About BII
British International Investment is the UKâs development finance institution, owned by the UK Government. With a mission to solve the biggest global development challenges, we aim to create a virtuous circle of investment and impact. Your contribution will be essential.
It wonât be easy: we do the hardest work in the most complex markets. Be prepared to test your skills, get creative and say your piece as you take on high-profile work as part of a diverse team of exceptionally smart, passionate people.
In return, you can take your career to all-new places in a culture that rewards curiosity and collaboration, and balances high performance with wellbeing.
BII at a glance
75 years supporting sustainable business growth in developing and emerging markets
£8.1 billion in net assets
1,400+ businesses invested in
950,000 workers in the businesses we support
£9 billion in new investments planned in the next 5 years
600+ people in our diverse global team
3 key development objectives: Productive | Sustainable | Inclusive
Team and role overview
The Head of Communications leads a team of ten, responsible for both external and internal communications. This role is crucial in shaping and maintaining the companyâs public image, ensuring consistent and effective messaging. The Communications team collaborates closely with various functions, including Global Affairs, Human Resources (HR), Investment, and Impact teams, to support the companyâs strategic goals and mission.
This role oversees the development and execution of comprehensive communications strategies aimed at enhancing the companyâs reputation. Key responsibilities include managing media relations and reputation management, as well as maintaining the companyâs brand identity and messaging guidelines. Internally, the Head of Communications and team supports corporate strategy by engaging employees with the companyâs mission and collaborating with HR on internal communications initiatives.
Responsibilities
* Communications strategy: Develop and lead a communications strategy and plan that promotes and protects BIIâs mission, development, and investment goals.
* Team leadership: Lead the development of BII Communications team members through effective and engaging people management skills, fostering a positive work environment that reflects our employee value proposition.
* Stakeholder engagement: Understand BIIâs stakeholder relations, working with internal and external partners to design and implement engagement strategies and plans to positively enhance our reputation.
* Media relations: Lead a media relations strategy focused on building understanding of BIIâs strategy, development, and investment objectives, and on strengthening BIIâs reputation and relationships through thoughtful use of proactive media.
* Brand. Develop a BII brand voice and ensure brand integrity across all communications platforms.
* Content. Assist in the creation of digital, video, audio and print content by Communications team members and other BII staff.
* Marketing. Oversee the planning, creation and dissemination of BIIâs marketing communications across a range of platforms: print, events and digital.
* Reputation management: Ensure that BII is prepared for and protected from issues that could negatively affect its reputation and/or license to operate.
* Internal communications: Work closely with senior leadership and HR to deliver internal communications that align with external communications, promote understanding and growth within BII, and positively engage BII employees as ambassadors for the organisationâs mission and objectives. Ensure that internal communications reflect our employee value proposition to enhance employee engagement and satisfaction.
* Budget management: Manage a budget to ensure delivery of effective, high-quality communications at a competitive cost.
* Metrics and evaluation: Establish tools (including metrics) to understand how BII is perceived by its key internal and external stakeholders and use this information for strategic planning and to feed into cross organisational initiatives.
The candidate
Background, skills, aptitude
The ideal candidate will have a robust background in communications, public relations, or a related field. They should have significant experience in a senior communications role, preferably within a complex, multi-stakeholder environment. Experience in the financial services sector or development finance would be highly advantageous.
Skills and Aptitude
* Strategic thinking and leadership:Ability to develop and implement comprehensive communications strategies that align with organisational goals. Proven experience in leading and developing a communications team, with strong people management skills.
* Media and stakeholder relations:Expertise in managing media relations and stakeholder engagement, including handling press releases, coordinating interviews, and building relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
* Content and brand management:Proficiency in overseeing the creation of high-quality, engaging content across various formats, and experience in maintaining a coherent brand identity to ensure consistent messaging.
* Crisis and reputation management:Ability to manage and mitigate communications crises, protecting the organisationâs reputation.
* Digital savvy and analytical skills:Strong understanding of social media management and digital communications strategies, along with the ability to evaluate the effectiveness of communications strategies and make data-driven decisions.
* Interpersonal and problem-solving skills:Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence at all levels of the organisation. Strong problem-solving skills to overcome challenges creatively and strategically.
* Adaptability and attention to detail:Ability to adapt to changing environments and priorities, demonstrating flexibility and resilience. High level of attention to detail to ensure accuracy and consistency in all communications.
* Passion for mission:A genuine passion for BIIâs mission and objectives, with a commitment to promoting and protecting the organisationâs values and goals.
What success looks like
Success in this position is characterised by:
* Enhanced public image: Positive media coverage and strong relationships with key stakeholders.
* Consistent branding: A cohesive and consistent brand identity across all communications platforms.
* Engaged employees: High levels of employee engagement and alignment with the companyâs mission and goals.
* Effective content creation: High-quality, engaging content that highlights the companyâs achievements and initiatives.
* Strong online presence: A well-maintained and up-to-date external website and active, engaging social media channels.
* Successful events: Effective management of conferences, sponsorships, and speaking opportunities that enhance the companyâs visibility and reputation.
Our cultural values
We look for team members who aspire, as we do, to work at our best and to be:
* Impact-led, commercially rigorous
* Tenacious in the face of challenges
* Collaborative and caring
British International Investment is committed to diversity and inclusion and welcomes all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or educational background.
Please provide a cover letter with your application
Salary: Competitive