The British Embassy, Beijing, Communications Team is responsible for coordinating all public-facing aspects of the network of UK Embassy and Consulates in China. The Campaigns Manager will have an important role in promoting the UK’s ‘soft power’ and ‘values’ messages across China on our core campaigns (recent examples include our COP 26 climate change campaign) as well as working on a number of smaller projects and events (for example the premiere of the new James Bond Movie ‘No Time to Die;).
The Head of Campaigns will have a key role in leading the UK’s ‘soft power’ efforts in China. The successful candidate will be responsible for devising, designing and delivering public diplomacy projects that support the UK’s objectives in country. They will be responsible for coming up with ideas that engage and influence our target audiences. The jobholder will need to take a proactive approach to developing publicity plans, and make the most of the full range of communications channels that are available to the Embassy. You will also have oversight of the China Network’s internal communications, ensuring that our staff are effectively kept up to date and engaged on a range of corporate and cross-network priority issues.
The successful candidate will be both creative and strategic – able to come up with ideas which are not only engaging and high impact, but als aligned with the broader UK mission. They will also be well organised and have a track record in delivery – making a reality of their creative sparks. Communication and collaboration will be key – working with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, both in China and the UK – as well as the proven ability to lead. Creating innovative and creative strategic partnerships with external partners such as media and commercial partners will also form a crucial part of the role.
The role has line management of two members of staff, and will countersign for a third. Whilst experience of line management is highly desirable, what’s more important is that the candidate demonstrates the potential to get the best from others.
This is a role that encourages creativity, drive and imagination. You will have access to some of the Embassy’s most high-profile visitors and your work will be seen by very senior audiences in China and the UK. If you want to grab people’s attention, work on exciting projects, and have the licence to pursue your own ideas, then this is the job for you!
Roles and responsibilities/what will the jobholder be expected to achieve:
- Strategic Campaign Priorities: To design and deliver a programme of activity for 2022/23 which supports the China Network’s two key priority campaigns: 50th Anniversary of UK-China Ambassadorial relations and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee working across all platforms and with relevant partners in the Network to maximise impact and make best use of limited resources and take advantage of high level visits and dialogues.
- Internal Communications: Providing oversight of the China Network’s Internal Communications plans and delivery – ensuring messaging is effective and timely, keeping staff informed and engaged.
- Representation and Stakeholder Engagement: Working with the Communications Counsellor to represent the interests of the China Communications Network with senior leadership, colleagues and partners across the Embassy and Consulates, as well as with external stakeholders from a range of sectors – public and private, British and Chinese.
- Line Management and Team Leadership: Providing effective line management to two direct reports and indirectly to one other team member, making appropriate use of coaching and learning & development. Providing strategic direction and leadership to the wider Campaigns activity across the Network in both Beijing and the Consulates.
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