Director of Communications

West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA); Birmingham; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

Shared Cost AVC scheme

28 days paid annual leave

EV car benefit scheme

Healthcare plans

Discounted gym membership

Job summary

West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is seeking a Director of Communications to lead an integrated function across communications, media, marketing, digital and brand. You will advise the Mayor, Chief Executive and senior leaders, turning complex priorities into clear, compelling narratives that engage residents, partners and national audiences.

You will inspire a high-performing, inclusive team and champion collaboration, trust and accountability, while shaping WMCA’s external voice and

Qualifications

• Proven track record leading a large, multidisciplinary portfolio across communications, marketing, digital and brand.
• Experience guiding senior leaders and Boards in politically sensitive environments.
• Ability to shape a compelling regional story and engage diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Set the direction for an integrated communications, media, marketing, digital and brand strategy.
• Advise senior leaders with politically astute counsel while protecting WMCA’s reputation.
• Lead and develop senior managers and multidisciplinary teams.
• Build understanding and engagement across the organisation to align with WMCA’s purpose.
• Shape narratives and campaigns to raise the West Midlands’ profile nationally and internationally.
• Oversee governance and financial management of the communications portfolio.

Skills

Strategic communications

Leadership

Political sensitivity

Public relations

Stakeholder engagement

CIPR/CIM accreditation

Education

Degree-level qualification

Chartered status or CIPR/CIM accreditation

Job description

The West Midlands has never been short of character, ingenuity or ambition. What it needs now is a stronger, more confident story about where it has come from and where it is going.

Nearly nine in ten people believe our region should have a distinct identity that inspires pride. The Mayor’s West Midlands Growth Plan is setting the direction, with a clear ambition for “growth in every postcode”. Alongside HS2, a new development corporation and major investment in housing, transport and reindustrialisation, it creates a once-in-a-generation opportunity to show what the West Midlands can achieve.

This is your opportunity to lead and shape that story, building pride in our region, strengthening public trust and showing how change is making a difference to everyday lives.

As Director of Communications at the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), you will work at the heart of the region’s ambitions. You will be a trusted adviser to the Mayor, Chief Executive, Executive Board and senior leaders, and lead an integrated communications, media, marketing, digital and brand function. You will turn complex priorities into clear, compelling narratives and campaigns that reach residents, engage partners and raise the West Midlands’ profile nationally and internationally.

Your impact will be felt inside WMCA, too. You will inspire an inclusive, high-performing team; help colleagues connect to our purpose and transformation; and champion a culture of collaboration, trust and accountability. It is a rare opportunity to lead both the story we tell and the confidence with which we tell it.

What you’ll be doing.

• Set the direction. Develop and deliver an ambitious, integrated communications, media, marketing, digital and brand strategy that brings WMCA priorities, the Mayor’s ambitions and outcomes for the region to life.
• Advise at the highest level. Provide trusted, politically astute counsel to the Mayor, Chief Executive, Executive Board and senior leaders, navigating complex and high-profile issues while protecting and strengthening WMCA’s reputation.
• Inspire great people. Lead and develop senior managers and multidisciplinary teams, embedding the People & Culture Strategy through inclusive leadership, colleague engagement, professional development and shared accountability.
• Connect our organisation. Lead corporate and internal communications that build understanding, support change and transformation, and help colleagues feel informed, valued and connected to WMCA’s purpose and priorities.
• Build a stronger regional voice. Work closely with the Strategy Unit, Mayoral Team, constituent authorities and regional partners to shape compelling narratives and campaigns that build pride and strengthen the West Midlands’ profile nationally and internationally.
• Make every pound and campaign count. Oversee performance, governance and financial management across the portfolio, ensuring communications are evidence-led, accessible, politically appropriate, measurable and deliver value for money.

What you’ll bring.

We’re looking for an accomplished communications leader with the judgement, creativity and credibility to thrive in a high-profile, politically sensitive environment.

• A successful track record of leading a significant, multidisciplinary portfolio across corporate communications, marketing, digital, public relations, media, brand and campaigns.
• Extensive experience of developing senior managers and inspiring inclusive, high-performing teams to deliver results.
• A proven ability to shape and champion a compelling story for the West Midlands, using clear, authentic narratives and campaigns to build regional pride, strengthen its identity and engage a wide range of audiences.
• Experience operating and reporting at Director level, and working effectively with Elected Members or Boards in a politically sensitive setting.
• Sound judgement, adaptability and resilience when making decisions under pressure in complex, ambiguous or fast-changing circumstances.
• A degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience.
• Chartered status or a relevant senior-level professional qualification in communications, public relations, marketing or a related discipline, such as CIPR or CIM accreditation.
• Evidence of continued professional and leadership development.

Location.

The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

Salary and benefits.

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, 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. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributionscheme where you can build an additional pot of money alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + Statutory days.
• EV car benefit scheme
• Healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership, will writing,andmortgage advice.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest-free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more. You can now also obtain a Costcomembership through the WMCA.
• Boundlessunlocks unlimited entry to top-rated UK attractions and loads of extra benefits and discounts.
• EyeCare Scheme,offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards your glasses.

For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.

Why join WMCA?

WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.

We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do, really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives, every day.