SVP, Communications

*** You must be authorized to work in the United States for this role.

Purpose of the role

Responsible for managing external and internal communications for the regions and its businesses, presenting BBC Studios Americas in a professional way and supporting the Division to deliver results. Develop and deliver communications strategies and activity to build a positive public profile for the business, deliver business results and to raise awareness of breadth and strength of BBCSA.

Role Responsibility

General Communications

• Creates and communicates a corporate narrative for the Americas business in agreement with SVP, Global Distribution, ensuring it aligns with wider BBC narrative and sensitivities
• Oversees and produces, from concept to completion, a broad array of digital and/or print promotional materials for BBC Studios Americas
• Demonstrates sound editorial judgement and is experienced in handling legally and reputationally sensitive content
• Proven track record of working in a journalistic environment with high profile news organizations OR A passion for the role of quality journalism in society.
• Strong media handling skills
• Ability to respond to crises and manage issues in market, working closely with the corporate centre to maintain a positive public profile providing key reputational support for the BBC
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with the ability to connect across a diverse range of people and build strong relationships to become a trusted and influential partner
• In depth understanding of the multi-platform media landscape
• Manage profile of senior management, sourcing appropriate speaker opportunities and ensuring participation
• Handle interview requests for senior management in line with BBCSA overall positioning and strategy, to project a positive image and to position BBCSA as a leader in its field
• Design and deliver communication plans for programme and product launches to generate consumer awareness and encourage tune-in or purchase, maintaining a positive profile for the brand
• Act as a trusted partner to key customers, advising and supporting third party clients on publicity around licensed programmes or products to ensure BBCSA is viewed as a credible and major player, and generates value for BBC and UK content
• Implement the corporate communications strategy in business area according to market entry plans to introduce brand, build awareness and reputation and maintain BBC quality and integrity
• Brief and oversee in-market agencies to deliver activity in accordance with strategic plans
• Manage the reputation of BBCSA in relation to significant commercial and/or sales delivery to ensure company is fully credited in publicity activity and a positive message is generated
• Tell story of LA production team to support the business
• Lead on the support of key brands and brand building in market across BBC Studios itself and key properties such as Bluey, Doctor Who and natural history content
• Works with Head of Comms, Global News to publicize news offering in region and to handle crisis comms relating to journalistic output
• Supports Content Sales story with creation of narrative around sales in key market and creating momentum around individual titles

Digital

• Oversight of all digital publicity material content such as blogs and social media content
• Supervising and managing all digital PR activities
• Research top influencers, competitors, and trends in clients’ industries
• Supervise the creation of timely and engaging publicity content optimized for platform and intended audience
• Manage social media team members’ (includes interns) responsibilities, conduct team meetings, advise on projects, and motivate team 
• Identify and develop opportunities and PR connections for BBCSA to be used as a resources for public relations (print, online, speaking, consulting)
• Lead timely and appropriate responses to issues arising online

Scope & Impact

• Provides leadership and direction to direct reports and advises senior management on communication strategies
• Decisions are guided by resource availability and functional objectives or functional strategies and priorities
• Prepares annual budget depending on the needs of the business and works within these agreed costs, adjusting to reflect any additional support requirements
• Receives support from SVP Communications, Global Distribution, BBCSA and works closely with the SEC member that heads the business area, and his/her senior team on planning activity
• Works across the businesses in the region or central function and is responsible for generating positive press stories and profile within the local consumer and trade press and for mitigating any negative publicity.
• Manages team of professionals and/or junior managers

Strategic Planning & Decision Making

• Adapts departmental plans and priorities to address resource and operational challenges
• Ability to lead the strategy, execution, and implementation of all digital communications on all platforms

Relationships

• President, BBC Studios Americas and Global Digital News – regular catch ups to ensure full alignment in activity and strategy
• SVP Communications, Global Distribution – regular weekly catch up either via phone or face-to-face to update on key activity, exchange information and receive direction as required, although more immediate in the case of any significant local adverse publicity or incident.
• Head of Communications, Global News – regular catch ups and work in tandem to ensure BBCA communications align with News Division’s needs and sensitivities
• SEC member – regular catch ups as required, exchanging information and discussing strategic direction and activity
• CEO – to provide updates on major activity in market as required
• Head of Corporate Comms – as required for sign off on major activity, press releases and in the case of any major incident
• Head of Events/Internal – for activity support and to make the rest of the business aware of major in market activity
• BBC Corporate Press Office – in case of any reputational issues which may affect the BBC brand
• Local consumer and trade media

The Ideal Candidate

Knowledge & Skills

• Leadership
• Influencing & networking
• Commercial acumen
• Strategic thinking
• Complex problem solving
• Project Management
• Communication and presentation skills
• Digital leadership

Leadership Behaviours

• A collaborative approach
• Global mindset: thinking and acting for both local and global needs
• Change leadership: resilience - ability to listen and respond and hold the course
• Ability to influence
• Accountability/Making tough decisions
• Empowering of others
• Creating shared understanding (being transparent)
• Professional credibility

Qualifications

• University qualification in public relations, communications or marketing or related field or equivalent experience
• 10+ years of extensive experience in managing communications, including crisis communications, digital communications and the ability to demonstrate reputation protection is essential
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Experience in a management role is essential
• Significant media sector experience is essential