The British Red Cross help anyone, anywhere in the UK and around the world, to get the support they need if crisis strikes; now more than ever our movement is helping to connect human kindness with human crisis.

This is a pivotal and exciting external communications role, responsible for driving the British Red Cross' voice in the UK media. 

About this opportunity

You will oversee a busy News function, which publicly responds to the major crisis of our time. 

From health inequalities, migration and displacement to disasters and climate change, the Head of News will ensure that the British Red Cross remains highly visible on its core strategic causes.

You will be a key advisor to senior stakeholders and act as the eyes and ears of the organisation, leading the News team to spot opportunities, respond with speed and confidence to breaking news and expertly handle risk, whilst also delivering longer term, proactive campaigns.

Amongst your key responsibilities will be:

• To devise and deliver media strategies that secure positive, consistent and meaningful UK media coverage for the organisation's work
• Holding responsibility for our reputation management oversight
• Building and maintaining relationships with high profile, national, regional and trade journalists, positioning the British Red Cross as the organisation of choice
• Overseeing an ongoing programme of media training and spokesperson support, ensuring that the British Red Cross is able to field confident, relatable representatives across the UK media

What we are looking for

We are looking for a communications leader with: 

• Substantial experience of and proven ability as a media and public relations officer or journalist
• The ability to adapt to changing and / or new, sudden onset demands revising plans, content, approaches as needed
• Strong team / line management experience
• Experience of how to positively portray people with lived experience and provide them with an empowered role in the storytelling process
• Strong influencing skills including persuasive speaking and presentation skills and writing skills