At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead external communications strategy and shape public understanding of gambling regulation.
- Company: Join the Gambling Commission, a key player in UK consumer protection.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in society by influencing national conversations on gambling safety.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in strategic communications and leading high-performing teams.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 90000 £ per year.
This is one of the most influential communications leadership roles in UK regulation. 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.
Why this role matters: The Gambling Commission plays a critical role in protecting the public and ensuring gambling is conducted fairly, openly and safely across Great Britain. The decisions we make attract significant public, political and media interest. Effective communication is therefore fundamental to our success. As Director of Communications, you will help shape national understanding of our work, build confidence in our regulatory approach and ensure our voice is trusted, authoritative and influential.
This is a unique opportunity to lead the Commission’s communications function, partnering with the CEO and Executive Committee to shape public understanding, influence key stakeholders and strengthen trust in an organisation that serves millions across Great Britain.
Your 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
What we’re looking for:
Essential criteria:
- 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. You have experience advising and influencing at the most senior levels with political acumen and emotional intelligence
- 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 to lead high-performing teams with a focus on building inclusive, future-focused cultures
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
Your application: We value diversity in our workplace and are committed to a culture where each individual is engaged and feels that their contribution is valued and respected. We welcome all applications from candidates who meet the minimum requirements for the role.
To apply for this position, please see the Gambling Commission careers website. Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
The selection process for this vacancy will comprise an in-person interview consisting of competency, situational and technical questions supplemented with a press media style exercise. To prepare for your interview, please familiarise yourself with the STAR technique for answering interview questions.
We are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you during the application or interview process, please let us know. We will work with you to ensure you can participate fully and fairly.
Director of External Communications in Birmingham employer: The Gambling Commission
The Gambling Commission is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead impactful communications in a high-profile regulatory environment. With a strong commitment to employee growth, flexible working arrangements, and a collaborative culture, we empower our team to make a genuine difference in society while enjoying competitive benefits such as a generous pension scheme and additional holiday options. Join us in Birmingham, where you can thrive in a supportive atmosphere that values diversity and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of External Communications in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research the Gambling Commission's recent campaigns and initiatives. This will not only help you tailor your responses during interviews but also show that you're genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and insights into the role. This can give you a unique perspective and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your media handling skills! Since this role involves being a spokesperson, consider doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues. Get comfortable with answering tough questions and articulating your thoughts clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at the Gambling Commission.
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 application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Director of External Communications role. Highlight your media handling experience and any insight-driven campaigns you've led, as these are key to making a strong impression.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you’ve successfully led teams in the past. Share examples of how you've built inclusive cultures and inspired high-performing teams. This will demonstrate your capability to lead our communications function effectively.
Be Authentic:While it’s tempting to use AI tools for assistance, remember that your application should reflect your genuine experiences and insights. Authenticity is crucial, so make sure your voice shines through in your writing.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via the Gambling Commission careers website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Gambling Commission
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research the Gambling Commission and its role in UK regulation. Understand their mission to make gambling safer and fairer. This will help you tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Master the STAR Technique
Since the selection process includes competency-based questions, practice using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique. Prepare specific examples from your past that demonstrate your leadership, media handling, and campaign success.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss how you would lead the external communications strategy. Think about audience segmentation, targeting, and how to measure the impact of campaigns. Highlight any previous experience in similar roles to back up your ideas.
✨Prepare for the Press Exercise
As part of the interview, you'll face a press media style exercise. Brush up on current issues in the gambling sector and practice responding to potential media questions. This will help you appear confident and knowledgeable during the interview.
