Director, Communications and Public Relations

Key responsibilities:

Communications strategy

• Develop and implement a global communications and PR strategy for the Television Distribution business.
• Create an annual communications plan aligned with the division’s commercial, content and brand priorities.
• Identify proactive opportunities to build awareness of FIFTH SEASON as a premium, innovative and commercially focused global distribution partner.
• Ensure Television Distribution messaging is consistent with FIFTH SEASON’s broader company positioning and values.
• Provide strategic communications counsel to the EVP of Television Distribution and senior leadership team.

Corporate, Trade and Title Communications

• Lead communications around acquisitions, producer relationships, business developments, priority titles and key sales milestones.
• Develop international publicity strategies for priority titles in partnership with Marketing, Sales, producers, commissioners and platform partners.
• Lead communications around new title announcements, returning series, acquisitions and third-party distribution partnerships.
• Draft and oversee press releases, corporate statements, executive briefing documents, Q&As, speeches, presentations, talking points and manage all internal and external approvals.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with television trade press, business media and relevant international industry publications.
• Manage incoming media enquiries relating to the Television Distribution business.
• Identify and secure interviews, profiles, panels, podcasts and other thought-leadership opportunities for senior executives within the TVD team.
• Ensure publicity plans support the commercial positioning and international sales strategy for each title.
• Coordinate messaging, materials, approvals and announcement timings with internal and external stakeholders, including PCG, FIFTH SEASON’s US communications group.
• Maintain appropriate communications protocols for confidential, sensitive or commercially significant announcements.

Markets, events and industry engagement

• Lead communications planning for major television markets, screenings, festivals and industry events.
• Develop market-specific press strategies, announcements, executive briefing materials and media schedules.
• Work with Sales and Marketing to ensure communications activity supports priority titles, territories and buyer relationships.
• Identify and manage speaking opportunities, panels, roundtables, screenings and executive appearances.
• Coordinate communications with external producers, production companies, broadcasters, platforms and other partners.

Executive communications

• Develop briefing materials for speeches, presentations, opinion pieces, interviews and messaging for senior Television Distribution executives.
• Build the external profiles of key leaders through targeted media and industry opportunities.
• Prepare executives for interviews, panels, screenings, markets and sensitive announcements.
• Support internal communications from the Television Distribution leadership team when required.

Measurement and reporting

• Establish meaningful measures for communications performance and impact.
• Monitor media coverage, executive visibility, message penetration and industry response.
• Provide regular reports and recommendations to Television Distribution leadership.
• Use insights to refine communications priorities and identify future opportunities.

Skills & Experience

• At least 4 years’ experience in press, publicity or communications, ideally within the television or entertainment industry.
• Established relationships with journalists and media outlets, with a strong understanding of the international media landscape.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt messaging for different audiences, markets and stakeholders.
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively with creative talent, senior executives and commercial teams.
• A global mindset, with the ability to navigate different cultures, markets and time zones.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to tight deadlines.
• A collaborative approach, with the confidence to build consensus, influence stakeholders and lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Proven leadership skills, including the ability to develop talent, provide direction and motivate a team.
• A strong understanding of brands, culture and the evolving media landscape, with an instinct for identifying relevant stories and opportunities.