At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate communications strategies across media, digital, and social platforms.
- Company: Join the UK's leading aviation and aerospace regulator with a dynamic team.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vital industry while enhancing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in communications management and team leadership required.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 85000 £ per year.
We are the UK's aviation and aerospace regulator and recognised as a world leader in its field. Our activities are diverse, enabling the aviation industry to meet the highest safety standards, and we pride ourselves on our ability to adapt to the constantly evolving aviation environment.
Salary: £80,000 - £85,000 (dependent on experience) + on call allowance
Contract Type: Permanent – Full time
Location: London – Hybrid - (Minimum of 3 days p/w in office or with stakeholders)
Visa Restrictions: This position does not currently offer visa sponsorship.
The Role
The Head of Communications Delivery is a senior leadership position responsible for managing integrated communications strategies across multiple channels. This public-facing communications role involves leading a team to deliver excellence in media relations, corporate communications, digital communications, website management, and social media marketing. The successful candidate will drive strategic communications that enhance brand reputation and organisational visibility.
- Communications Team Leadership: Lead, coach, and develop the Communications Delivery team whilst deputising for the Deputy Director. Ensure integrated communications strategies and cross-functional collaboration across all channels.
- Strategy Development & Implementation: Develop and implement a comprehensive Communications Strategy aligned with organisational goals. Oversee performance monitoring, reporting, and analytics across digital platforms, social media channels, and media relations activities.
- Reputation Management: Strategically position and protect the organisation's reputation through effective external channels, horizon scanning for emerging issues and leading appropriate communications responses.
- Media & Corporate Communications: Build and maintain relationships with national journalists and media outlets. Develop proactive and reactive media strategies whilst overseeing corporate communications content and press releases.
- Digital Communications & Social Media Leadership: Lead digital transformation and innovation across the organisation's digital presence. Maintain consistency, govern digital assets including website management, and drive social media engagement.
- Campaign Management: Plan and execute multi-channel communications campaigns, including behaviour change campaigns, ensuring measurable value for money and impact on key organisational objectives.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with internal teams to ensure cohesive content marketing, communications delivery, and stakeholder management.
- Crisis Communications: Maintain and update crisis communication plans covering all external communications channels.
About You
Minimum essential requirements for the role:
- Senior leadership experience in communications management or communications delivery
- Proven track record in a key communications role with demonstrated media relations and stakeholder engagement experience
- Campaign management experience including planning, implementation, and evaluation
- Digital communications and social media management experience
- Established relationships with national media and senior stakeholders both internally and externally
- Experience developing high-performing teams and leading organisational change
Desirable requirements for the role:
- Communications experience within aerospace, aviation, or regulated industries
Additional Information
For many appointments within the CAA, these roles require access to operationally sensitive infrastructure and/or Nationally Protected information. For these roles the post holders must undergo National Security Vetting and achieve the appropriate level of clearance. BPSS - To be vetted you must have the right to work in the UK so that meaningful checks can be undertaken. If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application.
For more information on BPSS clearance please visit - BPSS clearance
The CAA values high ethical standards and personal integrity among employees. If invited for interview you will be asked to complete a declaration of interest.
Relocation & Inclusivity
Relocation: The role is based in London but will involve regular travel to Aviation House (our Gatwick office). The CAA will be relocating from Aviation House to new premises in a few years’ time. Our move is driven by strategic, operational and environmental considerations. We will be moving to a new local home, up to a 15-mile radius of Aviation House, to minimise disruption for our valued colleagues and customers. We are now working with colleagues and visitors to understand what we need in our new office, before we start our property search. We will sell Aviation House and land, vacate the site and move to new premises, but we do not expect to move before 2028.
Inclusivity: We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and celebrate our diversity ensuring all backgrounds are included here at the CAA. As a member of the Disability Confident scheme, applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a role with us will be guaranteed an interview.
Benefits
- Flexible & hybrid working arrangements available
- 28 days annual leave + public holidays (additional 5 days leave purchase scheme)
- Generous pension scheme (Up to 12% employer contribution)
- Wellbeing Room at Gatwick
- Mental Health and Suicide First Aiders
- Employee Assistance Programme, talking therapies and neurodiversity support via Occupational Health & access to Headspace for colleagues and 5 dependents
- Free onsite gym at Gatwick or discounted gym membership for London
- EV charging points
- Employee Development courses internally and via Skillsoft
Closing Date & Screening
Closing Date: Sunday 2nd November 2025
Screening Calls: w/c Monday 3rd November 2025
Note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible. No recruitment agencies please.
Head of Communications (Media, Social, Digital Content) in England employer: Civil Aviation Authority
As the UK's leading aviation and aerospace regulator, we offer a dynamic work environment in London that fosters innovation and excellence. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our flexible working arrangements, generous leave policies, and comprehensive development opportunities, ensuring that you can thrive both personally and professionally. Join us to be part of a diverse team dedicated to maintaining the highest safety standards in the aviation industry while enjoying the unique advantages of working in a pivotal role within a respected organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Communications (Media, Social, Digital Content) in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the aviation and communications sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a personal website or portfolio showcasing your previous campaigns and media relations successes. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can enhance brand reputation and visibility—just like the role requires!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their current communications strategies and think about how you can contribute to their goals. Tailor your responses to highlight your experience in digital communications and stakeholder engagement.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team. Don’t forget to follow up after applying—persistence pays off!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Communications (Media, Social, Digital Content) in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in communications management. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Head of Communications, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a senior leadership position, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead and develop teams. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and driven strategic communications in your previous roles.
Highlight Media Relations Experience:Since this role involves building relationships with national journalists and media outlets, make sure to mention any relevant experience you have in media relations. We love seeing candidates who can effectively manage corporate communications and press strategies!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Civil Aviation Authority
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the organisation's mission and values. Understand their current projects and challenges in the aviation sector. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your responses to align with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Communications, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership experience. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams, developed strategies, and managed crises in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Engage with Media Relations
Since media relations are crucial for this role, be ready to discuss your established relationships with journalists and media outlets. Share examples of successful media strategies you've implemented and how they positively impacted your previous organisations.
✨Prepare for Crisis Scenarios
Crisis communications are a key part of the job. Think about potential crisis scenarios relevant to the aviation industry and prepare your approach to managing them. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and readiness to protect the organisation's reputation.