Head of Strategic Communications & Campaigns in London

About Our Client

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) is a modern, vibrant organisation full of passionate, committed people. They make final decisions on complaints that have not been resolved by UK Government departments and the NHS in England. Working closely with people to understand where, how and why public services sometimes fall short and fail to put people first. Their true impact lies in making sure that the lessons from all investigations drive systemic change across central government, public services, and the NHS.

This newly created role will have a unique dual mandate: inside the organisation, you will reshape the view of communications with a shift to a more cohesive, proactive, insight‑led campaigns model. Outside the organisation, you will be the strategic architect behind high‑impact narratives that command the attention across diverse government, stakeholder and audience groups. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, you will sit at the crossroads of policy, communications, and strategic influence.

If you are ready to use your campaign expertise to shape public administration and improve national public services, this is your platform.

Job Description

As the Head of Strategic Communications & Campaigns you will…

• Strategic Leadership and Advice
  • Support the Assistant Director in delivering organisation‑wide leadership for communications and campaigns.
  • Lead the shift to a strategic, insight‑driven campaigns approach across the communications team and wider organisation.
  • Act as a senior authority on strategic communications, operating with credibility, autonomy and influence.
  • Advise and influence the Ombudsman, Chief Executive and Executive Team on communications strategy and approach.
• Campaign Strategy and Delivery
  • Translate organisational vision and priorities into impactful, insight‑led communications campaigns across multiple channels.
  • Develop compelling, audience‑focused narratives that resonate with diverse stakeholders.
  • Establish approaches to story identification and development, working collaboratively across the organisation.
  • Ensure all communications are inclusive, accessible and aligned with organisational values.
  • Lead the delivery of campaigns against agreed objectives, ensuring consistency and quality.
• Performance, Evaluation and Impact
  • Define and track key performance indicators, ensuring clear alignment between communications activity and organisational goals.
  • Lead robust evaluation of campaigns, measuring effectiveness and impact.
  • Use insight and data to drive continuous improvement and inform strategic decision‑making.
• Leadership, Ways of Working and Collaboration
  • Provide inspirational leadership to multi‑disciplinary teams within a matrix environment, embedding new and effective ways of working.
  • Build strong relationships internally to champion strategic communications and foster a campaigns mindset.
  • Develop partnerships with key external stakeholders to maximise collaboration and impact.
  • Exercise delegated authority effectively, ensuring decisions are informed, timely and aligned to organisational priorities.

The Successful Applicant

To be successful as the Head of Strategic Communications & Campaigns you must be able to evidence how you pair strategic communication expertise with exceptional political literacy by demonstrating:

• Significant experience leading strategic communications within the public sector, third sector, or a closely regulated environment.
• A proven history of designing, executing, and rigorously evaluating large‑scale campaigns that delivered measurable, positive policy or positive societal outcomes.
• A deep understanding of stakeholders across the health sector and wider public service landscape.
• A natural ability to advise and align Executive Teams, CEOs, and senior political stakeholders behind a communication strategy.
• Comfortable diving into digital analytics, media data, and audience insights to pivot campaigns and prove engagement.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a talent for translating complex subjects & insights into impactful, positive outcomes.
• An empowering leader who loves to coach, mentor, and build positive, psychologically safe team cultures during times of change.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary: London: £59,756 - £66,251 Manchester: £56,374 - £62,501
• Access to the Civil Service Pension Scheme.
• 30 days of annual leave, plus 2.5 Statutory day & Bank Holidays.
• Hybrid working model with 40% office‑based work in London or Manchester.
• Flexible working arrangements to support work‑life balance.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme for additional support.
• Other additional benefits.