgin established the not-for-profit Virgin Start Up to support founders in starting, funding, and scaling businesses. Simultaneously, Virgin Unite, a non-profit foundation, assembles entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and leaders to tackle the world's toughest challenges.
Adding another dimension to its multifaceted approach is Virgin Red, the brand's rewards club designed around enhancing the lives of its members. Functioning as a universal currency, Virgin Points earned through Virgin Red can be spent across the entire Virgin Family and beyond. This rewards club, true to Virgin's style, prioritises people, ensuring that members can indulge in everyday treats or save for extraordinary adventures, further solidifying Virgin's commitment to creating positive change across various sectors.
Kirsty
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
Insights
59% female employees
Company
Company benefits
- Flexible working: What hours are you at your best? Do you thrive in the office or at home? Whatever floats your boat, we say you do you.
- Unlimited leave: Yup, you read that right. You have a life outside of work to enjoy and we know it. Feel free to put your wellbeing first and take the time you need.
- Health benefits: We offer full health benefits for you and your family, including private health insurance, top-tier dental care, 360 degree health assessments, access to a 24/7 digital GP, cycle to work schemes, fertility support and more.
Company HQ
Paddington, London
Leadership
Richard Branson
(Founder)Founded Virgin in 1968 and has since expanded the business into many sectors from travel to telecommunication, health to banking, and music to leisure.
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