Assistant Director, External Communications

Michael Page Finance; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Page is recruiting on behalf of a public sector regulator based in London for an Assistant Director, External Communications. You will lead external communications planning and a team, ensuring messages reach audiences from the General Public to Ministers and stakeholders.

Reporting to the Director of Communications, you will develop strategies, manage media relations, train ELT for media moments, and collaborate with internal teams to align messaging and monitor campaign effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to develop and implement strategic communication plans.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience managing media relations with strong political awareness.
• Leadership skills and experience managing a team, in addition to supporting ELT.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive external communications strategy.
• Oversee the creation and distribution of press releases, media responses, and public statements.
• Provide strategic advice on handling media relations and stakeholder relations.
• Support the ELT with media training for events, select committees and other media moments.
• Collaborate with internal teams to align messaging with organisational goals.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication campaigns.
• Manage relationships with key external stakeholders, including media outlets and partners.
• Ensure all external communications adhere to organisational standards and policies.
• Lead a team of communication professionals, providing guidance and support.

Skills

Media & Stakeholder communications

Strategic communication planning

Written communication

Verbal communication

Media relations

Leadership / team management

Political awareness

Attention to detail

Communication tools/platforms

Job description

As an Assistant Director, External Communications for this Regulator; you'll oversee and guide the organisation's external communications planning and deliver with your team. Based in London, your work will ensure the organisation's message reaches the right audiences from the General Public to Ministers & relevant stakeholder organisations and communities effectively and consistently.

Client Details

This role is within the public sector, based in London and as a key sector regulator their purpose is high profile and well defined.

Description

Reporting to the Director of Communications and part of the SLT your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive external communications strategy.
• Oversee the creation and distribution of press releases, media responses, and public statements.
• Provide strategic advice on handling media relations and stakeholder relations.
• Support the ELT with media training for events, select committees and other media moments.
• Collaborate with internal teams to align messaging with organisational goals.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication campaigns.
• Manage relationships with key external stakeholders, including media outlets and partners.
• Ensure all external communications adhere to organisational standards and policies.
• Lead a team of communication professionals, providing guidance and support.

Profile

A successful Assistant Director, External Communications will be able to demonstrate the following skills and knowledge:

• Strong experience in Media & Stakeholder communications, particularly Civil Service related, knowledge of the regulatory sector is an advantage.
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategic communication plans.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience managing media relations combined with strong political awareness.
• Leadership skills and experience managing a team, in addition to supporting ELT.
• Attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure.
• Knowledge of communication tools and platforms.

Job Offer

• The client is open to Daily Rate or Fixed Term Salary (& Benefits)
• 6 month opportunity based in London - Hybrid 2-3 days/week
• Starting Late Oct/Early Nov 2026

People are at the heart of Michael Page. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment. As an inclusive recruiter we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. If you require any adjustments or accommodations during the recruitment process, we'll work with you to ensure you can perform at your best.