Director of Communications

Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA); Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Director of Communications to lead a dynamic team in shaping impactful communications. This pivotal role involves strategizing and delivering communications that resonate with diverse audiences, including legal professionals and consumers. You will navigate complex policy issues and ensure effective messaging while managing a talented team. With a hybrid working model and a focus on public interest, this is an exciting opportunity to innovate within a crucial regulatory environment. If you possess strong leadership skills and a track record of success in communications, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Proven senior-level experience in communications strategy.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and political judgment.
• Experience advising on reputation management.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team covering digital and external communications.
• Shape the communications approach of a forward-thinking regulator.
• Represent the organization at a senior level.

Skills

Strategic Communications

People Management

Policy Understanding

Stakeholder Engagement

Written Communication

Verbal Communication

Reputation Management

Job description

Solicitors Regulation Authority

Director of Communications

Salary: Birmingham or Cardiff base: £85,000 - £98,000 London base: £93,500 - £107,500

Location: Birmingham, London or Cardiff

Here at the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) our core job is driving confidence and trust in legal services.

We regulate more than 200,000 solicitors and 9,400 law firms in England and Wales. We make sure solicitors are working to high professional standards, step-in to protect the public when needed, while supporting access to high quality legal services.

It’s an important job and we are looking for a Director of Communications to help us get it right – making sure our communications have the right impact. You will be responsible for leading a 20-strong team covering digital, external communications, editorial, press and events, as well as internal communications.

Whether it’s the impact of AI, shifting risks in the legal market, or high-profile cases such as the Post Office Horizon scandal, our work is in the spotlight. If you have a track record of achievement in complex organisations, the ability to think strategically and excellent communication skills and judgement, this is the role for you.

What’s in it for you?

Help shape the communications approach of a forward-thinking regulator overseeing a market worth £50bn Play a key part in delivering work in the public interest Work with a dedicated, expert team to deliver effective communications to a diverse range of consumer and legal professional audiences The opportunity to innovate and test new approaches to communications to help us deliver more impact What we’re looking for:

• Proven senior-level experience in the development and delivery of effective communications strategy and plans A proven leader, who has experience of people management across multiple teams Demonstrable experience of understanding complex policy issues and translating them into accessible, compelling information for a range of audiences Excellent political antennae and communications judgment Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively navigate a complex stakeholder environment First-class written and verbal communications skills, with experience of credibly representing an organisation at a senior level Experience in advising senior level colleagues on reputation management and high profile, confidential and/or complex matters

Useful and additional information

We have a hybrid working model with a blend of home and office working. You will be expected in the office at least two days a week.

This role is permanent. The post-holder can be based from one of our three offices in Birmingham, London or Cardiff. However, as the team is mainly based in Birmingham, there will be an expectation of the role-holder being in the Birmingham office regularly (at least once a week, and often twice a week), particularly in the first year of the role.

Travel – there will be a requirement to travel to external events and meetings in different locations on a fairly regular basis.

GatenbySanderson is supporting this recruitment process. To apply and for further information please click apply on website.

Deadline for applications is 17.00 on Friday 30 May 2025

Final Interviews: Wednesday 9 July at the SRA office in Birmingham