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- Tasks: Lead a team of 25 communications pros, shaping strategies and enhancing engagement.
- Company: Join a mission-driven organisation transforming public services across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work flexibility with occasional travel and a dynamic work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public service while developing your leadership skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in communications, ideally within public sector or government-facing roles.
- Other info: This is a 9 to 12 months fixed-term contract with opportunities for growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
My client are a leading provider of public service transformation, focused on improving outcomes for citizens and supporting the delivery of more effective and efficient services across the UK. They are currently seeking an experienced and strategic communications professional to lead our division's communications function. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic, mission-led organisation, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering communications strategy that enhances engagement, builds reputation, and supports organisational goals. You will be responsible for leading a team of around 25 communications professionals based across the UK. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, reporting to the People Director, you will act as a trusted advisor to the divisional CEO and other senior stakeholders on all matters related to communication, engagement, and reputation management. This is a home-based role with occasional travel as required.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Alignment & Integration: Ensure alignment across internal and external communications, public relations, public affairs, and marketing teams. Lead the creation and implementation of a major upcoming campaign to drive external engagement and enhance organisational reputation.
- Senior Advisory Role: Act as a trusted advisor to divisional leadership, offering expert counsel on communications, reputation, and employee engagement strategies.
- Narrative & Messaging: Develop and embed a strong divisional narrative aligned with wider organisational messaging and values, ensuring clarity and consistency across all channels.
- Executive & Leadership Engagement: Facilitate engagement between the CEO and leadership teams to drive alignment, advocacy, and shared understanding of strategic priorities. Support leadership in effectively communicating business priorities, progress, and achievements.
- Client Communications: Oversee the planning and delivery of key client communications, including updates on strategy, results, restructures, and other major developments.
- Internal Engagement & Culture: Lead initiatives that drive employee engagement and support a strong, inclusive organisational culture. Promote updated values and behaviours across teams to reinvigorate engagement and support retention and development. Ensure messaging is locally relevant and clearly understood.
- Reputation & Issues Management: Manage reputational risks with proactive and reactive communications strategies. Provide calm, confident leadership during times of crisis or scrutiny.
- Team Leadership & Delivery: Lead and inspire a national team of communications professionals, upholding high standards of delivery across all projects. Ensure the team meets strategic and contractual commitments in a timely and effective manner.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with divisional leadership and peers in marketing and communications. Coordinate with central functions including internal communications, media relations, and digital channels to maintain a consistent, aligned presence externally and internally.
Requirements:
- Extensive experience in communications leadership, ideally within public sector or government-facing organisations.
- Skilled in managing communications within large, complex, and matrixed environments.
- Experience of leading geographically dispersed and virtual teams.
- A credible and trusted advisor with excellent judgement and the ability to influence at senior levels.
- Strong leadership qualities including the ability to build trust, foster accountability, and promote learning and innovation.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
- Proven strategic thinking with a forward-looking, proactive approach.
- Track record in handling high-profile reputational issues and crisis communications.
- Creative mindset with a strong grasp of how to build impactful campaigns and engaging content.
Head Of Communications employer: AEJ Consulting
Contact Detail:
AEJ Consulting Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Communications
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the public sector and communications field. Attend relevant industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and leaders who can provide insights into the role and organisation.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the organisation's recent campaigns and communications strategies. Understanding their current initiatives will help you demonstrate your knowledge and how you can contribute to their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing teams and leading communications in complex environments. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated challenges and delivered impactful results.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in public sector communications and reputation management. Being able to speak about innovative strategies and tools will set you apart as a forward-thinking candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Communications
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in communications leadership, especially within public sector or government-facing organisations. Emphasise your ability to manage complex communications and lead teams effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your strategic thinking and leadership qualities. Discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed communications in challenging environments and how you can contribute to the organisation's goals.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on key skills such as crisis communications, stakeholder collaboration, and narrative development. Provide concrete examples of how you've used these skills to achieve positive outcomes in previous roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Experience: Detail your experience in leading teams, particularly in geographically dispersed settings. Highlight your approach to fostering accountability and promoting a strong organisational culture, as these are crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at AEJ Consulting
✨Research the Organisation
Before your interview, take the time to thoroughly research the organisation. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will not only help you tailor your responses but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the organisation's goals.
✨Prepare for Strategic Questions
Given the seniority of the position, expect questions that assess your strategic thinking and leadership capabilities. Be ready to discuss your experience in managing communications within complex environments and how you've successfully led teams in the past.
✨Showcase Your Crisis Management Skills
As the role involves reputation management, prepare examples of how you've handled high-profile issues or crises in the past. Highlight your calmness under pressure and your ability to communicate effectively during challenging times.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
During the interview, engage actively with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their current communications strategies and challenges. This shows your proactive approach and helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and working style.
