These are exciting times to join the West Midlands Combined Authority and help to make the West Midlands a better connected, more prosperous, fairer, greener, and healthier region.
We have a role for a Head of Communications to join the heart of our organisation. This is a critical role for the West Midlands Combined Authority as you will be responsible for implementing the organisation's communications strategy and improving the standards and effectiveness of how the team operates.
This is a varied role where you will forge strong relationships with senior stakeholders and the Mayor's office and play an important role in the strategic leadership team function, whilst working on a variety of projects including delivering more affordable homes and delivering on the devolution deal.
You will need to be enthusiastic, motivated and passionate to inspire and influence the communications team through this period of change and growth. We need someone with an abundance of optimism that will drive the team to success and champion the work that we do. To be successful in this role you must be highly experienced in delivering long-term communications strategies in a political, complex or contentious environment.
Please note, this is a 12 month fixed term contract, which can also be offered as an external secondment.
What you will be doing:
Represent the Communications function in key tactical meetings and deputise for the Director of Communications at meetings with very senior stakeholders. Evaluate the delivery of press, events, internal and digital communications and implement practices for continuous improvement. Develop and maintain strong relationships with senior members of staff to gather a close understanding of the Directorates and their communication requirements. Support the Director of Communications in developing and delivering the corporate communications strategy. Provide robust, creative and strategic communications advice to Directors and the Mayor of the West Midlands. Oversee the function and presentation of official external communication channels including the website, social media and newsletters. Commit to the development of the communications function ensuring it showcases best practice. Line manage four Strategic Communications Managers covering press, events, digital and internal communications. What's essential:
Extensive experience of working in a senior communications role with experience across multi-channel communications strategies. Evidence of using data and insight to develop impactful communications strategies. Experience of using performance metrics to demonstrate value-for-money and impact from communications activities. Experience of delivering long-term communications strategies that have been adapted to changing internal or external priorities. Demonstrable experience of using insight and evaluation to challenge established practice and introduce service improvements. High-quality verbal, interpersonal and written communications skills. Location:
The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane with at least 2 days a week spent in the office. How to apply:
Applying for a role with WMCA is straightforward. Follow these steps to get started: Create your Careers Account:
Register with your name, email address, and a password. Build your Profile:
Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details. Write your Supporting Statement:
Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria. Submit your application:
Do one final check and once complete, click submit. Anonymised Applications:
Your uploaded CV won't be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and
only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting . Be thorough in each section. It's your chance to showcase your skills and experience. Using Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We cannot stop anyone from using AI to help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application. Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting. For help on how to write a supporting statement, please visit the
FAQs
section of our careers site. Reasonable adjustments:
If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk). Salary and benefits:
We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Local Government Pension Scheme ( one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK ). 28 days
paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more), giving you ample time to relax. Ethical
saving options
and
healthcare plans. Discounted
gym membership. An option to
buy a bicycle , including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate. 3 days
of paid leave each year to
volunteer . Interest-free financing
through SmartTech to buy the latest technology. Discounted shopping
with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more. For more information, please visit the
benefits
page on our career site. Why join WMCA?
WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home. We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives, every day. Creating an inclusive workplace:
WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We're a Disability Confident Employer with Leader' status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria. We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould. We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying. Right to Work in the UK:
Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed. Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
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Represent the Communications function in key tactical meetings and deputise for the Director of Communications at meetings with very senior stakeholders. Evaluate the delivery of press, events, internal and digital communications and implement practices for continuous improvement. Develop and maintain strong relationships with senior members of staff to gather a close understanding of the Directorates and their communication requirements. Support the Director of Communications in developing and delivering the corporate communications strategy. Provide robust, creative and strategic communications advice to Directors and the Mayor of the West Midlands. Oversee the function and presentation of official external communication channels including the website, social media and newsletters. Commit to the development of the communications function ensuring it showcases best practice. Line manage four Strategic Communications Managers covering press, events, digital and internal communications. What's essential:
Extensive experience of working in a senior communications role with experience across multi-channel communications strategies. Evidence of using data and insight to develop impactful communications strategies. Experience of using performance metrics to demonstrate value-for-money and impact from communications activities. Experience of delivering long-term communications strategies that have been adapted to changing internal or external priorities. Demonstrable experience of using insight and evaluation to challenge established practice and introduce service improvements. High-quality verbal, interpersonal and written communications skills. Location:
The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane with at least 2 days a week spent in the office. How to apply:
Applying for a role with WMCA is straightforward. Follow these steps to get started: Create your Careers Account:
Register with your name, email address, and a password. Build your Profile:
Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details. Write your Supporting Statement:
Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria. Submit your application:
Do one final check and once complete, click submit. Anonymised Applications:
Your uploaded CV won't be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and
only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting . Be thorough in each section. It's your chance to showcase your skills and experience. Using Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We cannot stop anyone from using AI to help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application. Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting. For help on how to write a supporting statement, please visit the
FAQs
section of our careers site. Reasonable adjustments:
If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk). Salary and benefits:
We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Local Government Pension Scheme ( one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK ). 28 days
paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more), giving you ample time to relax. Ethical
saving options
and
healthcare plans. Discounted
gym membership. An option to
buy a bicycle , including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate. 3 days
of paid leave each year to
volunteer . Interest-free financing
through SmartTech to buy the latest technology. Discounted shopping
with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more. For more information, please visit the
benefits
page on our career site. Why join WMCA?
WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home. We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives, every day. Creating an inclusive workplace:
WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We're a Disability Confident Employer with Leader' status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria. We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould. We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying. Right to Work in the UK:
Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed. Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
#J-18808-Ljbffr
