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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and enhance communications for the London Borough of Newham, shaping impactful strategies.
- Company: Join a diverse and ambitious council committed to improving lives in East London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a strong commitment to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a vibrant community while telling Newham's inspiring story.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in strategic communications, ideally within the public sector.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 67700 - 85000 £ per year.
Overview
Assistant Director of Communications
Location: Newham, East London
Salary: £77,610 – £98,436 | Permanent | Full-time
Closing date: 15th October 2025
About the Role
The London Borough of Newham is seeking an exceptional communications leader to join us as our Assistant Director of Communications. This pivotal role will lead and enhance the council’s communications to support resident-focused policy and service delivery, strengthen transparency and accountability, and manage our reputation locally and nationally.
This is an exciting and challenging time to join us. Following the Best Value Notice issued in May 2025, we are accelerating our improvement journey, ensuring we deliver value for money and high-quality services in a borough of great need but even greater potential. Effective, modern communications are central to this mission – helping us to engage with residents, support culture change, and tell Newham’s story in ways that inspire confidence and pride.
What we’re looking for
You\\\’ll be an experienced, strategic communicator with a proven record of leading high-performing teams in complex organisations, ideally within the public sector. You will have:
- Strong knowledge of local government, its governance and political context.
- A track record of delivering impactful communications, marketing and digital strategies that support service improvement and efficiency, and build trust.
- Excellent influencing skills, with the credibility to advise the Mayor, Chief Executive and senior leaders.
- A collaborative, people-centred leadership style that champions our HEART values (Honesty, Equality, Ambition, Respect, Together).
You\\\’ll be responsible for
- Leading a £1.2m communications, marketing and design function with seven direct reports.
- Developing and delivering our corporate Communications Strategy and integrated campaigns.
- Shaping our digital and media presence, ensuring engaging, resident-focused content across all platforms.
- Driving internal communications that connect and inspire our 5,000 staff.
- Protecting and promoting Newham’s reputation with residents, partners, London and national government.
Why Newham?
Newham is one of London’s most diverse and fastest-growing boroughs. We are proud of our communities and ambitious for their future. By joining us, you’ll play a key role in shaping how we engage, listen, and respond to residents – and in telling the story of a council that is committed to improving lives and opportunities.
We offer a dynamic working environment, hybrid working arrangements (minimum three days per week in the office), and a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Ready to join us?
If you’re ready to bring your expertise, energy and vision to Newham, we want to hear from you.
Apply now by providing your CV and supporting statement (max. 2 pages) via the link on this page.
Recruitment timeline
Closing date for applications: 15th October 2025
Interview to be held: 24th October 2025
Please view JD here
For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Sarah Sturrock, Interim Director of Strategy & Communications at sarah.sturrock@newham.gov.uk.
Additional Information
We are committed to creating an inclusive, anti-racist environment for all. When you apply for a job at Newham, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. If you share our vision and values, and you bring the experience and skills we need, that’s all that matters to us.
The London Borough of Newham has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role.
We practice anonymised recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents that you upload.
The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, and your data protection rights, can be found by addresshttps://www.cifas.org.uk/fpn
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Assistant Director of Communications employer: Newham Council
Contact Detail:
Newham Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director of Communications
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the public sector, especially those who know Newham. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Newham’s recent initiatives and challenges. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about making a difference in the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with our HEART values. We want to see that you can lead with honesty, equality, ambition, respect, and togetherness.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Newham.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director of Communications
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Director of Communications role. Highlight your experience in leading communications strategies and managing teams, especially in a public sector context. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Newham!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how you meet the criteria outlined in the job description. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the role. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can inspire confidence and pride in our community.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We value a collaborative, people-centred leadership style. In your application, share examples of how you've led teams effectively and fostered a positive work environment. Let us know how you embody our HEART values – honesty, equality, ambition, respect, and togetherness.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Newham. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newham Council
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research the London Borough of Newham and its current communications strategies. Understand their HEART values and how they apply to the role. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you're aligned with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led communications strategies or teams. Highlight your experience in local government and how it has shaped your approach to impactful communication and service improvement.
✨Engage with Questions
Come prepared with thoughtful questions about the council's current challenges and future goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the position aligns with your career aspirations.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Leadership
Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you foster collaboration within teams. Share examples of how you've inspired and connected with staff in previous roles, as this aligns with the council's focus on people-centred leadership.
