Deputy Head of External Communications

If you are an experienced external communications professional ready to take on a new challenge at Reach, we would love to hear from you!

As a Deputy Head of External Communications at Reach, you will play a pivotal role in developing and executing our external communication strategy to support our strategic goals. 

You will manage the daily press office function, oversee media monitoring/reporting to senior stakeholders, and develop relationships with key media outlets. Your role will also involve supporting the Head of External Communications on key corporate set pieces and managing the PR grid.

So, who are we?

We’re Reach plc, the UK’s and Ireland’s largest commercial news publisher.

We’re home to more than 120 trusted brands, from national titles like the Mirror, Express, Daily Record and Daily Star, to local brands like MyLondon, BelfastLive and the Manchester Evening News, to our recently launched U.S. titles.

Every month, 47 million people come to us, via print and online, for trusted news, entertainment and sport. 

• Develop and execute Reach’s external communication strategy to support strategic goals.
• Run the daily press office function, including media monitoring. The role includes some out of hours press office cover.
• Plan and manage the PR grid and support company spokespeople with effective messaging around PR and events opportunities. 
• Develop relationships with key media, particularly trade media and broadcast contacts.
• Work with leaders across the business to source and develop stories that contribute to Reach’s larger narrative and to advise on reputational risks.
• Support the Head of External Communications on key corporate set pieces such as annual results, corporate announcements, and the Annual Report.
• Deputise for the Head of External Communications when absent, acting as a point of contact for C-suite stakeholders and responding effectively to time-sensitive or sensitive issues.
• Work flexibly to lend expertise in line with changing business needs.

• Knowledge of best practice external communications strategy, PR, and media relations.
• Demonstrable track record in making judgement calls when balancing risk/reward, managing press queries in a highly scrutinised business.
• Excellent writing and proofreading skills, including the ability to tailor content to the audience and adapt brand tone/style.
• Brilliant stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and gain people’s confidence and buy-in.
• Strong knowledge of the media landscape and trends, including the broader tech landscape.
• Excellent relationship skills in trade, broadcast, and consumer media.
• Demonstrable commitment to continuous improvement with a high degree of initiative and problem-solving drive.
• Understanding of business sensitivities and managing these within campaigns.

What can we offer you?

We are offering a competitive salary and benefits including;

• Help saving for your retirement - join our pension scheme and we’ll match contributions up to 6%
• 25 days’ holiday per year when you join. After three, five and ten years’ service with Reach, you’ll accrue one additional day of annual leave. We also have a Holiday Purchase Scheme
• Giving back day - an additional day’s leave each year to support a cause close to your heart
• Enhanced family leave - including maternity, paternity and adoption - and you’ll be eligible after just six months’ employment
• As one of the UK’s top 50 Inclusive Employers everyone’s invited to join our events, programmes and networks to celebrate diversity and build an environment where all our people can thrive
• Wellbeing support - including a 24/7 assistance programme for you and your nearest and dearest,
• Awesome career opportunities - you’ll have support from your line manager and a range of learning & development programmes

Reach plc believes diversity brings benefits for our customers, our business and our people. This is why we are committed to being an inclusive employer and encourage applications from all suitable applicants irrespective of background, circumstances, age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief and sexual orientation.