View Vacancy – JPN – Head of Press and Digital C4(L)

Main purpose of job:

Leads the Japan Network’s press and public relations to ensure appropriate Japanese and UK media audiences are used to effectively promote UK values, government policy and deliver on the Japan Network’s strategic objectives.

Own and cultivate effective relationships among key Japanese media (print, TV, digital) in Japan and Japanese media based in UK

Ensure public relations are successfully managed for visits to London by key UK figures and that planning for visits is clear and well supported by London-based colleagues. 

Lead the creation of proactive press and digital plans to ensure well-planned work and team members are both capably reactive and proactive in their work. 

The post holder will be required to work under their own initiative and will have significant impact on the work of the Japan Network.

Roles and responsibilities 

Excellent people management (20%) including:

• Line management of 2-3 press and digital officers in Tokyo and Osaka; invested in staff development and performance.
• Management of busy work flows, ensure adequate resourcing during staff leave.
• Confident engagement with senior management; effective reporting and recommendations to Head of Media, Communications and Marketing; finding and recommending solutions when under pressure.

Cultivate and maintain a powerful media network (30%) including:

• Pro-actively develop and maintain a network of media contacts and influencers and use these to effect change in Japanese press reporting and public perception on the UK, engaging support of senior/relevant Japan Network colleagues as appropriate.
• Ensure press material (press releases, Q&As, briefings) are of a high quality and suitable for audiences for maximum impact.
• Build an extensive network of relationships across government communications individuals in Whitehall, including the FCDO, DIT and the Prime Minister’s office, to confidently adapt or deliver successful media support to campaigns and get the best out of media contacts. 

Effective management of press handling for events and VIP visits (25%) including:

• Liaise directly with government departments; take responsibility for press engagement work for senior British visitors to Japan, identifying and suggesting best opportunities and liaising as needed with visit officers in Japan and the UK.
• To own and manage media activities such as press conferences and products (such as press releases). Particularly in the prioritising and planning stages to ensure strategic focus, measurable impact, relevance for the audience and professional delivery. Will occasionally be expected to chair or MC press events.
• Responsible for creation and delivery of a range of communications products for the Japan network, from speeches (in English and Japanese) for the Ambassador and Network senior leadership to support totality of Country Plan. 

Resources managed (staff and expenditure): 

• Line manage 2-3 press and digital officers
• Budgets: Access to section FY communications budget.
• Travel and entertainment budget

Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):

The British Embassy offers comprehensive learning and development opportunities that will be fully available to the jobholder. We regularly run both work area specific training, as well as more general skills development in project management, finance, and leadership. Each year the job holder will be encouraged to use 5 development days to pursue job related and personal development goals. 

All staff are required to take a role in the embassy’s crisis preparation and response. Full training will be provided for this and regular opportunities will be available to test and develop your skills

Working patterns:

The British Embassy, Tokyo supports and promotes flexible working as a crucial part of our inclusive offering. This particular role allows for flexibility in start and end times, working compressed hours, working remotely and the possibility of a job share arrangement, subject to agreement with management. 

–          5+  years’ experience in senior public relations position.

–          Experience managing diverse staff.

–          Proven experience working with  Japanese media

–          Experience in digital communications.

–          Deep country knowledge and proven ability to engage Japanese audiences.

–          Strong IT skills, (including standard Microsoft Office programmes and familiarity with latest digital tools).

–          English language at IELTS band 7 or TOEIC 875 points or above or equivalent, with experience of working in an English speaking environment

Language requirements:

 Language: English and Japanese 

Level of language required: English (spoken and written) business level; Japanese (spoken and written) fluent.