At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead external communications strategy and manage media relations for a key trade association.
- Company: ADS represents over 2,000 businesses in aerospace, defence, security, and space sectors.
- Benefits: Permanent role with competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities to engage at major industry events.
- Why this job: Shape impactful communications and elevate the profile of vital industries.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in media relations and strategic communications required.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
The Role
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
Location: London Head Office
Head of External Communications in London employer: ADS GROUP
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of External Communications in London
✨Get Involved in PR Events
Dive into local PR meetups and workshops. Events like these are perfect for getting your face out there, chatting with industry pros, and spotting potential job openings at companies like ADS GROUP. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to learn about trends and make lasting connections.
✨Showcase Your PR Skills
Start building your personal brand as a PR ace. Use platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to share your thoughts on current events or PR campaigns you admire. Tagging companies you want to work for, like ADS GROUP, can catch their eye—especially if your insights resonate!
✨Leverage Your Network
Reach out to friends, family, or connections in the PR field. Even a casual chat can lead to opportunities. If you've got mutual contacts, ask for introductions when applying. Personal recommendations can give your application a nice little boost!
✨Tailor Your Approach
When applying for a full-time PR role, make sure to research ADS GROUP inside and out. Understanding their campaigns, values, and style allows us to directly align our application and impress during interviews. Don't hesitate to apply through our website—going direct can make a real difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of External Communications in London
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. 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.
How to prepare for a job interview at ADS GROUP
✨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.
✨Know Your PR Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with PR tools like Cision or Meltwater is crucial. We need to be able to discuss how we’ve used these tools in past roles or projects. If we've worked on media lists, press releases, or analytics reports, let’s have those experiences ready to share along with metrics we’ve achieved to back up our claims.
✨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.
