Strategic Communications Manager

Details
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Reference number

459589

Salary

£65,465 \- £76,877
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28\.97%
GBP

Job grade

Grade 7### Contract type

Permanent### Business area

DWP \- Communications### Type of role

Communications / Marketing

Press Relations### Working pattern

Full\-time### Number of jobs available

1
Contents
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• Location


• About the job


• Benefits


• Things you need to know


• Apply and further information

Caxton HouseAbout the job
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Job summary

The Department for Work and Pensions impacts millions of people and families, right across the country.

The DWP Communications team plays a critical role in managing the reputation of DWP internally with colleagues and externally in the media, stakeholders and to customers.

Government communications exists to shape and deliver government priorities, working in collaboration with policy teams from ideation to implementation and delivery. We look at the most effective way to solve problems, manage risk and reputation while delivering first\-class communications to the public.

The DWP Communications team works to build public awareness and shape support for the Department’s vision and initiatives through thoughtful communications, while also protecting the Department's reputation and helping to deliver change.

We use our expertise in audience insight and research to inform partnerships, campaigns, and policy, delivering change to improve lives. Our hugely successful Pension Credit campaign reached millions and saw take\-up boosted by more than 80% in 2022\-23\.

We are committed to making the DWP Communications Directorate truly inclusive and welcome applications from people from all backgrounds, including those who have not worked in the Civil Service before.

We are recruiting a G7 Strategic Communications Manager to lead within our high\-performing strategic communications and planning team. You will set the direction for strategic communications plans and narratives, provide editorial oversight across a range of channels, and use data and insight to drive continuous improvement. You'll build and maintain strong relationships at a senior level across DWP and with other government departments, acting as a trusted communications adviser to people at all levels.

The role is fulltime and will be based in Caxton House, London.

Job description

We welcome applications from candidates with experience in the private sector and voluntary sector.

You will be at the heart of communications that make a real difference to millions of people’s lives.

You will be working in a supportive team and tasked with delivering communications objectives that form a critical part of the Government’s priorities.

Successful candidates will be involved in a range of the following:

• Responsible for delivering insight\-driven strategic communication plans for departmental and ministerial priorities. To include clear objectives, measures of success and evaluation to allow for course correction.


• Working closely with colleagues in Policy Group and Strategy to join up Comms and Policy to optimise impact.


• Developing long term forward looks and working with colleagues to produce quarterly plans, agreed with No10, which ensure DWP is maximizing communications opportunities, demonstrating delivery and mitigating risks.


• Developing communications strategies that join up communications and policy delivery, grounded in DWP’s operational and political context.


• Leading collaboration across the Communications Directorate to ensure that plans are delivered in partnership, guided by audience insight and tailored across channels and disciplines, including new and traditional media; owned, earned and paid marketing; and stakeholder management.


• Developing narratives, lines to take and messaging frameworks for Ministers, senior officials and colleagues across DWP so our messaging is consistent, coherent and compelling, setting direction through story\-telling.


• Providing strategic direction on opportunities for ‘digital\-first’ communications which support strategic goals, and developing strong, productive relationships with the Social Media Unit in our Marketing team.


• Line managing and developing members of the team, supporting their professional growth and ensuring high standards of delivery

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• Extensive experience of leading and delivering strategic communications, in government, a large organisation, agency or equivalent


• Experience of using insight, data and evaluation to shape communications strategies and measure effectiveness, allowing course correction and embedding best practice


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with proven ability to translate complex policy into clear, compelling messages for a range of audiences and to advise and influence at senior levels


• Experience of briefing and advising senior officials, executives or VIPs, with the confidence to challenge and influence at all levels


• Comfortable managing and prioritising competing demands, maintaining quality and pace under pressure


• A commitment to developing others, setting high standards and fostering a positive team culture

If there are a high number of applications the top 4 essential criteria listed above will be used for an initial sift

Important Information

DCS Criteria additional information:

If high application volumes are received, the benchmark for candidates to proceed to the next stage may also be raised. In line with our commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme (DCS), we aim to advance all candidates applying under the DCS who meet the minimum standard. However, we may only progress those candidates who best meet the required standards

Hybrid Working

This role may be suitable for hybrid working, which is where an employee works part of the week in their DWP office and part of the week from home. This is a voluntary, non\-contractual arrangement and your office will be your contractual place of work.

If a hybrid working arrangement is suitable for the role and for you, you will normally be required to spend a minimum of 60% of your contracted working hours from your DWP office.

If you have a disability, caring responsibilities, or other circumstances that may affect your ability to meet the minimum office attendance requirement, please discuss this with us using the contact details in this advert.

Regular time in the office is essential when you work as part of the wider DWP Press Office. Being in the office is essential at times, with the need to work closely with key stakeholders that include, Ministers, No. 10, Press, colleagues, etc., often via in\-person meetings. This blended working approach allows you to work collaboratively, meet stakeholders in\-person, support others and promotes a healthy work life balance. As stated, If you are successful, any opportunities for hybrid working, including whether a hybrid working arrangement is suitable for you, will be discussed with you prior to you taking up your post.

Visa Information

We strongly recommend that applicants consult with an immigration specialist or qualified advisor to assess their eligibility for Visa Sponsorship before deciding to apply. Please note that while we consider sponsorship requests in accordance with current DWP guidance and Home Office policy, sponsorship cannot be guaranteed.

Due to legal considerations in this area, if you have questions about visas, please contact the VISA Sponsorship Team for assistance at visa.sponsorship@dwp.gov.uk

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Communicating and Influencing


• Seeing the Big Picture


• Working Together


• Delivering at Pace

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Insight


• Ideas


• Implementation


• Impact

Alongside your salary of £65,465, Department for Work and Pensions contributes £18,965 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
DWP have a broad benefits package built around your work\-life balance which includes:

• Working patterns to support work/life balance such as job sharing, term\-time working, flexi\-time and compressed hours.


• Generous annual leave – at least 23 days on entry, increasing up to 30 days over time (pro–rata for part time employees), plus 9 days public and privilege leave.


• Support for financial wellbeing, including interest\-free season ticket loans for travel, a cycle to work scheme and an employee discount scheme.


• Health and wellbeing support including our Employee Assistance Programme for specialist advice and counselling and the opportunity to join HASSRA a first\-class programme of competitions, activities and benefits for its members (subscription payable monthly).


• Family friendly policies including enhanced maternity and shared parental leave pay after 1 year’s continuous service.


• Funded learning and development to support progress in your role and career. This includes industry recognised qualifications and accreditations, coaching, mentoring and talent development programmes.


• An inclusive and diverse environment with opportunities to join professional and interpersonal networks including Women’s Network, National Race Network, National Disability Network (THRIVE) and many more.

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can 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 exp

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