At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic communications team and develop innovative strategies across media and digital platforms.
- Company: Join the UK's leading aviation and aerospace regulator, known for its excellence and adaptability.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vital industry while enhancing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in communications management and a passion for media relations.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusivity and ethical standards.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 85000 Β£ per year.
Overview
We are the UK\βs 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: Β£80,000 β Β£85,000 (dependent on experience) + on call allowance
Contract Type: Permanent β Full time
Location: London β Hybrid β (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\\\βs 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\\\βs 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 β 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 β 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 yearsβ 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.
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Head of Communications (Media, Social, Digital Content) employer: Civil Aviation Authority
Contact Detail:
Civil Aviation Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Head of Communications (Media, Social, Digital Content)
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the aviation and communications sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and donβt be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
β¨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 shine and demonstrate how you can elevate the organisation's communications strategy.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their current communications strategies and think about how you can contribute. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals.
β¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows youβre genuinely interested in being part of our team. Donβt miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Communications (Media, Social, Digital Content)
Some tips for your application π«‘
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 donβt hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior leadership position, itβs 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 connections or experiences you have in media relations. We love seeing candidates who can hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Donβt miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Civil Aviation Authority
β¨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the organisation's mission and values. Understand their current communications strategies and any recent campaigns they've launched. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your responses to align with their goals.
β¨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Communications, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and develop teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on coaching, mentoring, and driving performance. Be ready to discuss how you would approach leading their Communications Delivery team.
β¨Be Ready for Crisis Scenarios
Given the nature of the role, it's crucial to be prepared for questions about crisis communications. Think of specific instances where you've had to manage a crisis or respond to negative media coverage. Highlight your strategic thinking and how you ensured effective communication during those times.
β¨Engage with Digital Trends
Since digital communications are key to this role, brush up on the latest trends in social media and digital content. Be prepared to discuss how you would lead digital transformation within the organisation and share innovative ideas for enhancing their online presence.
