Director of Communications

Director of Communications

Full-Time 75000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
RUSSELL REYNOLDS ASSOCIATES

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Shape the FCA's communications and build trust in a transforming financial regulator.
  • Company: Join the UK's Financial Conduct Authority, a leader in financial regulation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and the chance to influence public confidence.
  • Why this job: Be at the forefront of change in a high-profile communications role.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in senior communications roles and leading large teams.
  • Other info: Opportunity to drive transformation and engage with diverse stakeholders.

The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.

Shape the Voice of the UK’s Financial Regulator

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is driving a fairer, more resilient financial system – protecting consumers, strengthening markets and supporting economic growth. As part of a major transformation, the FCA is becoming a more data-led, forward-thinking regulator, underpinned by its 2025-2030 strategy.

We are seeking a Director of Communications to play a pivotal role in shaping how the FCA communicates, builds trust and delivers impact. This is a senior leadership role combining strategic advisory responsibility with leadership of a 120-person communications function.

You will:

  • Advise the Chief Executive, Board and senior leadership on communications, reputation and stakeholder strategy.
  • Shape the FCA’s external narrative, ensuring clarity on complex, high-profile regulatory issues.
  • Lead engagement across media, government, industry and consumer groups.
  • Oversee crisis communications and high-profile issues.
  • Lead internal communications, engaging a 5,500-strong workforce.
  • Drive data-led, digital and insight-driven communications capability.
  • Contribute to the FCA’s wider transformation, including technology and AI adoption.

We are seeking a senior communications leader with experience in complex, high-profile environments. You will bring proven experience advising senior executives and boards; strong track record leading large communications teams; excellent judgement in politically sensitive and high-profile situations; outstanding stakeholder management and influencing skills; experience delivering insight-led, outcome-driven communications strategies; and the ability to lead through change and build high-performing, inclusive teams.

This is one of the most high-profile communications roles in UK financial services – offering the chance to shape public confidence in a transforming regulator at a critical time. We welcome applications from exceptional leaders ready to operate at the highest level.

The FCA has retained Russell Reynolds Associates to advise on this appointment. For further information about the position and additional details on how to apply, please visit: www.rraresponses.com. The closing date for applications is 23:55 BST on Tuesday 12th May 2026.

Director of Communications employer: RUSSELL REYNOLDS ASSOCIATES

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead communications at the forefront of the UK's financial regulation. With a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive work culture, employees benefit from professional growth opportunities and the chance to influence public trust in a transforming organisation. Located in London, the FCA provides a dynamic environment where innovative ideas are encouraged, and impactful work is recognised.
RUSSELL REYNOLDS ASSOCIATES

Contact Detail:

RUSSELL REYNOLDS ASSOCIATES Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Director of Communications

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who might have insights into the FCA or similar organisations. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the FCA’s recent initiatives and challenges. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also in how you can contribute to their mission of building trust and delivering impact.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your storytelling skills! As a communications leader, you’ll need to convey complex ideas clearly. Craft your personal narrative to highlight your experience and how it aligns with the FCA’s goals.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Director of Communications

Strategic Advisory Skills
Stakeholder Management
Crisis Communications
Internal Communications
Data-led Communications
Digital Communications
Insight-driven Strategy
Leadership Skills
Judgement in Politically Sensitive Situations
Team Building
Change Management
Influencing Skills
High-profile Engagement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Know Your Audience: When crafting your application, keep in mind who will be reading it. Tailor your language and examples to resonate with the FCA's mission of driving a fairer financial system. Show us you understand their values and how your experience aligns with their goals.

Be Clear and Concise: We want to see your skills shine, but don’t overwhelm us with jargon or lengthy paragraphs. Use clear, straightforward language to convey your achievements and ideas. Remember, clarity is key in communications, so let that reflect in your application!

Showcase Your Leadership Experience: As a senior role, we’re looking for evidence of your leadership capabilities. Highlight specific instances where you've led teams or projects, especially in high-pressure situations. We want to see how you’ve shaped narratives and influenced stakeholders effectively.

Follow the Application Instructions: Make sure to read the application guidelines carefully. We appreciate attention to detail, so ensure you submit all required documents through our website. This shows us you can follow processes, which is crucial in a regulatory environment like the FCA.

How to prepare for a job interview at RUSSELL REYNOLDS ASSOCIATES

✨Know Your Audience

Before the interview, research the Financial Conduct Authority and its current initiatives. Understand their 2025-2030 strategy and how your role as Director of Communications fits into that vision. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in shaping their narrative.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your experience leading large communications teams and advising senior executives. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced in high-profile environments and how you navigated them. This will showcase your ability to lead through change and build high-performing teams.

✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking

Think about how you would approach the FCA's external narrative and crisis communications. Prepare a few strategic ideas or frameworks that you could implement if hired. This shows that you're not just reactive but proactive in your thinking, which is crucial for this senior role.

✨Engage with Insight-Driven Communication

Be prepared to discuss how you have used data and insights to drive communication strategies in the past. Highlight any experience you have with technology and AI adoption in communications, as this aligns with the FCA's transformation goals. This will illustrate your forward-thinking approach and adaptability.

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