Head of Events and Communications

Title: Head of Events and Communications

Accountable to: Executive Director

Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 (dependent on experience)

Direct Reports: Events officer, Marketing and Stakeholder Manager

Contract type: Fixed term, maternity cover. Starting ASAP and for between 9-12 months.

Application process:

• Apply by sending a CV and cover letter to Belinda Eaton by an email via the button below by midnight, UK time, on 22 March.
• First round interviews (online): 7 April.
• Face-to-face interviews: 14 & 15 April.

Scope of the Role

The Head of Events and Communications is a senior role within a highly regarded organisation, working with a focused and motivated team.

The Head of Events and Communications is responsible for overseeing the marketing, communications, branding and events of the Institute of Masters of Wine. This involves working with a diverse group of global stakeholders including Members, students, Supporters and other sponsors, press, and industry partners.

In addition to overseeing the IMW's global programme of events and trips, this role will be responsible for organising the IMW's 11th International Symposium which will take place in Adelaide in April 2027. The programme will be comprised of a series of inspiring talks, debates and tastings. With 500 delegates expected from 50 countries the symposium is a pinnacle of the wine calendar bringing together leading decision makers, influencers and thought leaders from the international trade, Masters of Wine, Masters of Wine students, presenters, sponsors and media.

Key responsibilities:

• Team - Lead a high performing Marketing and Events team.
• Symposium - Project manage the end-to-end delivery of the IMW's 11th International Symposium.
• Marketing and Communications - Working closely with the Events officer and Marketing and Stakeholder Manager to oversee all internal and external communications and marketing strategy.
• Brand - Ensure that a consistent brand image is maintained throughout all aspects of the Institute's activities.
• Digital - Oversee all the Institute's content and activities in the digital space.
• Media relations - Act as the main conduit between the organisation and all key internal and external audiences including the media and PR world.
• Events and trips - Oversee the IMW's global programme of events and trips, and leverage them for PR.
• Recruitment of students - Working closely with the Head of Study Programme and Marketing and Stakeholder Manager to drive the recruitment process for candidates globally.

11th International Symposium:

• End-to-end operational oversight of the event.
• Develop and deliver against a comprehensive project plan covering the operational activities needed to successfully execute the event (pre-event planning, event week and post-event).
• Alongside the Head of Finance and Resources develop and maintain the event budget including expenses related to the event, ensuring that all costs are tracked and reported in a timely and accurate manner
• Development and implementation of risk management plan.
• Oversight of symposium staff and key liaison between external planning groups and suppliers.
• Oversight of all event contracts and deliverables.
• Oversight of venue management and key supplier bookings.
• Development of wine logistics processes for the event. Including receival/delivery of all wine to Adelaide and sorting and handling of wine processes for event week.
• Oversight of event branding.
• Oversight of all event communications and press arrangements in collaboration with the Marketing and Stakeholder Manager.
• Post-event evaluation and reporting.

Person specification:

• Experience in delivering large-scale conferences / events.
• Experience in overseeing brand, communication and marketing strategy.
• Excellent organisation skills, including experience in managing complex projects.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and experience working with a diverse range of stakeholders of different seniority levels.
• Experienced communicator, demonstrative experience across all key marketing channels.
• A problem solver, who works well under pressure.
• Line management experience and of working across different teams and environments.
• Experience managing a large budget.
• A keen interest in wine is desirable.