Head of Press and Communications
Application Deadline: 15 April 2026
Department: Marketing and Communications
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: London
Compensation: from £50,000 per annum
Description
Joining English National Ballet, you will find a community of artists, musicians, theatre and costume craftspeople, creatives, business and administration professionals, all working together to achieve a common goal: to open up the possibilities of ballet, to move more people in more ways. We are a multi-skilled, multi-cultural, open and inclusive organisation and we place a high value on diversity and diversity of thought in our teams.
About the role
English National Ballet is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Press and Communications to lead and shape our press, media, and organisational communications activity.
As Head of Press and Communications, you’ll drive high‑impact campaigns that raise the profile of English National Ballet, tell our brand story and support our organisational goals. You’ll play a key role in setting the strategic direction for how we communicate with audiences, stakeholders, and the wider cultural sector. You’ll also lead media relations, manage reputation and advocacy work, and shape messaging to ensure it is clear, consistent, and compelling across all channels.
You’ll work closely with senior leadership, oversee internal communications, and support the Press Officer in delivering high‑quality work. With strong relationships across the cultural media landscape, you’ll bring strategic insight, creativity, and confidence to fast‑moving and high‑profile communications activity.
If you’re an experienced communications professional with a passion for the arts and a proven track record of delivering successful campaigns, we’d love to hear from you.
Interviews for this position will be held on 22nd April 2026.
Your main
responsibilities as
Head of Press and Communications will include:
- Setting strategic positioning and raising the profile of English National Ballet, its artists, and its work through effective press and communications activity
- Leading on press and media relations and building a wide network locally, nationally and internationally
- Developing and delivering an effective, audience-led communications strategy using multiple channels to communicate English National Ballet’s brand
- Advising senior leadership on advocacy and reputation management
- Developing and delivering an internal communications strategy that keeps all staff well informed about company news and information
- Managing and developing the Press Officer, providing support with learning and development
Key Selection Criteria
- Significant experience of developing and delivering strategic press and communications campaigns within an arts or culture environment
- In-depth knowledge of the cultural media landscape, with an existing network of contacts and the ability to develop and nurture new professional relationships
- Experience managing internal communications and effective use of internal channels to keep staff informed and engaged
- Skilled at tailoring messaging and copy for a range of outputs and audiences across external and internal communications
- Ability to build positive working relationships with internal and external contacts, across all levels of an organisation
- Ability to manage, coach and develop direct reports, offering clear guidance and supporting learning pathways to acquire new skills and knowledge
