We are currently looking for a Communications and External Affairs Manager to join our Communications team on a full time, 18 month fixed term basis.

This new role is an important part of the Communications team, and will support Southbank Centre bring its incredible story to life at a critical point in its history.

The successful candidate will be joining the Communications team at an exciting time, preparing for the Southbank Centre’s 75th anniversary. The Communications team looks after all press and stakeholder engagement, including external affairs and government relations. This new role will help us to build on our reputation as a leading global arts organisation and sector thought leader.

Main responsibilities include:

• Supporting the Head of External Affairs and Policy and the Director of Communications to articulate the impact of the Southbank Centre and vision of its leadership, as part of the Southbank Centre’s communication strategy
• Lead the writing of the Southbank Centre’s Annual Review, ensuring the Southbank Centre is positioned as a sector leader by supporting on developing an institutional narrative and identifying proof points
• Draft speeches, opinion pieces and identify speaking opportunities for the CEO, Artistic Director, Board members and senior management as required
• Monitor policy, political and corporate developments, including opportunities and threats relevant to the arts sector through the Parliamentary monitoring service, wider media and social media, events and conferences, recommend and take forward action based on these
• Maintain and develop the External Affairs stakeholder database, ensuring up to date information and accurate contact details for business continuity

Key skills that will help you in this role include:

• Has strong written skills, tailored to varying audiences, which includes writing speeches, opinion pieces and corporate documents with creativity and a sharp attention to detail
• Has significant experience of working in corporate communications, public affairs, policy or political environments
• Has excellent interpersonal skills, with ability to network, negotiate and sensitively communicate with a wide range of people and their demands both internally and externally

Please download the Job Description from our Career page for a full overview of this role responsibilities.