Interim Head of Communications and Content

About Us 

At CIPFA, we're driven by a singular purpose: to transform lives through exceptional public financial management. As a leading international accountancy body, we champion integrity, transparency, and efficiency in the use of public funds. We believe that every pound spent should deliver tangible improvements to public services, creating a better future for individuals and communities worldwide. Join us in shaping a world where public money truly makes a difference. 

We are currently looking for an Interim Head of Communications and Content. Reporting to the Director of Public Financial Management you will oversees corporate communications content initiatives, across multiple platforms and formats to drive audience engagement and grow awareness of the brand. The position leads corporate communications, media relations and editorial activity to support a consistent and compelling brand narrative story.

Contract Type: Fixed-Term (June 2025 – December 2025)

Salary: £77,000 per annum About the Role 

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional and leader who is enthusiastic, dynamic and looking to make a real difference to public financial management across the UK and around the world.

The role will include areas encompassing public relations, external affairs, communications, public engagement and brand:

• Lead the development of CIPFA publications, public commentary and thought leadership pieces.

• Provide and shape opinion which underpins the basis for CIPFA publications, commentary and thought leadership.

• Direct and support team members and others to undertake the role of expert advisor, providing any necessary research to support the compilation of public and private briefings.

• Lead the development and maintenance of CIPFA’s content and engagement strategy (thought leadership strategy) that supports and extends stakeholder engagement, both short- and long-term, determining which methods work for CIPFA and why.

• Develop and maintain relevant networks of external stakeholders (including internationally); and within CIPFA for the purpose of advancing CIPFA’s work.

• Contribute to effective alliances and collaborations with partner organisations, to enhance delivery capability and or provide joint solutions to meet customer needs.

• Ensuring all content is on-brand, consistent in terms of style, quality and tone of voice, and optimised for search and user experience for all channels of content. Including online, social media, email, point of purchase, mobile, video, print and in person.

• Lead the development and delivery of key CIPFA events including main and regional conferences. Manage associated contractual relationships.

• Promote the views of CIPFA on public finance and policy issues at courses, seminars, select committee hearings, committees of inquiry and equivalent and through pro-active engagement with the media.

• Manage the CIPFA press office.

About You

You need to be credible, with a clear and strong vision for CIPFA’s thought leadership strategy, and be able to implement that strategy whilst being flexible to the market, emerging issues and demand. We also want a strong leader who can set the direction and pace for your team, and represent at all levels of the organisation – from CIPFA’s Council and Board through to relevant networks of external stakeholders and with colleagues across the organisation.

It is essential you have the following experience and skills:

• Strong leader, with a sense of your own leadership style and what that means for those around you, with the ability to lead, motivate and manage multi-disciplinary and technical teams in achieving clear and challenging objectives

• Real interest in, and commitment to, public services and public finance with a demonstrable understanding of the public sector, its structure, culture and challenges

• Ability to develop complex policy and technical propositions using own skills and initiative

• Ability to lead on the delivery of outputs to high profile clients e.g., MHCLG, HMT

• Creative, innovative, strategic and forward thinking

• Ability to work under pressure and prioritise workload effectively with a high level of resilience

• Enthusiastic and dynamic, highly collaborative and willing to get stuck in to get things done and make a real contribution to CIPFA’s growth and future success

What you will get in return

In exchange for helping us to make a difference, you will get a host of lovely employee benefits including: 

• Competitive salary 

• Great work life balance through participation in our 4-day working week pilot (work 4 days, get paid for 5) and hybrid working 

• The opportunity to develop in your career through qualifications, coaching and/or involvement in projects 

• Generous pension scheme

• Health benefits like access to an Employee Assistance Helpline and the ability to join our Health Cash Plan 

• Family friendly benefits like help with childcare fees, and more! 

We know that not all people come from the same background, or think the same – so why should we? At CIPFA, we want to be a great place to work where a diverse group of people from all backgrounds can turn up and thrive. When we hire, we want you to feel empowered to bring your best self to work.

To apply, please submit your application including your CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role, we look forward to receiving your application. 

Please let us know if you need any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.