Head of Communications (Media, Social, Digital Content)

Civil Aviation Authority; England; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible & hybrid working arrangements

28 days annual leave + public holidays

Generous pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounted gym membership

Employee Development courses

Job summary

A leading aviation regulator in the UK is seeking a Head of Communications Delivery. This senior leadership role involves managing integrated communications strategies, leading a team, and overseeing media relations. The ideal candidate will have senior leadership experience and a proven track record in communications management. This position offers a salary of £80,000 - £85,000 and allows for hybrid working arrangements.

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams in communication delivery.
• Strong ability to develop and implement communication strategies.
• Proven track record in managing reputation and media relations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the communications delivery team.
• Implement a comprehensive communications strategy.
• Manage external communications and maintain organizational reputation.
• Oversee digital communications and engagement.

Skills

Senior leadership experience in communications management

Media relations and stakeholder engagement experience

Campaign management experience

Digital communications and social media management

Established relationships with national media

Experience developing high-performing teams

Job description

Overview

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.

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.

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.

• 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

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 & Inclusivity

Relocation 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 are 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.

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

Closing Date & Screening

Closing Date: Sunday 2nd November 2025

Screening Calls: w/c Monday 3rd November 2025

Note: 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.