Job Description
Job Title: Head of Corporate Communications, Commercial, Streaming and Technology
Reports to: Head of Corporate and Executive Communications
Department: Corporate Relations
Location: London
Job Grade: L2
Duration: 7 Month Fixed Term Contract
DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION
The Corporate Relations Division is responsible for promoting and protecting the Channel 4 brand. It is a strategic, aligned and proactive function bringing together Corporate Communications, Corporate Brand, Events & Engagement, Internal Communications and Corporate Partnerships.
Channel 4’s Corporate Communications & Campaigns Team exists to raise Channel 4’s reputation externally amongst a variety of different audience groups.
JOB PURPOSE
The Head of Corporate Communications, Commercial, Streaming and Technology is responsible for developing and executing the corporate communications strategy related to Channel 4’s commercial operations, its digital-first consumer product offering and technology. You will build and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, specifically the media and internally with the Channel 4 departments you are aligned to.
You will develop and define Channel 4’s narrative and positioning related to Channel 4’s commercial strategy, streaming and technology offering, ensuring this is proactively reflected in Channel 4’s communications.
This will include crafting a narrative which amplifies how Channel 4’s unique model is at the forefront of reimaging video advertising, delivering for audiences and commercial partners, alongside telling a compelling story of Channel 4’s streaming ambitions, platform and viewing, and its technology initiatives and progress - underlining its transformation strategy.
You will also identify opportunities to broaden and strengthen the reputational ambitions of Channel 4, initiating corporate communications initiatives which elevate Channel 4 internally and externally.
You will develop and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with the teams you are directly aligned with and will work closely with specific members of Channel 4’s Executive Management Board and Leadership team. You will work closely with colleagues within the Corporate Relations Division and more widely across the organisation with Heads of Department to ensure continuity, strategic alignment and effectiveness.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
* Drive proactive and engaging communications which support Channel 4’s Commercial, Streaming and Technology strategies, and uphold the organisation’s corporate reputation. You will create strategies to elevate Channel 4’s commercial operations and consumer offering and drive positive media coverage.
* You will work closely with the Heads of Department to develop the narrative with key stakeholders, both externally & internally.
* Shape and drive Channel 4’s external reputation positively promoting its content offering, services, strategies and performance.
* Communicate Channel 4’s position on industry issues with media and other stakeholders.
* Build on existing relationships with stakeholders, news outlets and advocacy partners. Identify new industry partners.
* Work collaboratively within the division and across the organisation with different functions to improve effectiveness and ensure a join-up narrative across stakeholders.
* Support development of internal and external communications materials – internal memos, press releases, key messaging, Q&As, fact sheets, presentations and speeches.
* Draft to a very high standard briefing materials for senior management to support external media engagement.
* Liaise closely with the internal communications team on key announcements and employee communications.
* Use of @C4press Twitter feed – and monitor key social media platforms such as Twitter, LinkedIn etc. for media and industry updates.
* Identify key platforms and events to raise the profile of Channel 4 and senior executive voices.
* Work closely with colleagues in the Corporate Communications and Publicity teams to ensure forward planning systems, corporate contacts, crisis comms planning documents, external events schedules are up to date.
* Build positive and trusted relationships with trade and business media as well as any journalists in the specialist areas relating to this role.
* Ensure that Channel 4’s communications department activity reflects the organisation’s commitment to inclusion and diversity.
* Develop strong relationships with Channel 4’s staff networks.
* The duties and responsibilities may vary over time, dependent on business need. Support for reasonable adjustments is available where needed. The role also requires the ability to undertake travel and work unsocial hours as required.
ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE & SKILLS
* Relevant managerial experience in financial/corporate communications/public affairs.
* Superior writer, with excellent attention to detail.
* Strong inter-personal skills, with a collaborative and team-oriented approach.
* Strategic thinker and highly motivated self-starter with the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
* Ability to juggle competing priorities effectively, while operating in ambiguous settings.
* Proven ability to develop proactive communications strategies that drive measurable results.
* Strong analytical and organisational skills.
* Impeccable judgment and decision-making skills, with the ability to interact productively with stakeholders.
* Proven relationships with journalists and other stakeholder engagement.
DESIRABLE
* Media industry experience
* Experience of investor relations
* Understanding of the press and how it operates
* Basic to intermediary financial training
* Experience of corporate transactions/restructuring
* Experience of high-profile crisis management