Director Communications and Public Engagement

  • Contract
  • London

Imperial War Museum


  • Job Title: Director Communications and Public Engagement
  • Salary: £50k+
  • Hours:
    Full time
  • Role: Marketing & Digital
  • Contract: Permanent
  • Closing date: Mon, 02 Mar 2026

  • Location:

    London

Job Summary

Lead IWM’s communications and digital strategy, shaping how millions experience our stories across media, web and social.

Job Description

Why This Role Matters

IWM is entering an exciting new chapter, with a refreshed Vision & Purpose framework and ambitious plans to broaden our audiences and deepen engagement across all our branches. As our Director of Communications & Digital Engagement, you will play a pivotal role in shaping how the world experiences IWM – online, in the media, and across our digital estate.

Your leadership will help us:

  • tell more powerful stories,
  • reach new and diverse audiences,
  • enhance our digital presence, and
  • build a consistent, compelling brand experience across every channel.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a multidisciplinary team at scale – across PR, crisis comms, digital content, UX, analytics and audience growth – and drive the transformation of one of the UK’s most respected cultural institutions.

What Success Looks Like

In your first 12-18 months, success will look like:

  • A refreshed, integrated Communications & Digital Engagement strategy delivering measurable audience growth.
  • A clearer, more compelling digital presence – especially across website, video platforms and social channels.
  • Strong internal communications that support our cultural transformation and staff engagement.
  • Improved alignment across communications, marketing, digital, commercial and public engagement teams.
  • Confident leadership during high profile media moments, ensuring reputation is protected and strengthened.
  • A motivated, supported, high performing team delivering innovative, insight led work.

Job Requirements

What We’re Looking For

Required

We’re looking for a senior leader who brings:

  • Significant experience leading communications and/or digital engagement strategy in a complex, multi site organisation.
  • A strong track record of managing national or international media relations under pressure.
  • Confidence handling challenging, sensitive or high profile issues with sound judgement.
  • Experience using analytics and digital insight to shape strategy, content and audience growth.
  • An audience first mindset, with the ability to turn insight into compelling storytelling and digital experiences.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills – credible, calm and inspiring at all levels.
  • Commercial understanding, with experience managing budgets and identifying opportunities to drive income.
  • A collaborative leadership style, building strong relationships across teams and with external partners.
  • Curiosity about emerging digital trends and how they can be harnessed for impact.

How to Apply

Please apply via our organisation website below:

https://imperialwarmuseums.tal.net/vx/appcentre-LI/brand-4/spa-1/candidate/so/pm/1/pl/11/opp/652-Director-Communications-and-Digital-Engagement/en-GB

Apply now
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