Head of Communications - CDDO

As Head of Communications, you will have a wide and challenging brief. You will be responsible for developing the strategy and plan for engaging a community of 20,000 as well as the public on delivering to the new cross-government strategy. You will lead on communications and key engagement events to other government departments and to the wider digital and tech media and industry, and aligning it to wider HM Government priorities, including those of our ministers. 

As a Head of Communication you’ll:

• Drive forward our communications priorities across external, cross-government and internal audiences.
• Lead the DDaT communications team, ensuring each member of the team has a well-rounded set of skills, are excellent practitioners and have the necessary management, tools and training to deliver high quality work. You’ll contribute as a communications leader within the Government Communication Service (GCS) by actively participating in cross-government programmes and working closely with number 10 Downing Street and the Cabinet Office press team. 
• Design, deliver and continuously evaluate an evidence-based, multi-channel communications strategy and plan for DDaT that aligns with its strategic priorities, producing or coordinating the creation of accessible content and narratives with impact. Implement mechanisms to ensure reporting on the success of interventions to senior leaders in CDDO.
• Establish and develop a brand for DDaT across government, aligning and joining with existing brands. 
• Oversee and drive effective public relations for DDaT and CDDO across the DDaT sector. Act as the point of contact for all communications and press enquiries within CDDO. Working with GDS and wider cabinet office colleagues to create joined up responses.
• Engage the DDaT community across government (over 20,000 people) in delivering the DDaT strategy and recruiting DDaT specialists across all departments of government. You will need to work in partnership with teams across CDDO and DDaT to ensure the success of the strategy. 
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders across government and the DDaT sector to agree and align on shared messaging as well as gain buy-in for key commitments. 
• Work with the wider CDDO colleagues to ensure all communications activities have robust plans and consistent content which align to the strategy. Manage short term planning through the communication grid. Triage incoming requests for communications support for new or emerging engagement priorities
• Deliver key pieces of work or campaigns, overseeing all aspects of the communications delivery including content, press, social media, events and audience analysis. 
• Effectively manage the budget for marketing, communications and events on behalf of CDDO. 

Who you'll be

You will be an experienced strategic operator with expert knowledge and understanding of the whole communications mix. You have extensive and demonstrable experience in setting direction, overseeing delivery and measuring efficacy of communications activity. 

This role requires:

• Experience leading in a fast paced and complex environment
• An experienced strategic communications expert with knowledge and understanding of different types of content and channels, and how to plan activities using clear frameworks
• Involvement with using communications matrices and knowledge of the matrix used by the government communications service
• Experience of dealing with press enquiries and managing reputational and other risks relating to externally facing work
• Knowledge of content creation and an understanding of different uses for different types of content
• You to have extensive experience in setting direction, overseeing delivery and measuring efficacy of communications activity, including delivering through others
• The ability to be able to grasp a variety of fast moving, often nuanced and complex policies quickly and effectively
• You can cope comfortably with ambiguity and thrive on being creative and innovative 
• Experience working with external agencies to deliver
• Experience of managing a wide range of very senior stakeholders and their competing priorities

Additional Information

The selection process as a standard for all of our CDDO roles consists of:

• An application screening process - Simply, hit apply. We only ask for a Cover letter (up to 750 words and a CV. Important tip - please ensure that your cover letter includes how you meet the skills and experience listed in the “who you’ll be” section above.
• An interview - We will asses you against the behaviours (Communicating and Influencing), Strength based questions (Explainer and Influencer) and experience.

CDDO offers hybrid working for all employees. This means that everyone does some working from home/remote working and also spends some time in their local office. You will agree to your hybrid working arrangement with your line manager in line with your preferences and business needs. 

If we receive a high number of applications, we may decide to include an additional round (this would typically be a short telephone interview or assessment/exercise depending on the type of role).

A reserve list will be held for a period of 12 months, from which further appointments can be made.

Candidates that do not pass the interview, however, have demonstrated an acceptable standard will be considered for similar roles at a lower grade. 

Security level for the role; This role requires SC security clearance. If further clearance is required in the future, you will be expected to complete this. Further details are outlined in Security vetting for employees.

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. For further information see https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prison-leavers-project-improving-outcomes-for-prison-leavers