About Dambuster Studios
Originally founded in 1999 as Free Radical Design our ambition and passion comes through as strongly now as when we first began. We are always seeking individuals who can emulate our values - passion, quality, and teamwork - which are embodied in our diverse and inclusive culture.
Even if you’re not sure that you meet all the criteria for a role, don’t be put off from applying - we want to hear from you. Our only requirement is that you work from the UK. Our internal Wellbeing Committee and Mental Health First Aiders help ensure that our diversity is championed in a safe environment in our city centre studio.
Senior Brand Communications Strategist (Dead Island & Dambuster Studios)
Dambuster Studios - creators of the number one selling and BAFTA-nominated smash hit Dead Island 2 - has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Brand Communications Strategist to join our highly talented Brand team, leading the global communications strategy for the Dead Island franchise while building the long-term reputation, visibility and profile of Dambuster Studios as one of the industry's leading AAA developers.
We have a preference for someone who can have a regular presence in our Nottingham studio for this role, so hybrid or in-studio working is preferred.
Role overview
- Define and lead the long-term communications strategy for the Dead Island franchise across the full product lifecycle.
- Own the global messaging framework, ensuring all consumer communications are clear, compelling, authentic and strategically aligned.
- Build and develop the long-term reputation and visibility of Dambuster Studios through proactive studio communications, thought leadership and corporate storytelling.
- Direct PR, Social Media, Community & Creator Comms as a coordinated communications function delivering consistent messaging across every touchpoint.
- Act as the senior communications advisor to Brand and Studio Leadership on messaging, positioning, reputation management and crisis communications.
- Drive earned media, influencer, community and owned-channel communications that maximise awareness, engagement and positive sentiment.
- Ensure communication strategy contributes directly to commercial objectives, player acquisition, franchise growth, studio reputation and long-term audience engagement.
What we can offer you
- Core hours 9.30am – 4pm, remaining hours worked flexibly
- Relocation support to Nottingham, UK (if required)
- Holiday allowance that increases with service (to a maximum of 30 days plus statutory public holidays)
- Inclusion into the studio’s annual pay review (effective 1st July) following 12 months service
- Company pension contribution that increases with service
- Private Medical Insurance via AXA Health, including dental and optical cover
- Life Assurance Scheme via Zurich (x3 salary cover)
- Company enhanced full pay for maternity leave for the first 26 weeks (to qualifying expectant mothers)
- Clear career progression within Dambuster Studios
- Studio funded learning and development opportunities
- Travel Loan Scheme for Nottingham-based employees
- Fully subsidised gym membership with Virgin gym (Nottingham)
- Quarterly company funded cross-team events such as our Annual Christmas Party, Summer Family BBQ and Teambuilding activities
- Free financial advice
- Employee referral bonus scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Weekly office treats, including breakfast on Monday and pastries on Friday
Responsibilities
- Define and own the global communications strategy for the Dead Island franchise, aligning communications activity with franchise objectives, commercial priorities and campaign milestones.
- Develop the overarching narrative architecture for the franchise, ensuring consistent messaging across every audience, market and communication channel.
- Develop and own Dambuster Studios' external communications strategy, positioning the studio as an industry-leading AAA developer.
- Direct PR, Social Media and Community disciplines under a unified communications strategy.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with global games media, mainstream press, creators, platforms and strategic partners.
- Partner with Studio Leadership to increase executive visibility through interviews, speaking opportunities, industry events and thought leadership.
- Lead development and approval of high-quality communication materials including press releases, media kits, blogs, presentations, speeches and executive briefing documents.
- Establish communications KPIs, reporting frameworks and success metrics covering awareness, sentiment, media quality, share of voice and engagement.
Requirements
- 5+ years' experience in communications, PR, brand or corporate communications, with at least 3+ years in the gaming industry
- Proven experience developing and delivering global communications strategies for AAA games, entertainment or comparable consumer brands.
- Strong understanding of modern communications across earned, owned and shared media.
- Outstanding writing, editing and messaging skills with the ability to simplify complex information into compelling narratives.
- Demonstrable experience managing executive communications and preparing senior spokespeople for media engagement.
- Deep understanding of the global games media landscape, creator ecosystem and gaming communities.
- Experience leading PR agencies and managing senior external relationships.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with experience influencing senior leadership.
- Experience managing reputation, issues management and crisis communications.
- Excellent written and spoken English; additional European languages are advantageous.
- Passion for games, gaming culture and the evolving relationship between developers, players and communities.
Equal Opportunities Statement
Dambuster Studios is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Anyone considering their next step in their career journey with Dambuster will receive consideration without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity or paternity, or membership in any other legally protected category. We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees, and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to apply.
We operate a transparent recruitment process that removes barriers for those who require reasonable adjustments. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment or onboarding process, or if you are successful in securing a position with us, please let us know what we can do to ensure your success.
