Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, is an independent policy institute based in London. Our mission is to help build a sustainably secure, prosperous, and just world.
We seek a Head of News and Comment who is a strategic thinker with the ability to influence internally as well as externally. The successful candidate will marry a deep-rooted knowledge of international relations with a keen sense of influencing the news-cycle in the UK and abroad. This role will lead an integrated team to deliver communications campaigns which prioritise Chatham House’s research goals and respond rapidly and with impact to emerging events and current affairs. You will deliver and oversee teams in delivering compelling content, connecting analysis and convening to current affairs and lead our tactical response to unforeseen events.
Due to the nature of the role, you will occasionally be required to work outside core hours ie. evenings and at weekends. This role will be hybrid with a consistent expectation of a minimum 2 days in the office per week.
We are an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics. We encourage applications from all backgrounds. If there is anything we can do to improve your experience or support you, please get in touch at
Key Responsibilities
Delivery
- Manage the production of the Institute’s short-form content, balancing a busy schedule of planned content alongside commissioning quality quick turnaround content in response to current events.
- Secure media coverage in high-profile outlets through proactive and reactive press outreach and relationship building, supporting the Head of Media and press office to deliver their objectives.
- Edit priority content, including from the Director and CEO, in a timely manner.
- Ensure that priority events are effectively promoted and work with the Head of Digital Marketing and External Relations colleagues to drive up online audiences.
- Oversee Chatham House social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube), developing strategies and supporting team members to create engaging and responsive profiles and grow followers/subscribers.
- Manage production of Chatham House podcasts and videos, supporting Social Media Manager and Podcast Producer and Multimedia Producer to edit and present content and commissioning / scripting content to respond to current events.
Strategy
- Support the Managing Director, Communications and Publishing develop and deliver a communications strategy for Chatham House.
- Increase the impact of Chatham House analysis and experts, growing online networks by developing and producing compelling written and multimedia content.
- Drive focused communications campaigns around our big moments, identifying the best communications activities to achieve objectives and putting together cross-department teams to deliver.
- Ensure that CH responds in a compelling and timely manner to emerging events, commissioning reaction and effective products to link CH expertise to current international affairs debates.
People
- Build relationships and develop effective ways of collaborating with research and convening colleagues to promote compelling and impactful engagement at priority moments.
- Provide strategic communications advice to colleagues across Chatham House on how to use communications to achieve the institute’s objectives and improve outcomes.
- Partner with the Head of Digital Marketing on integrating marketing into communications planning and identifying priority moments for audience engagement.
- Develop training and clear guidance for communications colleagues and the wider organization to encourage best practice.
- Manage internal communications promoting effective coordination and information-sharing around upcoming work and key activities.
- Deputise for MD Communications and Publishing as required.
- Line manage Head of Media, Deputy Head of News and Comment, Social Media Manager and Podcast Producer, and Multimedia Producer.
Requirements
Skills and Experience
- Experience leading teams during periods of change;
- Leadership experience in communications for a think tank, government or international affairs sectors, including working directly with CEOs or principals;
- Experience managing multiple teams and delivering organisation-wide communications campaigns;
- Demonstrable knowledge and experience in international comment and analysis, and creative communications;
- Experience delivering impact through media, digital communication and social media along with working across a range of diverse commun