Director of Communications

The role:

Here at the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) our core job is driving confidence and trust in legal services.

We regulate more than 200,000 solicitors and 9,400 law firms in England and Wales. We make sure solicitors are working to high professional standards, step-in to protect the public when needed, while supporting access to high quality legal services.

It's an important job and we are looking for a Director of Communications to help us get it right - making sure our communications have the right impact. You will be responsible for leading a 20-strong team covering digital, external communications, editorial, press and events, as well as internal communications.

Whether it's the impact of AI, shifting risks in the legal market, or high-profile cases such as the Post Office Horizon scandal, our work is in the spotlight. If you have a track record of achievement in complex organisations, the ability to think strategically and excellent communication skills and judgement, this is the role for you.

What's in it for you?

• Help shape the communications approach of a forward-thinking regulator overseeing a market worth £50bn
• Play a key part in delivering work in the public interest
• Work with a dedicated, expert team to deliver effective communications to a diverse range of consumer and legal professional audiences
• The opportunity to innovate and test new approaches to communications to help us deliver more impact

What we're looking for:

• Proven senior-level experience in the development and delivery of effective communications strategy and plans
• A proven leader, who has experience of people management across multiple teams
• Demonstrable experience of understanding complex policy issues and translating them into accessible, compelling information for a range of audiences
• Excellent political antennae and communications judgment
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively navigate a complex stakeholder environment
• First-class written and verbal communications skills, with experience of credibly representing an organisation at a senior level
• Experience in advising senior level colleagues on reputation management and high profile, confidential and/or complex matters

There is a full role profile included at the bottom of this advert.

Useful and additional information

We have a hybrid working model with a blend of home and office working. You will be expected in the office at least two days a week.

This role is permanent. The post-holder can be based from one of our three offices in Birmingham, London or Cardiff. However, as the team is mainly based in Birmingham, there will be an expectation of the role-holder being in the Birmingham office regularly (at least once a week, and often twice a week), particularly in the first year of the role.

Travel - there will be a requirement to travel to external events and meetings in different locations on a fairly regular basis.

The salary range we can offer is between £85,000 - £98,000 dependant on knowledge, skills and experience. London based salary range where applicable is £93,500 - £107,800. More information on our benefits can be found here.

If you have any questions that aren't answered in the advert, additional documents or on our website, please contact us via: recruitment@sra.org.uk.

There is a full role profile at the bottom of this advert.

To apply

Please refer to the Role Profile for full role specification and use the apply button at the bottom of the advert.

You will be asked to upload a CV and Cover Letter to demonstrate your knowledge, skills and experience and how they specifically relate to the requirements of the role. Your CV and Cover Letter will be used to shortlist your application.

Deadline for applications is 09:00 on 13 January.

We expect first stage interviews to take place on 3 and 4 February 2025 in our office in Birmingham.