Job Introduction
The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority is looking for a Head of Communications.
This is a brand new role and a unique opportunity for an experienced senior communications professional to shape and lead our public relations strategy, ensuring effective engagement with stakeholders and maximising the our impact for the people in our region.
This is a senior leadership role at the heart of a politically led organisation with real influence over transport, skills, housing and economic growth across the region. It’s a role for someone who enjoys responsibility, values good judgement, and understands the importance of clear, confident communication in the public eye.
Reporting to the Assistant Chief Executive, you will work closely with senior officers and political leadership to ensure our communications support delivery, manage risk and build trust.
The role
As Head of Communications, you will set the strategic direction for all communications and public relations activity. You’ll shape the organisation’s narrative, lead media relations, and oversee digital, social and print communications.
Some days will be about long-term planning and storytelling. Others will require calm, rapid decision-making in response to emerging issues. Throughout, you’ll provide trusted advice, bring clarity to complexity, and lead a skilled communications team to do their best work.
You’ll also have responsibility for the communications budget, ensuring resources are used effectively and deliver value for money.
Key responsibilities
- Develop and deliver a communications strategy that supports the Authority’s priorities
- Lead the organisation’s narrative and ensure consistent messaging across all channels
- Provide senior advice on reputation management, issues handling and crisis communications
- Oversee media relations and all public-facing communications activity
- Lead, support and develop a high-performing communications team
- Work closely with senior leaders and political representatives in a complex environment
- Manage the communications budget and ensure effective use of resources
- Ensure communications activity reflects the Authority’s values and commitment to public service
About you
You will be an experienced senior communications professional, comfortable operating in high-profile and politically sensitive environments.
You are likely to bring:
- Experience of leading communications strategy at organisational or programme level
- Strong media handling and reputation management experience
- The confidence and credibility to advise senior leaders and elected representatives
- Sound judgement, political awareness and a collaborative approach
- Experience of leading teams and managing budgets
Public sector experience is helpful, but not essential. What matters most is your ability to communicate with clarity, integrity and impact — and to lead others with professionalism and empathy.
Why join us?
This is an opportunity to do work that matters. You’ll help shape how a region communicates with its residents, partners and government, and you’ll play a central role in supporting delivery and maintaining public confidence.
We value professionalism, openness and good leadership — and we support flexible working and a healthy, respectful working culture.
Please note that shortlisting will take place on 2nd February and we are looking to hold the interviews for this role on 17th and 18th February.
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:
- 26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years continuous or reckonable service. There is also the option to increase your annual leave with our annual leave purchase scheme.
- 1 day of paid leave each year to volunteer
- Local Government Pension Scheme with an employer contribution of 15.3%
- Flexible, family friendly and hybrid working options to ensure you achieve the best work/life balance and career goals. We follow a hybrid working model with typically 2 or 3 days in the office each week
- 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.
The salary for this role is £72,424 to £79,895. This is the full-time equivalent salary, and will be pro-rata for part-time. We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments for external candidates typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees.
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.
Please note this vacancy may close early or be extended depending on the number of applications so please don’t wait to apply. If you have started your application, we’ll give you notice of the new closing date by email.
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.
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