Job Description

Salary: £43,000 up to £52,937 dependent upon experience + £4,598 on call

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time

Location: London – Canary Wharf - Hybrid (min. 2 days in the office per week).

Security Level: BPSS

Visa Restrictions: This position does not offer visa sponsorship

We are the UK's aviation and aerospace regulator and recognised as a world leader in our field. We enable the aviation industry to meet the highest safety standards. We pride ourselves on our ability to adapt to and support the constantly evolving aviation sector.

The Role

We are looking for an external communications specialist responsible for delivering clear, effective and engaging communications around one or more key areas of the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) work. The CAA is enabling the next generation of aircraft, transforming how we fly. From drones to flying taxis to hydrogen fuel and even enabling airspace modernisation (motorways of the sky), new technologies and innovations are changing the aviation sector at pace. We need to communicate how we are supporting these changes in a safe and sustainable way.

You will use clear and creative ways to speak to our industry experts, users of the aerospace system and the general public about these kinds of changes.

You will develop and deliver communication plans, identify and manage proactive media opportunities, and build strong working relationships with journalists and policy subject matter experts.

You will be confident to deliver clear, effective, and engaging communications through press, broadcast and social media channels in line with both our communications strategy and the CAA’s strategic objectives

Core Accountabilities

• You will deliver end-to-end communication in line with our central mission to “Protect People, Enable Aerospace.”
• You will oversee and implement communication strategies, which deliver effective and impactful communications.
• You will work with and nurture relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders including internal subject matter experts, comms teams from other organisations, and journalists.
• You will identify risks and mitigations across your focus area(s).
• You will protect the CAA brand reputation by leading reactive communications to issues raised by journalists.
• You will plan and deliver proactive communication campaigns to promote our work and land our key messages.
• You will collaborate with the wider communications team, including internal comms, to coordinate announcements across external comms channels.

About You

Essential

• At least 2-5 years of experience in professional external communication roles.
• Experience working for a large, complex organisation.
• A passion for writing and editing across different formats and for diverse audiences.
• Experience in developing engaging, targeted communications.
• Ability to quickly grasp highly complex topics and translate into easy-to-understand communications for different audiences
• Strong written and oral communication skills. Writes clearly, concisely and accurately using language adapted for different audiences.
• Strong planning, analytical and project management skills and able to make effective decisions.
• Strong understanding and demonstration of techniques and strategies for handling internal and external stakeholders. Can respond quickly to, handle and prioritise multiple requests.
• Brings the CAA’s values to life in the way you collaborate, communicate and get things done.

Desirable

• Enthusiasm for aviation and aerospace.
• Experience in designing and delivering integrated communication strategies that are measurable and achievable and meet business objectives.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of accessibility standards.
• Strong problem-solving skills to identify and resolve issues.
• Experience in being able to multitask and prioritise work schedules.

Additional Information

For many appointments within the CAA, these roles require access to operationally sensitive infrastructure and/or Nationally Protected information. For these roles the post holders must undergo National Security Vetting and achieve the appropriate level of clearance.

To be vetted you must have the right to work in the UK so that meaningful checks can be undertaken.

If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application.

For more information on BPSS clearance please visit - BPSS clearance

The CAA values high ethical standards and personal integrity among employees. If invited for interview you will be asked to complete a declaration of interest.

Relocation & Property

The CAA will be relocating from Aviation House (Our Gatwick Office) to new premises in a few years’ time. Our move is driven by strategic, operational and environmental considerations.

We will be moving to a new local home, up to a 15-mile radius of Aviation House, to minimise disruption for our valued colleagues and customers.

We are now working with colleagues and visitors to understand what we need in our new office, before we start our property search. We will sell Aviation House and land, vacate the site and move to new premises, but we do not expect to move before 2028

Inclusive Recruitment

We are passionate about diversity and ensuring all are included at the CAA. We are an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

As a member of the Disability Confident scheme, applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a role with us will be guaranteed an interview. We use fair and inclusive selection approaches to hire the best person for the job based on merit alone. If you require an adjustment for any reason, please let us know.

Use of Artificial Intelligence by candidates in the CAA recruitment process

We recognise that many of our candidates find Artificial Intelligence to be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be rejected on that basis.

Working With Us

We are on a journey towards being increasingly adaptable, where our colleagues collaborate as part of cross-functional teams. This approach ensures we never stop learning together. It also means that you may become involved in activities that take you out of your day-to-day role, providing you with opportunities to develop and grow your career with us.

This role requires flexibility with in-office presence agreed by the department lead. Currently this is 2 days/week.

We have embraced hybrid working and offer flexible working patterns, being open to having a conversation about what works for you. We know where and when we work is important in achieving a work-life balance.

We offer a range of excellent benefits such as flexible working arrangements, free onsite gym at Gatwick, discounted gym membership for London, 28 days annual leave, additional 5 days leave purchase scheme, a generous pension scheme and much more!

Our Values

Do The Right Thing, Never Stop Learning, Build Collaborative Relationships, Respect Everyone – For more information please Click Here

Closing Date: Tuesday 28th April 2026

Interview Date: Tuesday 5th May 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

No recruitment agencies please.