Location
PCS Clapham or Regional Office (Battersea)

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Band 5, London Spine points 21-17 or Regional Spine points 23-19
Starting salary: London £63,279 p.a. rising to £72,098 p.a.
Regional £58,877 p.a. rising to £67,689 p.a., in annual increments

About the Role
The Head of Communications will lead the PCS campaigns and communications team, using up-to-date technology, design systems, and social media engagement to deliver the best communications for a diverse audience. This role involves developing and implementing internal and external communication strategies aligned with the union's goals, maintaining quality and consistency of messaging, and motivating and managing the communications team. You will liaise with departmental heads, senior lay officials, and other colleagues, manage budgets and bids, and represent PCS at external meetings. The role requires excellent people skills, problem-solving ability, and a strong understanding of modern communications technology. You will work closely with the National Management Team, National Executive Committee, and partners to devise and implement campaigns and projects that support union growth and member engagement. Occasional work outside normal office hours and locations may be required, including attendance at key union events.

Employer Benefits
You will have access to a generous package of staff benefits including flexible working (including hybrid working), childcare and family support, generous maternity/paternity leave, 32 days leave plus Christmas closure, pension scheme, and an employee assistance programme.

Learning and Development
PCS offers a wide range of learning and development opportunities and supports your continued professional development.

Recruitment Process
Applications must be received by 12 midday on Monday 20 October 2025. Interviews will be held by Zoom on Tuesday 4 November 2025. CVs will not be accepted; please follow the application process as outlined. PCS is committed to equal opportunities and positive about disabled people. Posts can be considered on a full-time, part-time, or job share basis.

Experience
- Minimum 5 years experience in communications within a complex membership organisation
- People management experience including induction, work allocation, appraisal, and conduct
- Experience leading committees and teams
- High level project management, problem solving, and decision making
- Ability to respond effectively to crisis or challenging situations

Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, English, or a related field, or equivalent demonstrable experience

Skills and Knowledge
- Strong written and oral communication skills, including reports and presentations
- Ability to negotiate and build effective working relationships internally and externally
- Strategic and policy implementation advice and guidance
- High standard of organisational ability
- Understanding of UK political processes and trade union roles
- Knowledge of budget monitoring and control
- Familiarity with employment rights, equality legislation, and discrimination law in a communications context
- Understanding of digital and IT applications in trade unions
- Knowledge of bargaining, campaigning, and organising methods and techniques

About You
- Commitment to equal opportunities policies and practices
- Flexible approach to work with willingness to work outside normal office hours and locations occasionally
- Understanding of legal compliance within PCS including data protection and health and safety
- Evidence of ongoing training and professional development
- Ability to motivate and manage a team to deliver high standards of service
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively