External Communications Manager

About Dot

Role Purpose

Planning and Delivery

• Translate the Group's external communications strategy into an annual plan with clear priorities, owners and measures.
• Own delivery of the plan at pace, balancing priorities of multiple brands and markets.
• Contribute to development of strategy, narratives and messaging frameworks.
• Apply the Group messaging framework across all businesses.
• Partner with brand and marketing teams to align commercial priorities and spot cross-brand opportunities.
• Coordinate with Internal Communications so announcements land consistently.

PR, Media and Corporate Communications

• Run a busy proactive and reactive press office.
• Build and maintain senior media relationships internationally.
• Lead campaigns, announcements and thought leadership programmes from idea to coverage.
• Draft and sign off press releases, statements, Q&As, briefing notes and leadership content.
• Prepare and brief spokespeople, including media training and interview preparation.
• Deliver communications for corporate activity including capital raises, joint ventures, acquisitions and disposals.
• Work with Investor Relations, Legal and Finance so investor-facing messaging is consistent and accurate.
• Monitor policy and regulatory developments and develop policy positions and briefings.

Reputation, Issues and Crisis

• Support issues and crisis communications planning, protocols, scenario playbooks and holding statements.
• Identify reputational risks early and advise on mitigation with Legal, Compliance, Operations and brand leaders.
• Lead the communications response to live incidents across time zones, including out of normal working hours.
• Run post-incident reviews and keep protocols tested and up to date.
• Support regular reputational risk reporting to leadership and the Board.

Insight, Digital and Events

• Translate insight from data into clear recommendations and set KPIs against an agreed baseline.
• Oversee corporate websites and social channels, ensuring accuracy, consistency and brand governance.
• Oversee content creation across written, visual and video formats.
• Lead Generative Engine Optimisation to improve how Dot and its brands appear in AI-powered search tools.
• Shape the events, speaking and awards programme across industry, investor, higher-education and policy moments.
• Coach and develop more junior colleagues.

Essential Experience and Knowledge

• 8-10 years in external communications, in-house or agency, with a track record of leading delivery of communications plans.
• Communications experience across more than one region, including working across time zones and cultures.
• Excellent writer and editor able to adapt tone for different audiences.
• Strong, established media relationships and a track record of securing quality coverage.
• Proven experience in issues and crisis management with sound judgement under pressure.
• Corporate or B2B media experience in at least one of real estate, financial services, or hospitality and leisure.
• Understanding of institutional investor audiences and real estate investment.
• Public affairs, government relations or policy communications exposure.
• Willingness to work flexibly, including out of hours and across time zones when issues arise.

Desirable

• B2C communications experience in an operational, customer-facing business.
• Experience using media and social listening tools and translating data into insight.
• Video storytelling experience: planning, scripting and directing content.
• Experience of GEO, SEO or AI search visibility.
• Sustainability or ESG communications experience.
• Additional languages relevant to our markets.

Benefits

• Bonus scheme, pension, private healthcare and other benefits.