At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead communications strategy and shape public understanding of transport's future.
- Company: Department for Transport, transforming government communications for the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful role, and opportunity to influence national transport policies.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and help build trust in government communications.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in how transport connects communities and supports growth.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in audience-led campaigns and crisis management.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 120000 £ per year.
Shape how the nation understands the future of transport.
Transport connects people to work, education, healthcare and opportunity; supports growth; and brings communities closer together.
At the Department for Transport (Df T), we are improving every kind of journey, harnessing technology and investing in safer, greener and better-connected networks across the UK.
We are seeking an outstanding Director of Communications to lead our communications function at a pivotal moment for transport and government communications.
This is an opportunity to influence an agenda of national importance and help deliver the biggest transformation of government communications in a generation.
The opportunity As the Secretary of State's senior official communications adviser, you will set Df T's communications strategy and lead a large, multidisciplinary team.
As Head of Profession, you will be accountable for communications strategy, spend and standards across the Department's agencies and arm's-length bodies.
In line with cross-Government Communications transformation, you will champion the shift from reactive, press-first activity to integrated, always-on communications that reach people through the channels they use.
Audience insight, data and compelling storytelling will sit at the heart of your approach.
You will embrace digital innovation and responsible AI, while keeping communications clear, authentic and trusted.
Operating across a complex, high-profile portfolio, you will advise Ministers and senior leaders, shape understanding of the Government's transport priorities and lead communications through crises and politically sensitive issues.
You will also work with fellow Directors of Communications to raise standards across government.
What you will bring We are seeking an exceptional senior communications leader with a strong record of delivering audience-led, insight-driven, multi-channel campaigns with measurable impact.
Combining marketing and storytelling expertise with political acuity and strategic judgement, you will be a trusted adviser at Board, C-suite, Ministerial or equivalent level.
You will bring proven experience of managing crises and reputational risk, leading cultural and digital transformation, and building inclusive, high-performing multidisciplinary teams.
You will turn complexity into clear, trusted communications that put citizens first.
Above all, you will provide the credible, inclusive leadership needed to build public trust and deliver lasting impact.
Help shape a modern communications function that connects with people, builds trust and makes a difference across the UK.
To view the job description and person specification, please scroll to the bottom of the page, tick to agree to the privacy policy, then click 'Continue to full details'.
Location Birmingham, Leeds or London Sector Central Government Client Department for Transport Job Type Permanent Salary/Remuneration120,000 (SCS2)Reference GSe137659Closing Date23:55 on Monday 23 November 2026
Communications Manager ~ Education in London employer: GatenbySanderson
ARTICLE 19 is an exceptional employer that champions free expression and offers a dynamic work culture in the heart of London. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and engagement in meaningful global initiatives. Our collaborative environment fosters innovation and empowers our team to make a significant impact on human rights worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Communications Manager ~ Education in London
✨Get Involved in PR Events
Dive into local PR meetups and workshops. Events like these are perfect for getting your face out there, chatting with industry pros, and spotting potential job openings at companies like GatenbySanderson. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to learn about trends and make lasting connections.
✨Showcase Your PR Skills
Start building your personal brand as a PR ace. Use platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to share your thoughts on current events or PR campaigns you admire. Tagging companies you want to work for, like GatenbySanderson, can catch their eye—especially if your insights resonate!
✨Leverage Your Network
Reach out to friends, family, or connections in the PR field. Even a casual chat can lead to opportunities. If you've got mutual contacts, ask for introductions when applying. Personal recommendations can give your application a nice little boost!
✨Tailor Your Approach
When applying for a full-time PR role, make sure to research GatenbySanderson inside and out. Understanding their campaigns, values, and style allows us to directly align our application and impress during interviews. Don't hesitate to apply through our website—going direct can make a real difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Communications Manager ~ Education in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Story Straight:In public relations, storytelling is everything! Make sure your CV highlights your experience in crafting compelling narratives and managing media relations. Share specific examples of campaigns you've worked on, and don’t forget to include any press coverage you've generated—it's impressive proof of your skills!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since PR is all about communication, we want to see your best writing samples. Include pieces like press releases, blog posts, or social media content that you've created. This gives us a taste of your voice and your ability to convey messages clearly and effectively, which is crucial for a role in this field.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a recap of your CV; it’s your chance to shine! Emphasise why PR excites you and how your background fits with the mission of GatenbySanderson. Show us that you’ve done your homework and speak to why you’re passionate about the work we do.
Connect the Dots:When you’re writing your application, think about how your past experiences link to the responsibilities of the role. Mention any internships, volunteer work, or projects that involved public speaking, event planning, or strategic communication. This will help us see how you can seamlessly bring your skills into a full-time position at GatenbySanderson.
How to prepare for a job interview at GatenbySanderson
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
In public relations, storytelling is key. We should prepare compelling narratives about past campaigns or projects we’ve worked on. Think about how we can illustrate our impact and creativity in those stories—be ready to discuss specific examples that showcase our skills in managing media relationships and crafting messages.
✨Know Your PR Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with PR tools like Cision or Meltwater is crucial. We need to be able to discuss how we’ve used these tools in past roles or projects. If we've worked on media lists, press releases, or analytics reports, let’s have those experiences ready to share along with metrics we’ve achieved to back up our claims.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
We’ve got to stay sharp on the latest trends and events impacting the public relations field. Having a few insights ready about recent campaigns or shifts in media landscapes can show that we’re engaged and knowledgeable. This will also help us make connections between our experiences and the current state of the industry.
✨Showcase Our Versatility
As full-time PR professionals, we need to demonstrate our adaptability. Be ready to talk about how we've handled challenging situations, managed crises, or adapted strategies on the fly. Employers will appreciate our ability to pivot and find solutions under pressure, so let’s have those scenarios at our fingertips to discuss.
