Communications Manager, China at British Council

Beijing, Beijing, China -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

01 Jan, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

03 Oct, 25

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Communications Management, Media Relations, Internal Communications, Risk Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Analytical Skills, Presentation Skills, Social Media Expertise, Project Management, Creative Thinking, Brand Positioning, Revenue Generation, Customer Focus, Consultancy, Problem Solving, Reporting

Industry

Non-profit Organizations

Description

British Council Payband 6 Contract Type: Indefinite contract Location: China Closing Date: 14th October 2025 You must have the legal right to work in China at the time of application. There is no relocation or sponsorship support. Role Purpose: To support the development and implementation of the communications strategy for China, with a primary focus on the Exams Business Unit. This business-critical role will drive revenue generation, enhance brand positioning, and protect the British Council's reputation in a key global market. Accountabilities/Responsibilities: Planning & implementation Develops and manages the implementation of the communications strategy for the Exams Strategic Business Unit (SBU), ensuring alignment with country and regional plans. Manages the delivery of impactful internal and external communications campaigns for Exams, ensuring consistent messaging that supports business objectives. Manages media relations activities, leveraging local knowledge of the China media landscape to secure positive coverage and manage relationships with key journalists. Leads on the planning and coordination of internal and change communications to ensure employees, particularly within the Exams team, are well-informed. Proactively identifies, manages, and mitigates communications risks related to the Exams business to protect and maintain the reputation of the British Council. Consultancy, analysis & problem-solving Applies deep understanding of the local China context, including language and stakeholder dynamics, to assess and improve communications effectiveness. Delivers tailored communications initiatives that address the specific business needs of the Exams Business Unit. Applies analytical approaches to identify and assess current state of country communications, define opportunities for improvement, implement agreed projects and initiatives, ensuring consistency with regional communications plans and approaches. . Presents complex information clearly, producing tailored presentations, which convincingly influence decision-makers about the case for communications initiatives. Internal customer focus Builds an in-depth understanding of the country’s operational context, opportunities and challenges for communications. Makes appropriate linkages to issues across the broader organisation and region, to ensure that the delivery of communications projects and initiatives is based on informed business insight and joined-up thinking. Proactively seeks internal customer and other stakeholder feedback to monitor satisfaction with the standard of communications advice and business support provided, enabling improvements to be made where issued are identified. Develops peer networks within the local market to enhance knowledge and expertise of the unique and rapidly evolving social media landscape (e.g., WeChat, Weibo, Red Book). Commercial & financial management Conducts monthly and year-end reporting on progress against plan and deliverables and management of issues and risks. Shows an understanding of value for money/cost effectiveness in the advice, recommendations or service support provided. Relationship & stakeholder management Ensures solid and beneficial relationships with the China Exams Leadership Team, FCDO Communications team, and key external stakeholders and media outlets. Develops peer networks within the local market to enhance knowledge and expertise of the unique and rapidly evolving social media landscape (e.g., WeChat, Weibo). Leadership & management Plans and prioritizes own work to deliver on diverse responsibilities, with a focus and priority on supporting the Exams SBU objectives. Coordinates input from internal teams and external partners to meet campaign and project objectives Role specific knowledge and experience: Minimum / Essential Requirements 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 record of editorial experience (i.e. proofreading, translation, knowledge of different content types, etc.) Creative approach to implementing and evaluating communication activities Desirable Requirements Experience in a global organization Education and Qualification Relevant degree e.g. communications, journalism, marketing, or equivalent level of experience Language Requirement: The British Council systems and global processes operate in English. Written and verbal proficiency in English is required.

Responsibilities

The Communications Manager will develop and implement the communications strategy for the Exams Business Unit in China, ensuring alignment with regional plans. This role involves managing media relations, internal communications, and mitigating communications risks to protect the British Council's reputation.