External Communications Manager

About the role

Dot, which owns Global Student Accommodation, Yugo and Student.com, is looking for an External Communications Manager to lead the delivery of external communications for the group and its portfolio companies. Working closely with the Global Head of Communications, you will turn the group's communications strategy into plans and results across media relations, public affairs, corporate communications, digital content and events, and act as a senior media voice and trusted adviser on reputation.

Key responsibilities

• Translate the external communications strategy into an annual plan and deliver it, balancing multiple brands and markets
• Run a proactive and reactive press office, build international media relationships and lead campaigns, announcements and thought leadership
• Draft and sign off press releases, statements, Q&As and briefing notes, and prepare and train spokespeople
• Deliver corporate communications for GSA and the group, coordinate with Investor Relations, Legal and Finance, and monitor policy and regulatory developments
• Support issues and crisis planning, respond to live incidents across time zones, and run post-incident reviews
• Provide insight from data, set KPIs and report on performance
• Oversee the corporate website and social channels, content creation, Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) and the events, speaking and awards programme
• Coach and develop junior colleagues

Required profile

• 8-10 years in external communications, in-house or agency, with a track record of leading communications plans
• Experience across more than one region, including working across time zones and cultures
• Excellent writer and editor, with strong, established media relationships and a record of quality coverage
• Proven experience in issues and crisis management, and corporate/B2B media experience in real estate, financial services or hospitality and leisure
• Understanding of institutional investors and experience with Investor Relations, Finance or Legal on corporate announcements
• Public affairs, government relations or policy communications exposure; desirable: B2C experience, media/social listening tools, video storytelling, GEO/SEO/AI search visibility, ESG communications and additional market-relevant languages

Required skills

• Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO)
• Media and social listening tools
• Writing and editing across written, visual and video formats

What we offer

• Bonus scheme
• Pension
• Private healthcare