Head of Communications (Maternity Cover)

Background 

The IAB is the not-for-profit trade body for the digital advertising industry with members from some of the biggest companies in the world including Google, Meta, Amazon, News UK, Spotify, Microsoft and TikTok. Our purpose is to build a better future for digital advertising, for the benefit of everyone. We do this through a range of activities including events, training, research, setting standards, helping the industry to remain self-regulated and more. You can find out more about us and the work we do here.

Careers at The IAB 

To understand our culture, the ways we support new joiners, our wellbeing offering, our company benefits and our commitments to environmental sustainability and diversity and inclusion, find out more here.

The Role 

The Head of Communications (Maternity Cover) is a pivotal leadership role at IAB UK, responsible for shaping and delivering a communications and marketing strategy that drives the organisation’s mission to build a better future for digital advertising. This role will lead on developing key narratives, overseeing marketing excellence and amplifying IAB UK’s voice across the industry.

With a focus on strategic influence, the Head of Communications will build strong relationships with media, members and other trade bodies, ensuring IAB UK is recognised as the go-to authority on advertising in a digital world. You will manage a talented team, including the Marketing Manager, Digital Project Manager and Communications Executive, developing a team of stellar communicators whose messaging, content and delivery is aligned and the envy of other teams and organisations.

Responsibilities 

• Comms & Marketing Strategy: Develop and implement an integrated communications and marketing strategy that aligns with IAB UK’s goals, positioning the organisation as a trusted voice and leader in the advertising industry, and driving engagement with members and the wider industry.
• Message & Brand Development: Lead the creation of key messages, narratives and brand assets to ensure consistency and impact across all channels, from media relations to owned marketing platforms. Advise the senior leadership team on comms and marketing opportunities and challenges.
• Campaigns: Oversee IAB UK’s focus on building brand digital to shift advertisers’ perceptions of digital advertising, and production of distinct, memorable and quality content promoting IAB UK’s initiatives and standards
• Media Relations: Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, media outlets, and influencers, proactively securing coverage that enhances IAB UK’s reputation and influence. Work to increase positive perceptions of the industry and IAB UK members.
• Influence and Impact: Drive measurable growth in IAB UK’s influence and visibility across both earned and owned channels, including the website, CRM and email marketing. Establish and track metrics to evaluate effectiveness.
• Thought Leadership: Develop and deliver a thought leadership strategy that reflects IAB UK’s expertise and supports members' priorities, through reports, articles, email campaigns and opinion pieces.
• Content & Channels: Oversee the planning and production of high-quality, multi-format content — including podcasts, video, social media and marketing copy — and ensure effective distribution across web and marketing channels.
• Team Leadership: Manage and inspire the Communications team, including the Digital Project Manager and Marketing Manager. Foster a collaborative and innovative team culture that integrates communications and marketing efforts.
• Crisis & Issues Management: Act as the lead contact for managing IAB UK’s response to industry issues or reputational challenges, ensuring clear and timely communication across all relevant platforms.

Skills and Experience

• Strategic Thinking: Demonstrated ability to develop and execute impactful communications strategies that align with organizational goals
• Media Relations: Extensive experience in managing media relations, with a strong network of journalists and influential contacts relevant to the advertising and technology sectors
• Content Development: Proven ability to oversee the creation of compelling content and thought leadership
• People Management: Strong leadership and people management skills to deliver against ambitious goals
• Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of the advertising landscape, with the ability to identify trends and opportunities that inform communications strategies
• Exceptional Communication: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, capable of influencing internal and external stakeholders at all levels
• Adaptability and Resilience: Skilled in navigating complex, fast-paced environments and managing communications during crises or challenging situations

Management structure 

This role will report into the Director of Marketing and manage the Communications Executive, Marketing Manager and Digital Project Manager, who in turn manages the Website Assistant.

This will be an initial 12-month contract starting August 2025.