Location
Newham, East London

Hours
Full Time - Permanent

Salary
£77,610 - £98,436 per annum

About the Role
The London Borough of Newham is seeking an exceptional communications leader to join us as our Assistant Director of Communications. This pivotal role will lead and enhance the council’s communications to support resident-focused policy and service delivery, strengthen transparency and accountability, and manage our reputation locally and nationally.

This is an exciting and challenging time to join us. Following the Best Value Notice issued in May 2025, we are accelerating our improvement journey, ensuring we deliver value for money and high-quality services in a borough of great need but even greater potential. Effective, modern communications are central to this mission – helping us to engage with residents, support culture change, and tell Newham’s story in ways that inspire confidence and pride.

As Assistant Director, you will lead a £1.2m communications, marketing and design function with seven direct reports. You will develop and deliver our corporate Communications Strategy and integrated campaigns, shape our digital and media presence with engaging, resident-focused content across all platforms, drive internal communications that connect and inspire our 5,000 staff, and protect and promote Newham’s reputation with residents, partners, London and national government.

We offer a dynamic working environment with hybrid working arrangements (minimum three days per week in the office) and a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Experience
- Proven record of leading high-performing communications teams in complex organisations, ideally within the public sector.
- Strong knowledge of local government, its governance and political context.
- Track record of delivering impactful communications, marketing and digital strategies that support service improvement, efficiency and build trust.
- Excellent influencing skills with credibility to advise the Mayor, Chief Executive and senior leaders.

About you
- Strategic and experienced communicator.
- Collaborative, people-centred leadership style that champions HEART values (Honesty, Equality, Ambition, Respect, Together).
- Committed to engaging with residents and supporting culture change.
- Able to inspire confidence and pride through effective communications.

Qualifications
Not explicitly stated, but a background in communications, marketing, public relations or related fields is implied.