Job Introduction
Shape the voice of a region. Influence national policy. Build public trust.
This is a rare and high-impact opportunity to lead strategic communications for a public body driving the future of one of England’s most diverse and dynamic regions. As the Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs, you will define and amplify the region’s voice - translating the Mayor’s vision into bold, inclusive and nationally resonant communications.
Reporting into the Chief Executive, you will shape and deliver an integrated communications strategy across media, public affairs and digital channels. A key priority is to lead the development of the communications team to optimise impact, ensure that the communication function supports and reinforces the policy and delivery priorities of the organisation in line with the Mayor's ambition.
Main Responsibility
What You’ll Do
- Craft the Narrative: Shape a compelling story for the West of England that reflects the Mayor’s voice and resonates with diverse communities.
- Lead Strategically: Align communications with corporate priorities using cutting-edge digital and traditional channels and drive impact across marketing, media and public affairs.
- Advise with Influence: Act as a trusted advisor to the Mayor, Chief Executive and senior leaders on reputation, media strategy and high-stakes issues.
- Build Trust: Foster collaboration across political and organisational boundaries, influencing nationally while strengthening regional identity.
- Drive Impact: Raise the profile of the organisation and the region with key stakeholders including central government and regional partners, instilling message discipline to ensure that influencers and decision makers better understand the opportunities and needs of the West of England and regard the Combined Authority as a trusted partner.
The Ideal Candidate
You will be an accomplished professional and a collaborative communicator with a strategic mindset and proven political acumen. Your experience of leading a high-performing communications function in a complex public-facing or political organisation will be critical to our success.
As this role comes with genuine breadth and depth, we need a leader capable of both successful delivery of reputation-shaping campaigns and of effectively handling media crises and managing reputational risk.
For more information and how to apply
To find out how the Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs will support our priorities for the region, and to hear from Stephen Peacock and our Mayor, Helen Godwin, please visit our microsite
If you’d like an information conversation or to apply, please contact our retained consultant:
Andrew Timlin
andrew.timlin@hays.com
07887 777 735
To arrange a time to speak to the Chief Executive of the MCA about the role, please email Stephen.Peacock@westofengland-ca.gov.uk
The closing date for this role is Sunday 10 August 2025.
If you choose to register your interest in this vacancy on our careers page, please be aware that you are agreeing for the information you provided to be shared, for recruitment purposes, between Hays and the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.
About the Company
Our Offer
Alongside the opportunity to lead change, drive strategic initiatives, and make a real difference in the West of England, we offer an excellent benefits package including:
- 31 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, with an option to increase your annual leave with our purchase scheme.
- 2 days of paid leave each year to volunteer
- Local Government Pension Scheme with an employer contribution of 15.3%
- Flexible, family friendly policies and hybrid working options to ensure you achieve the best work/life balance and career goals.
- Reduced bus fare travel across the West of England
The West of England is an amazing part of the world to live and work. We are based in a new bright and airy office, with all the latest technology, close to Bristol Temple Meads Train Station.
We believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, empowering you to thrive in your career. We prioritise your growth and success by providing a diverse range of learning and development opportunities. Our goal is to keep you motivated, equipped with essential skills, and confident in delivering excellent services.
Good Employment Charter
As a founding Member of the West of England Good Employment Charter and accredited Living Wage Employer, we’re committed to creating a diverse environment where all our employees can thrive. We make sure all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and we particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or citizenship status.
Reasonable Adjustments
If you have an accessibility need, disability, condition or need any additional support that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our Resourcing Team at Resourcing@westofengland-ca.gov.uk. We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.
From a recruitment agency? We’re not engaging with agencies for this role. Any CVs received from agencies will be considered as unsolicited and the property of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, with no obligation to pay agency fees.
