Head of Communications C4(L)
Applications are invited for the position of Head of Communications at the British Consulate-General in
Sydney.
This is an exciting, high-profile role leading UK Trade & Investment’s (UKTI) marketing activities and
communications relating to the FCO’s prosperity agenda and other work in Australia. The job holder will report
to the Consul-General in Sydney and UKTI Director General for Australia and New Zealand, and will line
manage the Events and Brand Manager, Communications Officer, and a temporary British Business Network
Manager.
The Head of Communications is responsible for the development of a strategic communications strategy for
UKTI and the wider prosperity agenda in Australia and the day-to-day marketing and communications effort.
This involves the effective use of communications, press, and marketing activities to promote UK trade and
investment objectives and positive messages about the UK and our activity in Australia.
Position responsibilities include:
 Strategic Plan: The Head of Communications provides strategic direction to the communications and
marketing effort in Australia. This requires close liaison with UKTI’s HQ in London, the regional
marketing team in Hong Kong, and British High Commission (BHC) Canberra on the development and
implementation of the communications and marketing plan.
 Delivery of UKTI’s communications, press and marketing activity: The Head of Communications—both
directly and through the team—is responsible for ensuring that the UK’s trade and investment
messages are presented in both traditional and social media in Australia and good coverage is
obtained for the visits of British Ministers and other VIPs.
 Delivery of FCO prosperity and other objectives: The Head of Communications takes the lead in
Australia on communications relating to the FCO’s prosperity agenda and supports BHC Canberra’s
efforts to promote wider messages about the UK and our presence in Australia. This also involves
close working with UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI), the British Council, and Visit Britain.
 Communications for the High Commissioner and Consul-General: The Head of Communications assists
the High Commissioner and Consul-General with speeches, research, messaging, lines to take, and
other communications requirements. S/he also has a role in ensuring that positive stories about UKTI
and FCO activity in Australia are regularly fed back to London.
 Staff and resource management: The Head of Communications has direct line management
responsibilities for the Events and Brand Manager and a Communications Officer within the
marketing team and the temporary Manager of the British Business Network that was launched last
year in Australia. The Head of Communications also has overall responsibility for the accurate
forecasting and managing of the marketing budget.
Key Competences Required:
 Seeing the big picture: An ability to understand how the communications and marketing effort can
best support UKTI and wider FCO objectives in Australia and promote positive perceptions of the UK.
Previous experience of developing strategic communications and marketing plans.
 Changing and improving: openness to change and a willingness to innovate and try new marketing
and communications tools to provide the most effective support for the UKTI and FCO teams in
Australia.
 Make effective decisions: Sound judgement when tackling difficult tasks/ issues. This requires clarity
of thought in setting priorities and in making the case for particular courses of action.
 Leading and communicating: Proven skills in leading and motivating teams. This should include a
strong track record in mentoring and supporting staff. Good communicator with his/ her teams and in
getting messages out to both internal and external audiences.
 Delivering at pace: Ability to deliver results against challenging targets and objectives and keep a
number of balls in the air at any one time.

Achieving commercial outcomes: Effective focus in all communications and marketing activities on
delivering commercial outcomes in terms of business successes and positive perceptions of the UK
business environment.
Desirable skills/ experience:
 Significant previous experience in high-level communications and marketing roles in either
government or the private sector (with good contacts in the Australian media).
 Well-developed interpersonal skills and experience of leading and bringing out the best in people.
 Excellent oral and written communication skills.
 Ability to work well under pressure and undertake a number of different tasks at any one time.
 Good working knowledge of the UK and an interest in economics, finance, and trade.
Terms of Employment:
The salary, paid monthly, is competitive and will be dependent on skills and experience, plus 11%
superannuation.
Initial appointment is for 2 years, with 6 months probation, and the possibility of further contract extension.
The formal job description may be subject to amendment in the future.
Appointment is subject to an AFP records check and UK security clearance.
To Apply:
Please send your current CV, covering letter addressing the competences required, and a completed Job
Application Form, which can be found in our website
https://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-high-commissioncanberra/about/recruitment#how-to-apply.
Applications should be emailed to [email protected] by 10.00am on Monday, 02 February
2015.
The British Government supports flexible working practices. Interstate applicants will be required to meet their
own travel and relocation expenses.
Open to Australian citizens, permanent residents, and partners/ dependents of UK-based diplomatic staff
currently posted in Australia.
Staff recruited locally by the Consulate-General is subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local
Australian employment law. Only short listed applicants will be contacted regarding the next phase of the
selection process. To those applicants not short listed, we extend our appreciation for considering the British
Government as a potential employer.
The British Government is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce, and
valuing differences.