Head of External Communications

The Electoral Commission; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 72,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Civil Service Pension Scheme

Flexible working

28+ days annual leave

Job summary

The Electoral Commission is the UK’s independent body responsible for overseeing elections and regulating political finance, helping to maintain trust and integrity in democracy. We are seeking a seasoned communications leader to shape our external narrative and influence at the highest levels.

As Head of External Communications, you will lead media relations, public affairs and customer services, advise our Board and Executive Team, and steer a high-profile strategy in a politically sensitive

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading external communications, media relations or public affairs functions.
• Strong political awareness and experience operating in complex, sensitive or highly scrutinised environments.
• Proven expertise in strategic media handling, reputation management and advising senior executives or boards.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, including working with senior political, government or media stakeholders.
• Strong leadership capabilities, exceptional communication skills and the judgement to navigate challenging situations while maintaining independence and impartiality.

Responsibilities

• Lead our external communications strategy, strengthening our reputation and public understanding of our work.
• Direct media relations and public affairs, overseeing our press office and parliamentary engagement.
• Advise senior leaders on strategic communications, reputational risks and sensitive issues.
• Build influential relationships with parliamentarians, government officials, journalists and other stakeholders.
• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team, overseeing media relations, public affairs and customer services.

Skills

External communications

Media relations

Public affairs

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Job description

Salary: £71,618 – £80,000 per annum + £3,217 London weighting

Contract: Permanent, full-time (36 hours per week)

Location: London (Hybrid – minimum 2 days in the office)

Benefits: Outstanding benefits including Civil Service Pension Scheme, flexible working, 28+ days annual leave and more.

A £312 tax-free working from home allowance is also payable annually.

About the Electoral Commission

The Electoral Commission is the UK’s independent body responsible for overseeing elections and regulating political finance, helping to maintain trust and integrity in democracy.

As we deliver our five-year UK Corporate Plan and continue to modernise our services, we are evolving to meet the opportunities and challenges of a changing democratic landscape.

We know that people perform at their best when they feel supported, valued and empowered to balance work with other commitments. That’s why we offer a flexible and inclusive working environment, alongside an excellent benefits package.

About the role

Lead the conversation on democracy. Shape our reputation. Influence at the highest levels.

We are looking for an experienced and politically astute communications leader to join us as Head of External Communications, leading our media relations, public affairs and customer services functions.

This is a high-profile leadership opportunity at the heart of UK democracy. You’ll shape our external communications strategy, advise our Board and Executive Team, and help protect and strengthen public confidence in the Electoral Commission.

Operating in a complex and politically sensitive environment, you’ll lead a talented multidisciplinary team, manage high-profile communications challenges and build influential relationships with parliamentarians, journalists and other key stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead our external communications strategy, strengthening our reputation and public understanding of our work.
• Direct media relations and public affairs, overseeing our press office and parliamentary engagement.
• Advise senior leaders on strategic communications, reputational risks and sensitive issues.
• Build influential relationships with parliamentarians, government officials, journalists and other stakeholders.
• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team, overseeing media relations, public affairs and customer services.

We’re looking for an accomplished communications leader who can demonstrate:

• Significant experience leading external communications, media relations or public affairs functions.
• Strong political awareness and experience operating in complex, sensitive or highly scrutinised environments.
• Proven expertise in strategic media handling, reputation management and advising senior executives or boards.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, including working with senior political, government or media stakeholders.
• Strong leadership capabilities, exceptional communication skills and the judgement to navigate challenging situations while maintaining independence and impartiality.