Location, Salary and Closing Date
Samlesbury, Lancashire – Salary: £86,795 (including a concessionary payment of £3,144). Closing Date: 23:00 on Tuesday 19th May 2026.
Role Overview
Head of Communications and Engagement – National Cyber Force (NCF). As a senior executive, you will set the strategic direction for all communications activity across the NCF, lead ground‑breaking initiatives, and shape our growing communications department. The role is office‑based at our Samlesbury site and requires occasional travel across the UK.
Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver the overall communications strategy for the NCF, aligning with business objectives and the Government Communication Plan.
- Lead and line‑manage a talented team, building capability and fostering an inclusive, supportive culture.
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, providing expert counsel on reputation, stakeholder engagement and strategic communications.
- Work across government to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including media contacts and sector partners.
- Oversee all communications throughout the NCF, from media relations to internal messaging.
- Provide direct input into corporate planning and decision‑making at board level, collaborating with policy, operations and corporate teams to ensure quality and consistency.
- Ensure that communications support business objectives and reflect the Government Communication Plan.
- Process occasional out‑of‑hours work and avail flexitime to manage workload.
Qualifications
- Extensive experience leading a senior communications function with a track record of measurable outcomes.
- Strong understanding of media landscape, digital communications and emerging trends.
- Ability to provide clear, credible advice to senior stakeholders and to challenge constructively when needed.
- Leadership, learning and development skills – able to motivate and build an effective multi‑disciplinary team.
- Knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion and proven ability to embed these within the team.
- Probable professional accreditation in communications (degree, diploma, NCTJ, CIPR, etc.).
- Experience managing budgets and resources and evidence of past work.
- Flexible and adaptable in fast‑moving situations, able to shift priorities and distil complex issues into compelling narratives.
- Prior experience may come from media relations, campaigns, digital or internal communications.
Training and Development
Three‑day induction and ongoing training, courses and accreditation opportunities provided with protected time. Line manager on‑site to support development.
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service, plus an additional 10.5 days public and privilege holidays.
- Employee performance scheme recognition.
- Interest‑free season ticket loan.
- Excellent pension scheme.
- Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
- Facilities such as a gym, restaurant, and on‑site coffee bars (at some locations).
- Paid parental and adoption leave.
Equal Opportunities
GCHQ is committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, including women, ethnic minorities, disabled people and those from low socio‑economic backgrounds.
Disability Confident
GCHQ is proud to be a Disability Confident employer. Offers fair and proportionate interview opportunities for disabled candidates.
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