Job Description

Job Introduction

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Shape the voice of a region. Influence national policy. Build public trust.

This is a rare and high-impact opportunity to lead strategic communications for a public body driving the future of one of England's most diverse and dynamic regions. As the Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs, you will define and amplify the region's voice - translating the Mayor's vision into bold, inclusive and nationally resonant communications.


Reporting into the Chief Executive, you will shape and deliver an integrated communications strategy across media, public affairs and digital channels. A key priority is to lead the development of the communications team to optimise impact, ensure that the communication function supports and reinforces the policy and delivery priorities of the organisation in line with the Mayor's ambition.

Main Responsibility

What You'll Do

Craft the Narrative

: Shape a compelling story for the West of England that reflects the Mayor's voice and resonates with diverse communities.

Lead Strategically

: Align communications with corporate priorities using cutting-edge digital and traditional channels and drive impact across marketing, media and public affairs.

Advise with Influence

: Act as a trusted advisor to the Mayor, Chief Executive and senior leaders on reputation, media strategy and high-stakes issues.

Build Trust

: Foster collaboration across political and organisational boundaries, influencing nationally while strengthening regional identity.

Drive Impact

: Raise the profile of the organisation and the region with key stakeholders including central government and regional partners, instilling message discipline to ensure that influencers and decision makers better understand the opportunities and needs of the West of England and regard the Combined Authority as a trusted partner.

The Ideal Candidate

You will be an accomplished professional and a collaborative communicator with a strategic mindset and proven political acumen. Your experience of leading a high-performing communications function in a complex public-facing or political organisation will be critical to our success.


As this role comes with genuine breadth and depth, we need a leader capable of both successful delivery of reputation-shaping campaigns and of effectively handling media crises and managing reputational risk.

For more information and how to apply

To find out how the Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs will support our priorities for the region, and to hear from Stephen Peacock and our Mayor, Helen Godwin, please visit our microsite


If you'd like an information conversation or to apply, please contact our retained consultants:



Andrew Timlin, andrew.timlin@hays.com

07887 777 735


Simon Winspear, simon.winspear@hays.com

07525 466 357



To arrange a time to speak to the Chief Executive of the MCA about the role, please email Stephen.Peacock@westofengland-ca.gov.uk


The closing date for this role is Sunday 10 August 2025.



If you choose to register your interest in this vacancy on our careers page, please be aware that you are agreeing for the information you provided to be shared, for recruitment purposes, between Hays and the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.