The organisation

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Ellwood Atfield are proud to be partnering with the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI). They are based in London and responsible for the UK’s Aerospace Technology Strategy. ATI promote transformative technology in air transport, representing a joint industry and Government commitment to R&D funding of over £4 billion by 2031. The ATI represents a single, coherent national aerospace technology development programme that aims to strengthen the links between industry and academia whilst maximising opportunities for UK industry to gain access to European R&T programmes.

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The opportunity

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As Head of Communications at the ATI, the successful candidate will direct and elevate the organisation's reach and impact across UK and global audiences, shaping how the world understands ATI's role at the forefront of aerospace technology.

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Leading the Communications Team, the Head of Communications will own and evolve the full channel mix from media relationships and thought leadership to flagship events including the ATI Annual Conference, while delivering a Communications Plan that brings to life ATI's impact, sector vision, and technology leadership. The Head of Communications will work closely with partners, manage high-profile media engagements, and have regular exposure to the ATI Executive Management Team and Board, with occasional involvement in international events.

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Reporting to the Chief Relationships Officer, the postholder will directly manage a communications team of 3 and oversee a team of 4, providing strong leadership, clear direction, and a culture of continuous improvement driven by data and feedback. As a member of the Extended Leadership Team, the Head of Communications will collaborate across the ATI to align internal and external messaging, championing ATI's values of Collaborating for Success, Independent Leadership, and Forward Thinking.

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Key Responsibilities

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• Establish and deliver a clear Communications plan that maximises the visibility, impact and reach of ATI content.
• Deliver an ATI events programme that supports delivery of the ATI funding programme, development of sector competitiveness and growing UK market share by 2035.
• Transform the delivery of ATI Programme information to ensure portfolio, case study and impact data is shared in a way that maximises accessibility and utility. Work closely with Programme partners, the media and recipients to ensure co-ordinated and timely communications and proactively seek to resolve misunderstanding or misinformation.
• Provide guidance and content for the delivery of ATI internal communications.
• Line manage, develop and support the Communications Team, contribute as part of the extended Leadership Team and be a role model in the organisation.

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Experience required

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• Proven experience running strategic communications campaigns in complex, multi-stakeholder environments, with the ability to structure insights and evidence into compelling narratives quickly and accurately.
• Demonstrable understanding of the economic and political landscape of the UK aerospace sector or UK Government, with the ability to translate this into strategic opportunities and actionable implications.
• Experience negotiating and managing contracts, alongside a track record of successfully coordinating multiple delivery partners.
• Experience working and delivering in multi-stakeholder environments, with the ability to build relationships at all levels and anticipate and respond to a range of perspectives.
• Ability to create and commission high-quality content and collateral, combined with strong organisational skills to lead and motivate colleagues to deliver to time and budget.
• Proven experience managing and developing a team, setting clear goals and priorities, fostering a collaborative culture, and driving performance to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Direct experience of working in the UK civil aerospace sector, UK Government or a communications agency would be desirable but not essential.

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Benefits

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• Hybrid working (2 office days minimum per week in the London office - W1T)
• Attractive pension scheme
• Bupa Private Medical Insurance
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Paid membership to one professional body per year
• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and additional Christmas leave
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• EV scheme available

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How to apply:

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To apply, please submit the form below by the 19th May, 2026 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.

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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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