Head of Communications

City Of Westminster, London
BRITISH BOARD OF FILM CLASSIFICATION

Head of Communications (BBFC)

Reports to: Director of Communications and Public Affairs

About us

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is an independent, not-for-profit organisation and the UK’s authority on age ratings for films and digital content. Our mission is to empower audiences, especially parents, to make informed decisions about what their families watch. We are at the forefront of regulatory policy, advocating for the protection of children in an evolving digital landscape.

Role purpose

Reporting to the Director of Communications and Public Affairs, the Head of Communications will take a lead on all communications activity, ensuring alignment between strategic objectives and day-to-day delivery. The postholder must be credible at a senior level, able to develop and maintain a wide network of communications stakeholders, and act as a trusted advisor to leadership. This role serves as the bridge between long-term strategy and operational execution, shaping messaging, strengthening relationships, and safeguarding the BBFC’s trusted public profile.

Key responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Director of Communications and Public Affairs to translate strategic priorities into actionable, high-impact communications plans and campaigns.
• Develop and implement a global communications strategy that strengthens BBFC’s reputation and creates new opportunities.
• Lead major campaigns and strategic initiatives, ensuring they are aligned with organisational purpose and deliver measurable impact.
• Monitor and interpret media, policy and cultural trends, advising the Director and senior leadership on emerging risks, public sentiment and opportunities for positioning.
• Lead, inspire and develop the Communications team, fostering a positive, engaged and high-performing culture.
• Line management responsibility for the Communications and Content Manager
• Set clear objectives, manage workflow, allocate resources effectively and build team capability.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, supporting executive communications, media coaching and strategic decision-making.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Policy, Education, Compliance, Product and Growth to ensure alignment and amplify organisational priorities.
• Act as a senior spokesperson for the BBFC when delegated by the Director.
• Oversee media relations, maintaining strong relationships with journalists, editors and key influencers.
• Lead crisis and issues management, including scenario planning, rapid-response protocols and decisive handling of sensitive or high-risk situations.
• Oversee the production and delivery of all communications assets, including speeches, press releases, reports, events, videos, social media content and website articles.
• Ensure consistent messaging across press, digital channels, internal communications and stakeholder engagement.
• Identify and oversee opportunities for collaboration with partner organisations, associations and sector groups to enhance visibility and influence.
• Drive internal and external communications that support organisational goals and inspire staff engagement.
• Ensure governance, compliance and brand integrity across all communications and public affairs activity.
• Work with the Director of Communications and Public Affairs to manage communications budgets, prioritising resources effectively.
• Deliver regular reporting on communications performance, impact and ROI.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Demonstrable experience of operating as a senior communications leader, providing expert strategic counsel on reputational risk and media engagement to C-suite or Board-level stakeholders
• A robust track record of successfully leading, designing, and executing complex, multi-channel communications strategies for a high-profile or similarly complex organisation
• Proven ability to lead strategic PR, marketing and communications functions in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Strong understanding of brand management, digital communications and audience engagement
• Demonstrated experience in managing media relations, crisis communications and stakeholder engagement at senior levels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and storytelling skills, with confidence as a spokesperson when needed.
• Experience leading teams
• Strong strategic thinking, with the ability to translate long-term vision into operational delivery
• Ability to influence and collaborate effectively with executive leadership.
• Flexibility to work out-of-hours during major announcements or peak demand periods.

What We Offer:

• Salary: £65,000
• Hybrid working (a minimum two days in London office per week )
• 25 days holiday per full year (increasing by one day each year to a maximum 30 days)
• Group personal pension plan
• Non-contributory life assurance
• Employee assistance support
• Opportunity to influence the future of media regulation in the UK and protect children from harmful content.
• Be part of a dynamic, forward-thinking organisation at the forefront of film and digital content regulation.
• A supportive and inclusive work environment that values diversity and promotes professional development.