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- 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 52000 - 78000 £ 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
Essential:
- 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 employer: BRITISH BOARD OF FILM CLASSIFICATION
Contact Detail:
BRITISH BOARD OF FILM CLASSIFICATION Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Communications
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. The more connections we have, the better our chances of landing that Head of Communications role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or a personal website where you can highlight your previous campaigns and communications strategies. This will give potential employers a taste of what we can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the BBFC and its mission. Understand their current challenges and think about how we can contribute to their goals. Tailoring our responses to align with their values will make us stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re genuinely interested in being part of the BBFC team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Communications
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Communications role. Highlight your strategic communications experience and how it relates to the BBFC's mission.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a team, be sure to include examples of how you've inspired and developed others in your previous positions. We want to see your ability to foster a positive and high-performing culture.
Demonstrate Your Media Savvy: Given the importance of media relations in this role, share your experiences managing media engagement and crisis communications. Show us how you've navigated complex situations and maintained a strong public profile.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets to the right people!
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 Scenario Questions
Expect questions about crisis management and media relations. Think of specific scenarios where you've navigated challenges or turned potential issues into opportunities. This will showcase your strategic thinking and ability to handle sensitive situations effectively.
✨Prepare Your Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the BBFC's future direction, their approach to stakeholder engagement, and how they measure the impact of their communications strategies. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.