NCF Head of Communications and Engagement
Location: Samlesbury, Lancashire. Closing date: 23:00 on Tuesday 19th May 2026.
Salary: £86,795 (including a concessionary payment of £3,144).
Flexible working
As you’ll be working with sensitive information, home working is not possible in this role. Part‑time work is not accommodated, but job sharing is welcome. We will work with you to support a good work‑life balance, offering flexitime, flexible start and finish times and compressed hours. Occasional travel across the UK will be required.
About Us
GCHQ is an intelligence, cyber and security agency with a mission to keep the UK safe. We use cutting‑edge technology, ingenuity and partnerships to identify, analyse and disrupt threats. Working with our intelligence partners MI5 and MI6, we protect the UK from terrorism, cyber‑attacks and espionage. GCHQ values teamwork and a supportive, inclusive environment.
Some of our roles are based in the National Cyber Force (NCF), a partnership between Defence and Intelligence that operates in and through cyberspace to counter, disrupt, degrade and contest those who would do harm to the UK and our Allies.
The role
As NCF Head of Communications and Engagement you will set the strategic direction for all communications activity across the NCF. You will lead groundbreaking initiatives for the global defence community, shaping our reputation alongside GCHQ, MI5 and MI6. You will lead and line‑manage a talented team, build capability and foster an inclusive, supportive culture where everyone can thrive. Acting as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, you will provide expert counsel on reputation, stakeholder engagement and strategic communications. You will build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including media contacts and sector partners, and oversee all communications throughout the NCF. You will develop and deliver the overall strategy, ensuring it supports business objectives and aligns with the Government Communication Plan. You will give direct input into corporate planning and decision making at board level, working collaboratively with policy, operations and corporate teams to ensure quality and consistency across all communications.
About You
You will have extensive experience leading a communications function at a senior level, delivering strategic communications that achieve measurable outcomes. Your understanding of the media landscape, digital communications and emerging trends will be strong. You will be confident in your judgement skills and able to provide clear, credible advice to senior stakeholders. You will bring leadership, learning and development skills, motivating and building a supportive, effective multidisciplinary team. You are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, embedding these principles within your team. Influencing and relationship management skills are a must, as you will engage with and advise board members and external partners. You will be flexible, able to shift priorities and respond effectively in fast‑moving situations. You will distil complex issues into compelling narratives to secure stakeholder buy‑in. You will challenge constructively when needed to ensure the right approach to communications. You may come from any sector; experience in media relations, campaigns, digital or internal communications is valuable. You will have experience managing budgets and resources. You will be professionally accredited in communications, such as a related degree, diploma, NCTJ or CIPR.
Training and development
Upon joining you will receive a three‑day induction that provides an overview of the NCF and the work we do. You will also be given a detailed brief to introduce you to your business unit. We invest significantly in training and development; once settled, you will have access to a wide variety of training, courses and accreditation opportunities, along with protected time to pursue them. Your line manager will support you with any development opportunities you wish to access.
Rewards and benefits
* 25 days annual leave, automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service, plus an additional 10.5 days public and privilege holidays
* Opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme
* 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
At GCHQ diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. We welcome applications from everyone, including those from under‑represented groups such as women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and those from low socio‑economic backgrounds. Find out more about our culture and diversity on our website.
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