Deputy Director, Strategic Engagement

Overview

Deputy Director, Strategic Engagement role at Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). Location: London only. Working arrangements: This is a full-time role; flexible working arrangements or job sharing will be considered, subject to business need.Join to apply for the Deputy Director, Strategic Engagement role at Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.Base pay range

This range is provided by Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.Job summary

Are you ready to shape the story of the UK Government? We are looking for an impactful, innovative and visionary leader of the Strategic Engagement teams within the Communications Directorate at DSIT. The successful applicant will have a track record in delivering world-class communications to engage audiences, build trust, change behaviour and deliver outcomes. You will lead our communications strategy and planning across the breadth of its portfolio, for both external and internal communications. As part of the Senior Management Team, you will be responsible for four teams: Strategic Comms, External Affairs, Internal Comms and Campaigns. You will lead these teams to deliver strategic planning; horizon scanning; campaign development, implementation and evaluation; stakeholder management, insight and evaluation strategy and its use across communications; talent and capability; and internal communications strategy and delivery. You will promote and support the DSIT agenda – prioritising pro-tech/pro-innovation messages and new impactful campaigns, and help establish DSIT’s culture and internal brand and reputation.About Government CommunicationsOur mission is to deliver exceptional communications to support ministers’ priorities, enable the efficient and effective operation of public services, and improve people’s lives. We aim to be a visible, trusted, strategic partner across government, delivering mission-led, trusted and innovative public service communications.Who we areGovernment Communications is a diverse community of professionals with expertise across all communication disciplines, united in changing behaviour for the public good. We support and promote the work of ministerial and non-ministerial departments and public bodies. We work in partnership to help tackle big challenges facing the country, supporting a modern, mission-led, audience-first approach. We are the professional body for public service communicators and contribute to the leadership of Government Communications.The future of Government CommunicationsOur aim is for Government Communications to be recognised as a modern, trusted, effective public sector communications function. The future will be mission-led, focused on fewer, simpler campaigns that reach target audiences across the UK and beyond.Key ResponsibilitiesLeading relationships with DGs and Ministers in relation to strategic priorities and the longer-term narrative the department wants to tell.Overseeing communications planning and priorities across the Departmental brief and ensuring alignment with cross-Whitehall objectives and the government’s Missions.Working with partners and stakeholders to provide strategic oversight of horizon scanning and ensure effective departmental communications planning.Overseeing data, research and evaluation programme and ensuring insights are used within communications.Developing and leading a strategic internal communications strategy linked to priorities and achieving strong engagement across the organisation.Helping to create and deliver the DSIT Communications Plan.Managing the Directorate’s campaign budgets, meeting efficiency targets, and overseeing business planning and programme management for their teams.Providing active and visible leadership to your team and the wider Directorate, promoting hybrid and multi-site working, and embodying DSIT values and behaviours to optimise team performance and morale.Contributing to the leadership of the Government Communications Profession to support professionals moving into the mission-led future of Communications.Key StakeholdersYour key stakeholders will include:The Secretary of State, Ministers, and their advisers; advising on long-term strategies and day-to-day communications handling.The Permanent Secretary and DSIT Executive Committee; collaborating with the Permanent Secretary and Directors General to shape communications plans and ensure coherence with the Department’s business objectives.Partners – building relationships with a wide range of partners and key stakeholders, including major Partner Organisations who implement the department’s policy on the ground.Person specificationTo be successful, you will be an exceptional senior communications leader with a strong track record in large, complex organisations. Essential criteria include:Experience in developing integrated Communications delivery in a high-profile, fast-moving environment.A clear vision for government strategic communications now and in the future, with capabilities and tools to deliver it.Ability to work with partners and colleagues to provide strategic oversight, horizon scanning and join-up of communications planning and delivery.Consistent track record of delivering world-class communications to engage audiences, build trust, change behaviour and deliver outcomes.Experience at a senior level as part of a management team shaping strategy, finance and organisational development.Proven ability to work with ministers/C-suite or equivalent senior stakeholders, building strong relationships and providing robust, proactive advice.Inspirational, confident and empowering leadership of a large, multidisciplinary team; ability to motivate and develop people.Commitment to continued professional development and contributing to the leadership of the Comms Directorate and Government Communications Profession.Seniority level

DirectorEmployment type

Full-timeJob function

Strategy/Planning and OtherIndustries: Government AdministrationWe’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of ..... full job details .....