Posted by: The Electoral Commission
Employed By: The Electoral Commission
Job Title: Head of External Communications
Salary: £71,000 - £80,000 per annum
Contract: Full-time
Location: London (Hybrid)
Application Deadline: Monday 23 November 2026.
Job Description
About the Electoral Commission
As Head of External Communications, you will lead our external affairs function, overseeing media relations, public affairs and customer services activity. You will play a crucial role in protecting and enhancing the Commission's reputation, shaping external communications strategy and building understanding of our work among voters, parliamentarians, journalists, political parties and elected representatives.
Operating at the highest levels of the organisation, you will advise the Board, Executive Team and senior leaders on strategic communications, media engagement, reputational risk and stakeholder management. You will also lead the Commission's response to complex and sensitive communications challenges in an environment that attracts significant public and political scrutiny.
Key responsibilities include:
Developing and delivering the Commission's external communications strategy.
Leading media relations activity and overseeing a responsive, high-performing press office.
Directing the Commission's public affairs strategy and parliamentary engagement.
Managing reputational risks and providing strategic communications counsel to senior leaders.
Leading external engagement programmes that build confidence in the UK's electoral system.
Overseeing customer services, public information and complaints handling functions.
Managing budgets, resources and external supplier relationships where required.
Acting as a spokesperson for the Commission when appropriate.
This is an outstanding opportunity to influence national debate on issues central to UK democracy while leading a talented, multidisciplinary team.
About the team
The External Communications Team sits within the Communications and External Affairs Directorate and brings together media relations, public affairs and customer services functions under a single leadership structure.
The role directly manages:
Public Affairs Manager
Press Manager
Customer Services Manager
You will work closely with the wider communications leadership team, including colleagues responsible for digital communications, internal communications and campaigns, ensuring a consistent and coordinated approach across all channels and audiences.
The team is collaborative, ambitious and committed to maintaining the Commission's reputation for independence, impartiality and professionalism. Despite working in a fast-moving environment, colleagues are supportive, knowledgeable and motivated by the importance of the Commission's mission.
Who we're looking for
We're looking for an exceptional communications leader with strong political awareness, excellent judgement and extensive experience operating in complex stakeholder environments.
You will bring significant experience leading external communications, public affairs or corporate affairs functions, alongside the credibility to advise senior decision-makers and represent an organisation operating under public scrutiny.
Successful candidates are likely to demonstrate:
Significant experience leading external communications, media relations or public affairs functions.
Experience operating in regulatory, politically sensitive or highly scrutinised environments.
Strong media handling and reputation management expertise.
Experience advising senior executives and boards on strategic communications issues.
Excellent stakeholder management skills, including experience engaging with parliamentarians, government officials and journalists.
Strong leadership and people management capabilities.
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
The ability to remain calm, resilient and effective under pressure.
This role requires exceptional political judgement and a strong commitment to impartiality. Candidates must demonstrate the independence and objectivity required to work within the Electoral Commission's unique constitutional environment.
Apply via The Electoral Commission’s Career site