Communications & PR Manager
Full-time | Maidenhead, Berkshire
At Dawsons Auctioneers, we connect people with extraordinary objects — from fine jewellery and watches to art, design and rare collectibles. With over a century of combined expertise, our specialists help clients unlock the value of items with history, meaning and provenance.
We are seeking an experienced Communications & PR Manager to lead Dawsons’ external communications strategy — shaping how we are seen, understood and trusted across traditional media, digital platforms and social channels.
This is a senior role for someone with significant PR experience within the luxury, art, jewellery or cultural sectors, who understands how reputation, storytelling and authority drive long-term brand value.
You will work closely with the Head of Marketing to strengthen Dawsons’ positioning as a trusted authority in the auction world, while overseeing the management and direction of our social media and YouTube channels.
Why This Role Matters
Our business is built on credibility and expertise. In high-value categories such as art, jewellery and collectibles, trust is everything.
Press coverage, specialist commentary, digital visibility and thoughtful content all play a crucial role in shaping perception and driving enquiries — particularly from private sellers.
This role exists to:
- Elevate Dawsons’ profile across national, regional and specialist media
- Position our specialists as authoritative voices in their fields
- Ensure brand consistency across all external communications
- Align social media and YouTube with our broader PR narrative
What You Will Do
PR Strategy & Media Relations (Digital & Traditional)
- Develop and execute a proactive PR strategy aligned with brand and commercial objectives
- Identify newsworthy stories across auctions, consignments, valuations and results
- Write and distribute press releases, media alerts and commentary pieces
- Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists across national, regional and specialist press
- Secure meaningful coverage in print, online, broadcast and trade media
- Act as the primary point of contact for media enquiries
- Prepare specialists and senior leadership for interviews and press opportunities
Brand Positioning & Narrative Development
- Work with the Head of Marketing to refine and protect Dawsons’ brand positioning
- Shape consistent messaging across media, digital and social channels
- Identify opportunities to strengthen Dawsons’ authority within the luxury and cultural sectors
- Ensure all communications reflect a confident, expert and considered tone
Social Media & YouTube Channel Oversight
- Oversee the strategic direction of Dawsons’ social media platforms
- Manage content calendars and ensure alignment with PR narratives and campaign activity
- Collaborate with Dawsons’ expert valuers, the freelance videographer, and the freelance presenter on YouTube planning and publishing
- Optimise video titles, descriptions and channel messaging for discoverability and brand impact
- Monitor performance and refine channel focus based on engagement and audience behaviour
(Note: Content production is supported by an external videographer; this role leads messaging, strategy and publishing oversight.)
Campaign & Auction Communications
- Lead communications planning around key auctions, standout consignments and valuation campaigns
- Ensure PR, social and video activity work cohesively around major moments in the auction calendar
- Identify opportunities to leverage auction results for media coverage and digital reach
We Are Looking For Someone Who:
- Has significant PR experience within luxury, art, jewellery, collectibles or a related sector
- Has a strong track record of securing national and specialist media coverage
- Understands the difference between brand-building communications and promotional marketing
- Is confident managing media relationships and pitching stories
- Has experience overseeing digital and social channels at a strategic level
- Understands YouTube as an authority-building platform
- Can balance commercial objectives with long-term brand positioning
- Is confident working with senior stakeholders and subject-matter experts
- Is organised, proactive and comfortable operating independently
Why you’ll enjoy working here
You’ll be part of a knowledgeable, passionate team where ideas are valued and creativity is encouraged. This role offers genuine ownership of Dawsons’ external voice — across social media, YouTube, and the press — while working with remarkable objects and respected expert valuers.
What’s in it for you?
A competitive basic salary (+ target-driven commission), career progression, and the opportunity to create a niche for yourself within a fast-growing organisation.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and Portfolio outlining their relevant experience and qualifications to our Head of Marketing, Russ Gleason, on russ@dawsonsauctions.co.uk.
Dawsons Auctioneers is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
