At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead external communications strategy and manage media relations for the aerospace and defence sectors.
- Company: ADS, the UK's leading trade association for aerospace, defence, security, and space industries.
- Benefits: Permanent full-time role with a collaborative culture and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a high-performing team and work at major industry events like Farnborough Airshow.
- Why this job: Shape impactful communications and elevate the profile of vital industries.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in media relations, strategic communications, and digital engagement.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
ADS is the trade association for the UK's aerospace, defence, security and space sectors, representing over 2,000 businesses. We are seeking an experienced communications leader to shape and deliver our external communications strategy, raising the profile and influence of both ADS and the industries we represent.
Reporting to the Chief of Staff and based in London, you will lead the ADS press office, manage media relations, develop thought leadership campaigns, and secure high-impact coverage across national, trade and broadcast media. Working closely with the Chief Executive, senior leadership team and subject matter experts, you will identify compelling stories and position ADS as a trusted voice with policymakers, industry stakeholders, members and the media.
You will collaborate across marketing, policy, economics, HR and ADS Group Media to ensure communications activity supports organisational priorities and member engagement. The role also includes leading communications activity at major industry events, including Farnborough International Airshow, DSEI, Security & Policing and Paris Airshow.
As Head of External Communications, you will lead and develop a high-performing team, fostering a collaborative culture while delivering measurable impact through media coverage, campaigns and stakeholder engagement.
The Candidate
You will be an accomplished communications professional with significant experience in media relations, strategic communications and reputation management. You will have a proven track record of developing compelling campaigns, building strong media relationships and securing coverage that supports organisational objectives.
An excellent communicator, you will be able to translate complex issues into engaging content for a range of audiences. You may have gained experience within a membership organisation, trade association, agency, public affairs environment or a complex corporate setting.
You will bring strong judgement, a strategic mindset and the ability to respond effectively to fast-moving issues. Experience of digital communications and social media is essential, as is the ability to build credibility and influence with senior stakeholders.
Knowledge of the aerospace, defence, security or space sectors would be advantageous, along with experience engaging with government, industry or membership audiences.
The Contract
Contract Type: Permanent, fulltime role, Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week.
Head of External Communications employer: ADS Group Limited
At ADS, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture. Our Defence Business Support Executive role offers not only competitive benefits such as a bonus, private health insurance, and a generous leave policy but also the opportunity for professional growth within a dynamic environment that engages with key stakeholders in the defence sector. With a hybrid working model and a commitment to employee well-being, we empower our team members to thrive both personally and professionally in the heart of London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of External Communications
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of External Communications
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Story Straight:In public relations, storytelling is everything! Make sure your CV highlights your experience in crafting compelling narratives and managing media relations. Share specific examples of campaigns you've worked on, and don’t forget to include any press coverage you've generated—it's impressive proof of your skills!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since PR is all about communication, we want to see your best writing samples. Include pieces like press releases, blog posts, or social media content that you've created. This gives us a taste of your voice and your ability to convey messages clearly and effectively, which is crucial for a role in this field.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a recap of your CV; it’s your chance to shine! Emphasise why PR excites you and how your background fits with the mission of ADS Group Limited. Show us that you’ve done your homework and speak to why you’re passionate about the work we do.
Connect the Dots:When you’re writing your application, think about how your past experiences link to the responsibilities of the role. Mention any internships, volunteer work, or projects that involved public speaking, event planning, or strategic communication. This will help us see how you can seamlessly bring your skills into a full-time position at ADS Group Limited.
How to prepare for a job interview at ADS Group Limited
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
In public relations, storytelling is key. We should prepare compelling narratives about past campaigns or projects we’ve worked on. Think about how we can illustrate our impact and creativity in those stories—be ready to discuss specific examples that showcase our skills in managing media relationships and crafting messages.
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✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
We’ve got to stay sharp on the latest trends and events impacting the public relations field. Having a few insights ready about recent campaigns or shifts in media landscapes can show that we’re engaged and knowledgeable. This will also help us make connections between our experiences and the current state of the industry.
✨Showcase Our Versatility
As full-time PR professionals, we need to demonstrate our adaptability. Be ready to talk about how we've handled challenging situations, managed crises, or adapted strategies on the fly. Employers will appreciate our ability to pivot and find solutions under pressure, so let’s have those scenarios at our fingertips to discuss.
