Director of Communications & Public Affairs

Help shape the voice, influence and reputation of psychology as Director of Communications and Public Affairs at the British Psychological Society.

Psychology has an increasingly important contribution to make to some of the biggest challenges facing individuals, organisations and society.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the voice and reputation of one of the world's leading psychological societies as we enter the next phase of our development. We are looking for a strategic, collaborative and influential leader who can articulate a compelling vision for communications and engagement, inspire teams and stakeholders, and help us ensure psychology makes a meaningful contribution to society.

The British Psychological Society is the professional membership body and learned society representing psychology, psychologists and the wider psychological workforce across the UK. It is known for its support of the profession, the quality of its members' scholarship and the reach of its impact in the service of society. It is a dynamic, resilient and ambitious organisation that is eager to embrace the changes ahead.

At the heart of this success are people - our members and our staff. Our newly refreshed strategy addresses the challenges and opportunities which face us, requiring us to communicate our offer and our achievements to audiences within and without. We are seeking a communications professional who will not only lead communications and external affairs but will help shape the way we work and what we do, so that what we communicate aligns with our values, vision and strategy.

Reporting to the Chief Executive and working as part of the Society's senior leadership, you will lead our communications, brand, reputation, marketing and stakeholder engagement, strengthening the reach, relevance and influence of the British Psychological Society. You will be a trusted adviser to the Chief Executive, Board and senior colleagues, providing expert counsel on communications and reputation, identifying opportunities to increase our influence and ensuring we are prepared to manage emerging risks. You will also shape how we engage with our members and external audiences, build influential relationships and partnerships, and lead the continued development of our digital communications and engagement.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking an exceptional leader who will play a central role in shaping the society's future. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will need judgement, credibility and the presence to operate at executive and Board level. You will help shape organisational direction, strengthen relationships with members and stakeholders, and ensure our communications, engagement and influencing activity reflects our values, advances our strategic ambitions and enhances our reputation.

As our senior communications and public affairs leader, you will bring substantial leadership experience across strategic communications, reputation, brand, marketing and stakeholder engagement, ideally gained within a complex membership, charitable, professional or regulatory environment. An outstanding relationship builder, you will combine strategic thinking with the ability to deliver, navigate diverse stakeholder interests and lead and inspire a high-performing team.

Above all, you will see communications and engagement as integral to organisational success and will bring the ambition and insight to help the Society build trust, extend its influence and increase the impact of psychology.

If you are looking for an exciting opportunity to shape the profile and influence of a profession with a vital contribution to society, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Why Join Us?

We offer a supportive environment and the opportunity to make a real difference. We offer a friendly, values led working culture with an excellent benefits package that includes:

• Agile & flexible working
• Generous leave entitlement
• Occupational pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme / free eye care vouchers / Winter flu vaccinations
• Tailored learning & development
• Employee Assistance Programme counselling
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Discounts scheme with national organisations

How to apply

The closing date for applications is 31st October 2026. To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter detailing how you meet the criteria in the job profile. Please note that applications without a covering letter will not be considered.

The British Psychological Society is committed to a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, irrespective of your background or circumstances. We are only able to accept applications that can demonstrate a right to work in the UK as we are unable to sponsor people requiring a work visa.

Due to the large number of applications we receive, it is not possible to update you on the progress of the application until after the closing date. If you have not heard from us within three weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.