Head of Communications and Public Affairs

Head of Communications and Public Affairs Salary:  60,161 - 71,513 per annum

Hours:

37 Hours

Contract:

Permanent

Location:

York, Hybrid Working   The Organisation The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority was established as a new organisation in early 2024. By working for us you will play a part in making positive changes, unlocking investment, supporting business and communities to thrive and creating new and better opportunities for people that liveand work here.

The Opportunity As Head of Communications and Public Affairs, you will act as Deputy to the Assistant Director of Communications, providing strategic leadership across all aspects of communications and public affairs. You will lead a team of communications managers, oversee high profile campaigns, manage reputational issues, and ensure our communications activity supports the Mayor's priorities and organisational objectives.

Working within a fast paced and politically sensitive environment, you will provide expert advice to senior leaders, build strong relationships across the organisation and with external partners, and develop a clear and compelling narrative for the Combined Authority.

Key Responsibilities
· Provide strategic leadership for the Communications service and deputise for the Assistant Director of Communications.
· Lead the development and delivery of innovative communications, campaigns and public affairs activity that support organisational priorities and Mayoral objectives.
· Develop and implement the organisation's Public Affairs strategy.
· Lead on high profile media relations, reputation management and crisis communications.
· Build strong relationships with the Mayor's Office, senior leaders, partner organisations and stakeholders.
· Ensure high standards of governance, assurance, compliance and value for money across communications activities.
· Lead, inspire and develop managers and teams to deliver excellent results in a complex environment.
· Oversee digital communications platforms, ensuring accessibility, data protection and effective audience engagement.

About You You will be an experienced communications leader with a successful track record of delivering strategic communications in complex organisations, ideally within local government or another politically focused environment.

You will bring:
· Significant leadership experience within a communications function.
· Expertise in media relations, stakeholder engagement, reputation management and crisis communications.
· The ability to influence and advise senior leaders with confidence and credibility.
· Strong strategic thinking and excellent judgement.
· Experience managing high profile and sensitive issues.
· The ability to build collaborative relationships across organisational and sector boundaries.
· A commitment to integrity, inclusion and public service values.

A degree-level qualification or equivalent experience is essential, alongside evidence of continuing professional development. A professional communications qualification such as CIPR or CIM would be advantageous.

More details of our fantastic benefits and values can be found here:
Careers at York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority:
Work for us Contact and Apply If you are interested in this fantastic opportunity or would like to discuss the role in more detail, please visit our dedicated campaign site:  YNYCA - Head of Communications and Public Affairs > NY Resourcing Closing Date Tuesday 13 October 2026 (midnight)