Head of Communications in City of London

Head of Communications in City of London

City of London Full-Time 65000 - 91000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead communications strategy and campaigns to enhance BBFC's reputation and impact.
  • Company: Join the British Board of Film Classification, a key player in media regulation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous holiday, and pension plan.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of media regulation and protect children from harmful content.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in senior communications roles and strong leadership skills.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.

The predicted salary is between 65000 - 91000 £ per year.

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is an independent, not-for-profit organisation and the UK's authority on age ratings for films and digital content. Our mission is to empower audiences, especially parents, to make informed decisions about what their families watch. We are at the forefront of regulatory policy, advocating for the protection of children in an evolving digital landscape.

Reporting to the Director of Communications and Public Affairs, the Head of Communications will take a lead on all communications activity, ensuring alignment between strategic objectives and day-to-day delivery. The postholder must be credible at a senior level, able to develop and maintain a wide network of communications stakeholders, and act as a trusted advisor to leadership. This role serves as the bridge between long-term strategy and operational execution, shaping messaging, strengthening relationships, and safeguarding the BBFC’s trusted public profile.

Key responsibilities:

  • Work closely with the Director of Communications and Public Affairs to translate strategic priorities into actionable, high-impact communications plans and campaigns.
  • Develop and implement a global communications strategy that strengthens BBFC’s reputation and creates new opportunities.
  • Lead major campaigns and strategic initiatives, ensuring they are aligned with organisational purpose and deliver measurable impact.
  • Monitor and interpret media, policy and cultural trends, advising the Director and senior leadership on emerging risks, public sentiment and opportunities for positioning.
  • Lead, inspire and develop the Communications team, fostering a positive, engaged and high-performing culture.
  • Line management responsibility for the Communications and Content Manager.
  • Set clear objectives, manage workflow, allocate resources effectively and build team capability.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, supporting executive communications, media coaching and strategic decision-making.
  • Collaborate with colleagues across Policy, Education, Compliance, Product and Growth to ensure alignment and amplify organisational priorities.
  • Act as a senior spokesperson for the BBFC when delegated by the Director.
  • Oversee media relations, maintaining strong relationships with journalists, editors and key influencers.
  • Lead crisis and issues management, including scenario planning, rapid-response protocols and decisive handling of sensitive or high-risk situations.
  • Oversee the production and delivery of all communications assets, including speeches, press releases, reports, events, videos, social media content and website articles.
  • Ensure consistent messaging across press, digital channels, internal communications and stakeholder engagement.
  • Identify and oversee opportunities for collaboration with partner organisations, associations and sector groups to enhance visibility and influence.
  • Drive internal and external communications that support organisational goals and inspire staff engagement.
  • Ensure governance, compliance and brand integrity across all communications and public affairs activity.
  • Work with the Director of Communications and Public Affairs to manage communications budgets, prioritising resources effectively.
  • Deliver regular reporting on communications performance, impact and ROI.

Person Specification:

  • Demonstrable experience of operating as a senior communications leader, providing expert strategic counsel on reputational risk and media engagement to C-suite or Board-level stakeholders.
  • A robust track record of successfully leading, designing, and executing complex, multi-channel communications strategies for a high-profile or similarly complex organisation.
  • Proven ability to lead strategic PR, marketing and communications functions in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
  • Strong understanding of brand management, digital communications and audience engagement.
  • Demonstrated experience in managing media relations, crisis communications and stakeholder engagement at senior levels.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication and storytelling skills, with confidence as a spokesperson when needed.
  • Experience leading teams.
  • Strong strategic thinking, with the ability to translate long-term vision into operational delivery.
  • Ability to influence and collaborate effectively with executive leadership.
  • Flexibility to work out-of-hours during major announcements or peak demand periods.

What We Offer:

  • Salary: £65,000
  • Hybrid working (a minimum two days in London office per week)
  • 25 days holiday per full year (increasing by one day each year to a maximum 30 days)
  • Group personal pension plan
  • Non-contributory life assurance
  • Employee assistance support
  • Opportunity to influence the future of media regulation in the UK and protect children from harmful content.
  • Be part of a dynamic, forward-thinking organisation at the forefront of film and digital content regulation.
  • A supportive and inclusive work environment that values diversity and promotes professional development.

Head of Communications in City of London employer: BRITISH BOARD OF FILM CLASSIFICATION

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to influence media regulation in the UK while working in a dynamic and inclusive environment. With a strong commitment to employee growth, BBFC provides a supportive culture that values diversity, alongside competitive benefits such as hybrid working, generous holiday allowances, and a focus on professional development. Join us in our mission to empower audiences and protect children from harmful content, all while enjoying a fulfilling career at the forefront of film and digital content regulation.
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Contact Detail:

BRITISH BOARD OF FILM CLASSIFICATION Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Communications in City of London

✨Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.

✨Show Off Your Skills

When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your achievements and how they relate to the role. Use specific examples that demonstrate your strategic thinking and leadership abilities. We want to see how you can make an impact!

✨Be Prepared for Anything

In interviews, be ready for unexpected questions or scenarios. Think about how you would handle crisis communications or media relations challenges. Show us that you can think on your feet and adapt to changing situations!

✨Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our mission at the BBFC.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Communications in City of London

Strategic Communications
Media Relations
Crisis Communications
Stakeholder Engagement
Team Leadership
Brand Management
Digital Communications
Audience Engagement
Written Communication
Verbal Communication
Storytelling Skills
Influencing Skills
Collaboration
Project Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Communications role. Highlight your experience in leading communications strategies and managing media relations, as these are key for us at BBFC.

Showcase Your Storytelling Skills: We love a good story! Use your application to demonstrate your excellent written communication skills. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated complex ideas or managed crises in the past.

Highlight Your Leadership Experience: As a senior communications leader, it's crucial to show how you've inspired and developed teams. Include specific instances where you've led a team to success, as this aligns with our goal of fostering a high-performing culture.

Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! This ensures we receive all the necessary information and helps us keep track of your application easily.

How to prepare for a job interview at BRITISH BOARD OF FILM CLASSIFICATION

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into the BBFC's mission and recent initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their current campaigns and how they align with the evolving digital landscape. This will show your genuine interest and help you articulate how your experience can contribute to their goals.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Head of Communications, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure situations. Highlight your approach to fostering a positive culture and driving engagement within your team.

✨Be Ready for Crisis Scenarios

Given the nature of the role, be prepared to discuss how you've handled crisis communications in the past. Think of specific examples where you had to manage sensitive situations or navigate reputational risks. This will showcase your strategic thinking and ability to act decisively under pressure.

✨Engage with Stakeholders

The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders. Be ready to talk about your experience in building and maintaining relationships with journalists, influencers, and other key figures. Discuss how you've successfully aligned communications strategies with organisational priorities and engaged diverse audiences.

Head of Communications in City of London
BRITISH BOARD OF FILM CLASSIFICATION
Location: City of London
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