Head of Communications (Media, Social, Digital Content)

Civil Aviation Authority; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aviation regulatory body in the UK is seeking a Head of Communications Delivery. This senior leadership role involves managing integrated communications strategies and leading a team to enhance brand reputation. Candidates should have significant experience in media relations, stakeholder engagement, and team development. The position offers a salary of £80,000 - £85,000 and a hybrid work model in London.

Benefits

Flexible & hybrid working arrangements

28 days annual leave + public holidays

Generous pension scheme (up to 12% employer contribution)

Employee Development courses

Free onsite gym at Gatwick or discounted gym membership for London

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in communications management or delivery.
• Proven track record in media relations and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience with campaign planning and evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Communications Delivery team.
• Create and implement comprehensive communication strategies.
• Manage relationships with national journalists and media outlets.

Skills

Media relations

Stakeholder engagement

Campaign management

Digital communications

Team leadership

Education

Professional communications qualifications

Job description

Salary: £80,000 - £85,000 (dependent on experience) + on call allowance

Contract Type: Permanent – Full time

Location: London – Hybrid - (Minimum of 3 days p/w in office or with stakeholders)

Visa Restrictions: This position does not currently offer visa sponsorship.

We are the UK's aviation and aerospace regulator and recognised as a world leader in its field. Our activities are diverse, enabling the aviation industry to meet the highest safety standards, and we pride ourselves on our ability to adapt to the constantly evolving aviation environment.

The Role

The Head of Communications Delivery is a senior leadership position responsible for managing integrated communications strategies across multiple channels. This public-facing communications role involves leading a team to deliver excellence in media relations, corporate communications, digital communications, website management, and social media marketing. The successful candidate will drive strategic communications that enhance brand reputation and organisational visibility.

Core Accountabilities

• Communications Team Leadership: Lead, coach, and develop the Communications Delivery team whilst deputising for the Deputy Director. Ensure integrated communications strategies and cross-functional collaboration across all channels.
• Strategy Development & Implementation: Develop and implement a comprehensive Communications Strategy aligned with organisational goals. Oversee performance monitoring, reporting, and analytics across digital platforms, social media channels, and media relations activities.
• Reputation Management: Strategically position and protect the organisation's reputation through effective external channels, horizon scanning for emerging issues and leading appropriate communications responses.
• Media & Corporate Communications: Build and maintain relationships with national journalists and media outlets. Develop proactive and reactive media strategies whilst overseeing corporate communications content and press releases.
• Digital Communications & Social Media Leadership: Lead digital transformation and innovation across the organisation's digital presence. Maintain consistency, govern digital assets including website management, and drive social media engagement.
• Campaign Management: Plan and execute multi‑channel communications campaigns, including behaviour change campaigns, ensuring measurable value for money and impact on key organisational objectives.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with internal teams to ensure cohesive content marketing, communications delivery, and stakeholder management.
• Crisis Communications: Maintain and update crisis communication plans covering all external communications channels.

About You

Minimum essential requirements for the role:

• Senior leadership experience in communications management or communications delivery
• Proven track record in a key communications role with demonstrated media relations and stakeholder engagement experience
• Campaign management experience including planning, implementation, and evaluation
• Digital communications and social media management experience
• Established relationships with national media and senior stakeholders both internally and externally
• Experience developing high‑performing teams and leading organisational change

Desirable Requirements For The Role

• Communications experience within aerospace, aviation, or regulated industries
• Professional communications qualifications (e.g. CIPR, CIM)

Additional Information

For many appointments within the CAA, these roles require access to operationally sensitive infrastructure and/or Nationally Protected information. For these roles the post holders must undergo National Security Vetting and achieve the appropriate level of clearance.

BPSS - To be vetted you must have the right to work in the UK so that meaningful checks can be undertaken. If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application.

For more information on BPSS clearance please visit - BPSS clearance.

The CAA values high ethical standards and personal integrity among employees. If invited for interview you will be asked to complete a declaration of interest.

Relocation & Property

The role is based in London but will involve regular travel to Aviation House (our Gatwick office). The CAA will be relocating from Aviation House to new premises in a few years’ time. Our move is driven by strategic, operational and environmental considerations. We will be moving to a new local home, up to a 15-mile radius of Aviation House, to minimise disruption for our valued colleagues and customers. We are now working with colleagues and visitors to understand what we need in our new office, before we start our property search. We will sell Aviation House and land, vacate the site and move to new premises, but we do not expect to move before 2028.

Inclusivity

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and celebrate our diversity ensuring all backgrounds included here at the CAA. As a member of the Disability Confident scheme, applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a role with us will be guaranteed an interview.

Our Benefits

• Flexible & hybrid working arrangements available
• 28 days annual leave + public holidays (additional 5 days leave purchase scheme)
• Generous pension scheme (Up to 12% employer contribution)
• Wellbeing Room at Gatwick
• Mental Health and Suicide First Aiders
• Employee Assistance Programme, talking therapies and neurodiversity support via Occupational Health & access to Headspace for colleagues and 5 dependents
• Free onsite gym at Gatwick or discounted gym membership for London
• EV charging points
• Employee Development courses internally and via Skillsoft

Our Values

Do The Right Thing, Never Stop Learning, Build Collaborative Relationships, Respect Everyone – For more information please Click Here

Closing Date: Sunday 2nd November 2025

Screening Calls: w/c Monday 3rd November 2025

Assessment Centre Date: w/c Monday 17th November 2025

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

No recruitment agencies please.

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