At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead external communications strategy and shape public narrative for the Gambling Commission.
- Company: Join a key public body focused on making gambling safer and fairer.
- Benefits: Enjoy a Civil Service Pension, flexible working, and generous holiday options.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional growth and impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in society while influencing national conversations.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior communications roles with strong media handling skills.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
As Director of Communications at the Gambling Commission, you will be responsible for shaping how one of the UK's most visible public bodies communicates with consumers, government, industry, media and stakeholders. Your work will directly influence public understanding, strengthen trust, and support our mission to make gambling safer, fairer and crime-free. Reporting into the Executive Team and acting as a trusted adviser to the CEO, you will lead the strategic narrative of an organisation that sits at the centre of important national conversations around consumer protection, regulation, technology and social responsibility.
This is an opportunity to build and lead a modern, insight-driven communications function that delivers real impact across media relations, digital engagement, public affairs, stakeholder engagement and reputation management. If you're an ambitious communications leader who thrives in high-profile environments and wants to make a genuine difference to society, we'd love to hear from you.
Benefits
- Civil Service Pension, with 28.97% employer contribution
- 26 days' holiday, rising to 29 days after two years' service (pro rata)
- Holiday purchase scheme (option to buy up to five extra days annual leave)
- Flexible working & family friendly policies
- Ergonomic, fully accessible office, very close to Birmingham New Street Station
- Open, collaborative and people focused culture
Responsibilities
- Lead the Commission's external communications strategy, including media, social and public campaigns
- Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and Executive Committee, shaping narrative and public positioning
- Serve as a senior spokesperson, building strong relationships with national and regional media
- Develop and deliver integrated communications programmes aligned to organisational priorities
- Partner with senior leaders and cross-functional teams to embed communications into planning and delivery
- Oversee public affairs and stakeholder engagement strategies
- Lead, inspire and develop a high-performing communications and public affairs team
- Champion data-driven communications, using insight, digital tools and innovation to maximise impact
- Manage budgets, external agencies and resources to deliver value for money
- Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills as a trusted adviser with diverse stakeholders internally and externally, including at Board, C-suite and ministerial (or equivalent) level
- Demonstrable experience of audience-led, insight-driven campaigns. You understand segmentation, targeting and positioning. You have proven success developing multi-channel campaigns and creative content strategies with clear evaluation metrics and measurable impact, including large-scale behaviour-change or trust-building campaigns.
- Strong media handling experience, including acting as a spokesperson
- Proven ability of leading high-performing teams with a focus on building inclusive, future-focused cultures
Qualifications
- Experience advising and influencing at the most senior levels with political acumen and emotional intelligence
Desirable criteria
- Experience working in complex, regulated or public sector environments
- Strong understanding of data-led communications and evaluation methodologies
- Experience working with national, regional and trade media
- Knowledge of the gambling sector or similar regulatory landscape
Director of External Communications in Birmingham employer: Gambling Commission
The Gambling Commission is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead impactful communications that shape public understanding and trust in the gambling sector. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we provide generous benefits including a Civil Service Pension, flexible working arrangements, and a collaborative culture that fosters professional growth. Located near Birmingham New Street Station, our fully accessible office promotes a modern work environment where your contributions can make a real difference to society.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of External Communications in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
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. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or a personal website that highlights your best work in communications. Include case studies of successful campaigns you've led, especially those that demonstrate your ability to influence public perception and engage stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around consumer protection and social responsibility in the gambling sector.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application directly. Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your strategic communication skills and experience in leading high-performing teams. Make sure to emphasise your data-driven approach and ability to build trust with diverse stakeholders.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of External Communications in Birmingham
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 Director of External Communications role. Highlight your experience in shaping narratives and leading communications strategies, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Impact:When detailing your past roles, focus on the impact you've made through audience-led campaigns and strategic communications. Use metrics and examples to illustrate how your work has influenced public understanding or strengthened trust, which is key for us at the Gambling Commission.
Be Authentic:We want to see your personality shine through in your application. Don’t be afraid to share your passion for making a difference in society and how your values align with our mission. Authenticity can really set you apart from other candidates.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our official website. This ensures we receive all your details correctly and allows us to keep track of your application efficiently. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gambling Commission
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research the Gambling Commission and its role in consumer protection and regulation. Understand their current communications strategy and think about how you can contribute to shaping their narrative. This will show your genuine interest and help you tailor your responses.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples of your past work that demonstrate your ability to lead high-performing teams and develop insight-driven campaigns. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully influenced stakeholders at senior levels and managed complex communications projects.
✨Be a Storyteller
As a Director of External Communications, storytelling is key. Practice articulating your vision for the role and how you would approach building trust with various audiences. Use compelling anecdotes from your career to illustrate your points and make your case memorable.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the challenges the Gambling Commission faces. Inquire about their current initiatives or future goals, and express how you can help them achieve these objectives. This shows your strategic thinking and eagerness to contribute.
