The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), London is Hiring a Director of Communications

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is seeking an exceptional and visionary Director of Communications to lead its communications function. This senior leadership role will involve overseeing a diverse and talented team, steering strategic communications, and advising key stakeholders on the department’s communication activities. The Director of Communications will play a pivotal role in advancing the FCDO’s mission to influence domestic and global audiences and support its foreign policy and development objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

As the most senior communications professional within the FCDO, the Director of Communications will:

1. Lead the Communications Function:
   • Oversee a team of over 150 communicators based in the UK, covering all aspects of communications, including news, digital, internal, strategy, and planning. The role also involves managing an annual budget of £11.5 million.
   • Ensure that the department’s communication strategy is aligned with both departmental and cross-government priorities, focusing on audience-led outcomes that deliver tangible impact.
2. Strategic Oversight and Leadership:
   • Serve as the principal adviser to the department and its ministers on communication matters, offering expert, sound judgment on strategic and reputational issues.
   • Lead and implement communication strategies that drive public understanding and support for government missions, while managing reputational risk.
   • Provide authoritative leadership to the communications team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment while adapting to an ever-changing communication landscape.
3. Global Communication Coordination:
   • Work closely with FCDO colleagues worldwide, ensuring a consistent global narrative on the Government’s foreign and development policies while adapting to local audience needs.
   • Advise Ambassadors and communication teams across global FCDO missions, ensuring alignment with UK foreign and development priorities.
   • Build strong relationships with Directors of Communication in foreign governments to identify collaboration opportunities and foster international partnerships.
4. Crisis Management and Risk Mitigation:
   • Lead the communications function through crisis situations, preparing the team to respond swiftly and strategically to any emerging issues that could affect the department’s reputation.
5. Collaboration Across Government:
   • Work with Directors of Communication from other government departments and the Chief Executive of Government Communications to drive a cohesive government communications strategy.
   • Lead the implementation of cross-government communication strategies and engage in National Security Council discussions at the official level.
6. Leading Change and Cultivating Organizational Culture:
   • Shape the FCDO’s transformation and culture by promoting inclusion, diversity, and innovation. Lead by example, ensuring teams are empowered, valued, and aligned with the department’s vision.
   • Encourage and reward creativity, agility, and collaboration within the communications function and across the wider organization.

Person Specification:

To succeed in this role, the FCDO seeks candidates with:

Essential Criteria:

1. Proven Leadership in Communications:
   • Experience developing and implementing high-impact communication strategies that evolve with the changing media landscape.
   • A track record of leading large teams, building inclusive, high-performing teams, and growing communication capabilities across complex organizations.
2. Strong Interpersonal and Influencing Skills:
   • Ability to establish credibility quickly with internal and external stakeholders, including senior government officials, ministers, and board members.
   • Highly developed negotiation skills with the ability to manage conflict and influence at the highest levels.
3. Political and Strategic Acumen:
   • Excellent judgment and political sensitivity in understanding the geopolitical context and managing reputational risk.
   • Ability to make sound decisions on strategic and reputational issues, balancing long-term objectives with short-term needs.
4. Crisis Management Expertise:
   • Proven experience leading communications during crises, ensuring the function is prepared for and can recover from challenges swiftly.
5. Expertise in Data-Driven Communication:
   • Ability to use data-driven, measurement-led techniques to shape and assess communication strategies, balancing both strategic and reactive communication.
6. Change Management Experience:
   • Successful track record of leading change initiatives within large and complex organizations, driving transformation and continuous improvement.

Application Process:

The role of Director of Communications offers a unique opportunity to lead the communications function of a prestigious government department at the heart of UK foreign and development policy. If you are a proven leader with a passion for strategic communication and public service, this could be the role for you.

Applicants are encouraged to provide evidence of their relevant experience and achievements when submitting their application.

Downloadable Content

• Candidate Brief Published_Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office_Director of Communications.docx

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