Ellwood Atfield are proud to be partnering with a leading public sector regulatory body that plays a vital role in upholding information rights and data protection standards across the UK.

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The Opportunity

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This is a rare opportunity for a senior communications leader to join an organisation at a pivotal moment and shape the way it communicates its purpose, decisions and regulatory authority to a wide range of stakeholders.

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Reporting to the Executive Director of Communications and Public Affairs and as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Communications will set the vision and strategic direction for a modern, high-performing communications function that is embedded early in organisational decision-making and will be leading a multidisciplinary team supported by two direct reports and oversee a team of30.

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Key Responsibilities

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• Set and lead the communications strategy, aligned to organisational priorities and regulatory objectives, working in close partnership with the Executive Director.
• Position communications as a core strategic function, embedded early in planning, policy and regulatory decision making..
• Provide senior counsel to the Executive Team on sensitive, high-profile and reputationally significant issues, leading the organisation’s approach to reputation management and crisis readiness.
• Champion an insight-driven, outcomes-focused approach to communications, using research, data and evaluation to inform strategy and measure impact.
• Lead a digital first culture, ensuring channels, content and formats reflect how audiences consume information, while encouraging creativity and innovation.
• Own and shape the organisation’s overarching narrative and lead proactive engagement to build public trust and confidence.
• Work with internal communications to align internal and external messaging, supporting leadership communication capability and consistency across the organisation.
• Lead, inspire and develop a collaborative, high-performing team of around 30 people, fostering a culture of confidence, clarity, accountability and continuous improvement.

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Experience Required

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• Senior leadership experience running a substantial communications function in a high profile, scrutinised environment.
• Proven experience advising senior leaders on sensitive, complex and reputationally significant communications issues.
• A demonstrable record of using communications to shape outcomes
• Experience setting and delivering communications strategy across multiple disciplines, including media, digital, campaigns, stakeholder engagement and events.
• Strong track record of leading and developing senior managers and building high-performing, confident teams.
• Experience managing resources and budgets, including commissioning and working with agencies to enhance capacity and capability.
• Deep understanding of insight-driven, audience-led communications, including digital first approaches and modern communications practice.

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How to apply

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To apply, please submit the form below and include a copy of your CV.

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Ellwood Atfield is the leading headhunters for corporate affairs, communications, policy, and advocacy. An employee-owned boutique search firm, we help you hire the most senior leaders and everyone who reports to them. We promise to connect talented people, smoothly and efficiently.

Our purpose is to create important and enduring relationships. We are an equal opportunities employer and promote diversity across our profession to ensure every individual has the opportunity to perform at their best. If you have not done so already, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.

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