Assistant Director, External Communications

Confidential; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work 2-3 days/week

Six-month contract

Job summary

Confidential in London is seeking an Assistant Director, External Communications to lead the organisation's external communications planning and delivery. Based in London, you will guide the team to ensure the message reaches the General Public, Ministers, stakeholders and communities with consistency.

You will oversee media relations, provide strategic advice, support ELT with media training, and collaborate with internal teams to align messaging. Hybrid work 2–3 days/week for six months.

Qualifications

• Experience in Civil Service related communications is desirable.
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategic communication plans.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience managing media relations with strong political awareness.
• Leadership experience and supporting ELT.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive external communications strategy.
• Oversee creation and distribution of press releases, media responses, and public statements.
• Provide strategic advice on 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 comms

Strategic comms planning

Leadership & people management

Political awareness

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

• 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

• 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

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.