Cluster Communications Manager

As a valued employee of the British Council, you already help us deliver our mission to support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For over 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity.

You are part of our organisation in over 200 countries and territories and where we are on the ground in more than 100 countries.

We connect. We inspire.

Cluster Communications Manager

The Role:

We are seeking a dynamic Cluster Communications Manager to lead and deliver external and internal communications across Southeast Asia. This role involves managing media relations, digital and social media, crisis communications, events, and stakeholder engagement. The successful candidate will collaborate with key internal and external stakeholders to enhance brand awareness, support marketing initiatives, and protect the British Council’s reputation.

Accountabilities:

• Implements and manages the country communications strategy in line with the Southeast Asia regional plan, ensuring consistent messaging across internal and external campaigns to enhance impact and brand alignment.
• Oversees media relations, social media content, and website management, while coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to maintain a strong public profile and support the British Council’s reputation.
• Leads internal and change communications, ensuring effective audience engagement and mitigating communication risks with support from the regional team.
• Provides expert communications advice to colleagues and business leads, using analytical approaches to assess current practices and identify opportunities for improvement aligned with regional strategies.
• Designs and delivers targeted communications initiatives that support business needs, presenting complex information clearly to influence decision-makers and drive impactful outcomes.
• Ensures communications projects are aligned with global standards, using established tools and processes to deliver consistent, high-impact communications solutions.
• Provides strategic advice and constructive challenge to colleagues and stakeholders, while reviewing the effectiveness of communications initiatives to identify areas for enhancement.
• Actively engages in ongoing professional development to maintain and deepen expertise, ensuring up-to-date knowledge and best practices in communications.
• Manages monthly and annual reporting, monitors risks, and ensures cost-effective communications strategies that deliver strong value for money.
Builds and maintains strong relationships with internal teams and external partners, actively participating in professional communities to enhance expertise and collaboration.

Role specific knowledge and expertise:

• Demonstrable experience in managing communications within a large and complex organisation or agency.
• Experience in providing expert advice and guidance on internal and external communications.
• Experience in managing and mitigating internal and external communications risks and issues.
• Proven experience in planning and delivering social media strategy and reporting on performance.
• Proven record of editorial experience (i.e., proofreading, translation, knowledge of different content types, etc.)
• Creative approach to implementing and evaluating communication activities.
Experience in managing media relations, building networks with journalists, and driving impactful media coverage

Education: Relevant degree e.g. communications, journalism, marketing, or equivalent level of experience

Requirements:
Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing, legal right to work in Malaysia.

Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided.

British Council supports working in new ways such as hybrid working, subject to full approval by line management and conditional upon our ability to provide the appropriate level of service. This may not be appropriate for all roles but can be explored at interview.

A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.

Safeguarding Statement

The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.

If you experience any difficulties with submitting your application, please email [email protected]