Communications Manager

Communications Manager

Salary: £49,817 - £54,143

Hours: 37 Hours

Contract: Permanent

Location: York, Hybrid Working

The Organisation

The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority was established as a new organisation in early 2024. It is a public sector employer with access to powers and funding to unlock transport and housing improvements, boost skills provision and help the economy transition to net zero for York and North Yorkshire. The Mayor also holds responsibilities in relation to Policing, Fire and Crime. Making the most of the combined strengths of the city region and rural powerhouse, the Combined Authority is a long-term commitment to shaping a brighter future for generations to come. By working for us you will play a part in making positive changes, unlocking investment, supporting business and communities to thrive and creating new and better opportunities for people that live and work here.

The Opportunity

The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority is seeking to appoint a Communications Manager.

As Communications Manager, you will play a central role in shaping and delivering the communications that support the Mayor's vision and the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority's ambitious programme of work. Working closely with senior leaders, elected members and the Mayor's Office, you will lead strategic communications activity across a diverse portfolio, helping to promote key initiatives, engage stakeholders and build public understanding of the Combined Authority's priorities. You will provide expert communications advice on complex and high-profile issues, ensuring messaging is clear, consistent and aligned with organisational objectives.

Reporting to the Head of Communications and Public Affairs, you will lead the development and delivery of integrated communications campaigns, manage media relations, oversee digital and content activity, and support effective stakeholder engagement. You will also manage and develop a team of communications professionals, driving high standards of performance and creativity. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a politically aware and fast-evolving environment, where your work will have a direct impact on the reputation of the organisation and the successful delivery of programmes that make a difference to communities, businesses and residents across York and North Yorkshire.

What You Will Bring

You will be an experienced communications professional with a strong track record of delivering successful campaigns, managing media relations and providing expert communications advice to senior stakeholders. Comfortable operating in a high-profile and politically sensitive environment, you'll combine strategic thinking with excellent delivery skills to ensure communications have a measurable impact.

You will also bring:

• Significant experience in a senior communications role, ideally within the public sector, local government or another politically led organisation.
• Experience of leading communications campaigns, engagement activity and media relations across a range of channels.
• Strong political awareness, sound judgement and the ability to manage reputational issues effectively.
• The ability to build trusted relationships and influence senior leaders, stakeholders and partners.
• Experience of managing and developing communications professionals.
• Excellent written communication skills and the ability to translate complex policy and technical information into clear, engaging messages.
• Strong digital communications knowledge and experience using insight and performance data to improve outcomes.
• A proactive, collaborative and solutions-focused approach, with the resilience to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• A relevant professional qualification, such as CIPR, or equivalent experience.

You will be joining a new and developing organisation at an exciting time. The benefits of working for us can be found here; Careers at York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority: Work for us

To find out more about our organisation please visit; https://yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk

Key Documents:

Job Description.docx

Contact and Apply

If you are interested in this fantastic opportunity or would like to discuss the role in more detail, please contact Chris Burton [email protected] for an informal conversation.

Applying is easy, simply register your details, tell us how you meet our criteria in the supporting evidence section, remove your personal details from your CV and upload.

Key Dates:

Closing date: Monday 2nd November

Interview date: w/c 9th November

North Yorkshire Council (NYC) advertise vacancies on behalf of schools and external organisations (third parties) in North Yorkshire. NYC are not responsible for the recruitment/employment practices of third parties and accept no liability in relation to the vacancy and any subsequent recruitment/employment processes. Enquiries regarding the vacancy or practices should be made directly with the third party.

Communications Manager

Salary: £49,817 - £54,143

Posted: 12/10/2026

Closing date: 02/11/2026

Closing time: 23:59 (GMT)