Senior Communications Manager

Focus of the Role

The TBI Communications Team comprises specialists across the comms functions - design, editorial, media relations/PR, strategic planning, digital, direct marketing, publishing.  We develop creative, impactful communications strategies which are a key part of delivering success as an organisation.

Job Introduction

We are seeking a strategic Senior Communications Manager with exceptional communications skills to join our busy Communications Team working to support our new tech transformation initiative (Tech for Development).  The successful candidate will join the Institute at an exciting time as this new initiative starts to scale across Africa and Asia.  This newly created role is an opportunity to bring extensive skills and experience in strategic planning and communications.

You’ll play a critical role in ensuring our value proposition is communicated effectively and impactfully across the full spectrum of channels. You’ll have a flexible approach, a can-do attitude and excellent relationship management skills. You’ll be a proactive and motivated communications professional who has a passion for producing impactful comms.

You may have experience in central government, international development or tech communications, either in a specialism such as PR, digital or media relations, or be a professional strategic communicator.  There will also be hands-on elements where you may be briefing media directly on activity.

The role won’t initially have line management responsibilities but some experience of people management is desirable as the team grows.  Experience of working across geographies, specifically developing and emerging nations, is also desirable.  You'll have a right to work in the UK but we are open to considering remote working as a permanent part of the role.

If you want to put your creative and strategic comms skills to work to work in a rewarding, high-profile non-profit organisation then this is the job for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Director of Policy Communications in developing and delivering an agreed communications strategy for our Tech for Development initative, as part of the wider business objectives
• Oversee strategic planning for this programme of work in support of current communications objectives and be willing to be hands-on in some aspects of delivery
• Work closely with colleagues across the communications and external relations team – social, design, editorial, media relations, digital, fundraising  and stakeholder relations to develop and implement PR and engagement activity across all channels
• Oversee and lead strategic planning/delivery of external communications engagement activity plans for publications and announcements, as part of wider communications strategy
• Advise on and support strategic engagement with partners and stakeholders, including developing a programme of events with the TPP community engagement team
• Oversee the production of innovative creative content
• Put in place systems to gather insight and evaluate effectiveness, working with comms colleagues and the TBI Evidence and Impact Team
• Work collaboratively to build effective relationships with key stakeholders in the Institute and partner organisations
• Identify and flag risks and prepare mitigating action
• Act as an effective ambassador for the communications team in all interactions

Person Specification

This is a role in a fast-paced team and the successful candidate will need to demonstrate the following skills, knowledge and experience:

• A talented, collaborative and creative individual with extensive experience of developing effective communication strategies spanning social, PR, media, and stakeholder engagement
• Extensive experience in developing and delivering creative high-impact communications strategies and tactics either in-house or at an agency
• Exceptional knowledge of the communications landscape and how to best identify, reach, and engage audiences using a range of tools, techniques and channels
• Clear understanding of setting project objectives, gathering insight and KPIs
• Experience of designing effective evaluation for campaign strategies with evidence of strong planning and project management skills
• Direct experience of media disciplines, such as PR and social media - the role will require some delivery as well as strategy
• Understanding of technology and the role it can play in improving the way we live and work – ideally some experience of tech and/or international development promotional activity
• The ability to work in a high-pressure environment manging often competing agendas and priorities with a proactive, can-do attitude
• The ability to work with, and influence, a diverse range of specialists within the comms team. Whilst you won’t line manage directly you will need to work collaboratively both within our team and with  ‘clients’ across the organisation with varying experience and expectations of what good comms looks like
• Good political understanding and knowledge of what makes news
• A keen interest in the work of TBI, our mission and values

About The Institute

The Tony Blair Institute (TBI) is a mission-driven not for profit organisation. We exist to equip political leaders and governments to build open, inclusive and prosperous societies. We work hard, every day, to make a difference. When governments work well they are able to create economic and social change in a way that promotes fairness, social justice and opportunity. We work relentlessly to support leader and governments with the challenges they face. Giving them practical solutions and actionable insights, that once implemented, can be transformative for their people  

We do this within two connected divisions: 

 Government Advisory 

Our Advisory Practice works directly with political leaders and governments around the world to implement reforms that improve the lives of their citizens. It has both non-profit partners and a client base and its outputs cover a range of disciplines and projects across countries in Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and South Asia. We are currently in a rapid expansion phase from c. 18 countries at present, to 30 by December 2022.

 Policy Futures 

Our Policy Futures work encompasses three broad areas: 

• Renewing the Centre: developing a bold and innovative domestic policy programme to help renew the centre ground of British politics; 
• Tech and Public Policy: exploring the policy challenges and opportunities presented by the technological revolution; and 
• Extremism Policy Unit: creating solutions designed to tackle the threat of extremist ideologies in the UK and around the world. 

As an organisation, the core beliefs we all embrace are: 

• Open and Progressive: you’ll believe in the value of teamwork 
• Bold and Pragmatic: you’ll approach everything you do with integrity and authenticity 
• Optimistic Changemaker: you’ll be focused on results 

TBI believes embracing diversity and inclusion make us a better place to work.  It’s our goal to reflect everyone in society and we actively welcome applications from individuals and groups who are under-represented in the workplace. We celebrate difference be it ethnicity, religion, age, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation or disability. We will only ever assess you on your abilities and fit for a role. We’re happy to discuss any adjustments you need to ensure a level playing field during recruitment and, if you\'re successful, discuss any adjustments you might need to thrive in your role.