Media Manager, Communications (47332) presso British Council

We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity.

Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries.

We connect. We inspire.

Media Manager
 
The Role:

We’re looking for a creative and strategic Media Manager to help shape and deliver the British Council’s external media strategy across our Strategic Business Units (SBUs). This role is central to promoting and protecting the British Council’s reputation in the UK media, while showcasing our global cultural relations work.

The Media Manager must take a proactive and creative approach to producing integrated press and digital campaigns, which raise the profile of the British Council and shine a light on different areas of our work. Supported by the Senior Media and External Communications Manager, the Media Manager will also help to deliver external communications for the British Council’s Schools activities, our work in Modern Foreign Languages, as well as our work in English and Exams.

Accountabilities:

The Media Manager is responsible for planning and delivering proactive UK media relations campaigns aligned with strategic priorities. They contribute to reputation management across UK and global networks, advise on media risks and opportunities, and support integrated communications planning. The role involves monitoring the UK news agenda, responding to media enquiries, and maintaining relationships with key journalists. It also includes providing expert guidance to internal stakeholders, applying audience insights to campaign planning, and ensuring compliance with media policies. The Media Manager supports strategic development, manages assigned budgets, and fosters collaborative relationships internally and externally. They contribute to team operations, deputise for the Senior Media Manager when required, and engage in continuous professional development to maintain subject expertise.

Requirements of the role:

• Demonstrable experience of proactive media relations or content creation to support business objectives
• Experience of developing relationships with high-profile journalists, across print, digital and broadcast media, and working with them to deliver impactful coverage.
• Experience of working with communications teams in partner organisations on joint projects to ensure that all partners achieve their communications objectives on a shared project.
• Editorial judgement
• An ability to identify and give guidance on managing reputational risks
• Experience of training and guiding senior colleagues and creative specialists on working with the media and interviews

Closing Date:   Applications will close at 23:59 on 25th November 2025 UK Time.

You must have the legal right to work in United Kingdom at the time of application.

Important Information: 

Department: Communications

Contract type:  Indefinite
Pay band: 7

Salary: £30,839-£33,995 (depending on experience) plus London Market Allowance of £3,300 if London based.

Location: United Kingdom (All UK locations - London, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Belfast, and anyone on pre-existing homeworking contracts in the UK)

Requirements:

Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing, legal right to work in the UK

Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided. 
 
British Council supports working in new ways such as hybrid working, subject to full approval by line management and conditional upon our ability to provide the appropriate level of service.  This may not be appropriate for all roles but can be explored at interview.

A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.

Safeguarding Statement

The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.

If you experience any difficulties with submitting your application, please email [email protected]