Director of Communications

Job summary

Lead the development and delivery of the organisation’s communications and brand strategy, overseeing public affairs, public relations, marketing, audience insight, and Box Office. Work with executive and artistic leaders and colleagues across the organisation to grow and diversify audiences, strengthen engagement, support income generation, and communicate the organisation’s artistic vision and ambitions.

Job details

Posted: 23 September 2026 Director of Communications Applications deadline: 16 Oct 2026 - 12pm Apply now Back to vacancies For nearly five decades, the Royal Exchange Theatre has played a crucial role in shaping the future of theatre, playing an integral part in a global conversation about artistic excellence, pioneering theatre practice, talent development and sharing universal, human stories. Our new Director of Communications will be a strategic and imaginative leader who, as a member of our Executive Team, will play a key role in helping shape the future direction of the organisation. They will lead the development and delivery of our communications and brand strategy, overseeing public affairs, public relations, marketing, audience insight and Box Office. Working alongside colleagues across the organisation, they will help us grow and diversify our audiences, strengthen engagement and support income generation through innovative and audience-focused approaches. Partnering closely with the Artistic and Executive Directors, the Director of Communications will help bring our artistic vision and business plan to life through compelling storytelling and clear, consistent communications. They will build strong relationships with key stakeholders and ensure our messaging inspires confidence, supports our organisational ambitions and reflects our role as one of the UK’s leading cultural institutions. The successful candidate will have significant experience in a senior communications, marketing, public affairs or similar role and a good understanding of working within the arts, culture or related sector. They will have a track record for developing artistic and business strategy, engaging stakeholders and inspiring others. Please Read The Job Description/Person Specification For Full Details. To apply, send your completed application form and current CV to recruitment@royalexchange.co.uk Contract Permanent Hours 40 hours Salary £65,000 per annum Responsible to Artistic Director/Co-CEO & Executive Director/Co-CEO First Interviews (online) Thursday 22 / Friday 23 October Second Interview (in person at RET) Wednesday 28 October Share Application Form DOCX, 33kb Job Description PDF, 323.5kb Equal Opportunities form

What you’ll do

Lead the development and delivery of the organisation’s communications and brand strategy, overseeing public affairs, public relations, marketing, audience insight, and Box Office. Work with executive and artistic leaders and colleagues across the organisation to grow and diversify audiences, strengthen engagement, support income generation, and communicate the organisation’s artistic vision and ambitions.

Requirements

Significant experience in a senior communications, marketing, public affairs, or similar role, with a good understanding of the arts, culture, or a related sector. A track record of developing artistic and business strategy, engaging stakeholders, and inspiring others is required.

Listed skills

• Leadership · Preferred
• Brand Strategy · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Communications Strategy
• Brand Strategy
• Public Affairs
• Public Relations
• Marketing
• Audience Insight
• Box Office Management
• Audience Development
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Strategic Planning
• Business Strategy
• Leadership
• Storytelling
• Income Generation

Job areas

• Management & Leadership
• Marketing
• Creative & Media
• Art & Design