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6332 - Head of Strategic and Internal Communications
| Posting date: | 28 May 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £56,532 to £69,338 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 11 June 2025 |
| Location: | SW1A 2HQ |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 2 days per week |
| Company: | Ministry of Justice |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | 6332 |
Summary
As Head of Strategic and Internal Communications, you will be expected to hit the ground running, quickly making a significant contribution as a senior leader to the smooth running of the Communications Directorate and in developing and implementing our organisation's strategic communication vision.
You will thrive in a fast-paced environment and be comfortable juggling priorities, working with senior stakeholders and leading your team to turn complex information into clear, engaging communications outputs for internal and external audiences.
You will champion innovation and efficiency in our strategic communications approaches for key announcements, events and departmental priorities, while developing your team's capabilities and maintaining the highest professional standards.
In addition, you will be responsible for shaping how we engage with our people and ensuring that our internal communications strategies align with our organisational objectives and that you deliver impactful communications.
We’re looking for someone who:
Strategic vision and leadership: Ability to set a compelling communications vision that supports organisational objectives and inspires your team to deliver exceptional results, with proven experience in leading high-performing communications teams.
Exceptional stakeholder management: Demonstrable capability to build strong relationships at all levels, particularly with senior leadership, and to effectively influence and advise on internal and strategic communications matters.
Internal communications expertise: Track record of successfully communicating complex internal communications including change initiatives to internal audiences, with a deep understanding of how to drive engagement.
Commitment to professional development: Dedication to continuous learning and development both for yourself and your team, with experience in identifying and nurturing talent.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The main responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to:
Developing strategic communications approaches and communications handling plans for key UK Government and departmental priorities, announcements and events and oversight of team in delivery
Oversight of the development and delivery of an annual programme of internal communications including a weekly content plan, departmental engagement sessions and L&D events
Weekly participation in Head of Internal Communications DD network;
Oversight of the collection and analysis of data insights associated with existing communications strategies
Deputising for the Deputy Director, Communications at key engagements within the Northern Ireland Office as well as in cross Government forums
Assisting the Deputy Director in the oversight of key corporate functions within the team e.g. budgets, resourcing, learning and development
Contributing to cross-departmental initiatives and programmes as well as leading on delivery of a number of special projects internally
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:
The post holder will need to demonstrate the following in their application and at interview:
Proven experience working as a senior leader within a large organisation with responsibility for developing and delivering strategic communications plans and internal communications strategies
Demonstrable track record of leading high-performing communications teams at a senior level
Experience translating complex organisational priorities / objectives into clear, compelling narratives for both internal and external audiences
Experience of successfully advising senior leaders on sensitive communications matters, showing your capacity to build trust and credibility
Experience briefing Ministers or senior leaders within large organisations on complex communications strategies
Proven ability in implementing internal communications strategies, including significant organisational change programmes, with measurable improvements in staff engagement
Examples of successfully managing complex external and internal communications in high pressure environments, showing your ability to provide clear leadership
Experience building strong relationships with senior stakeholders and providing trusted communications counsel and managing complex stakeholder relationships
Evidence of managing high-performing, diverse communications teams across multiple locations
DESIRABLE CRITERIA:
A strong understanding of the political and cultural landscape of Northern Ireland
Experience in managing external affairs programmes
Track record of measuring the impact of communications
Active security clearance at CTC level
You will thrive in a fast-paced environment and be comfortable juggling priorities, working with senior stakeholders and leading your team to turn complex information into clear, engaging communications outputs for internal and external audiences.
You will champion innovation and efficiency in our strategic communications approaches for key announcements, events and departmental priorities, while developing your team's capabilities and maintaining the highest professional standards.
In addition, you will be responsible for shaping how we engage with our people and ensuring that our internal communications strategies align with our organisational objectives and that you deliver impactful communications.
We’re looking for someone who:
Strategic vision and leadership: Ability to set a compelling communications vision that supports organisational objectives and inspires your team to deliver exceptional results, with proven experience in leading high-performing communications teams.
Exceptional stakeholder management: Demonstrable capability to build strong relationships at all levels, particularly with senior leadership, and to effectively influence and advise on internal and strategic communications matters.
Internal communications expertise: Track record of successfully communicating complex internal communications including change initiatives to internal audiences, with a deep understanding of how to drive engagement.
Commitment to professional development: Dedication to continuous learning and development both for yourself and your team, with experience in identifying and nurturing talent.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The main responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to:
Developing strategic communications approaches and communications handling plans for key UK Government and departmental priorities, announcements and events and oversight of team in delivery
Oversight of the development and delivery of an annual programme of internal communications including a weekly content plan, departmental engagement sessions and L&D events
Weekly participation in Head of Internal Communications DD network;
Oversight of the collection and analysis of data insights associated with existing communications strategies
Deputising for the Deputy Director, Communications at key engagements within the Northern Ireland Office as well as in cross Government forums
Assisting the Deputy Director in the oversight of key corporate functions within the team e.g. budgets, resourcing, learning and development
Contributing to cross-departmental initiatives and programmes as well as leading on delivery of a number of special projects internally
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:
The post holder will need to demonstrate the following in their application and at interview:
Proven experience working as a senior leader within a large organisation with responsibility for developing and delivering strategic communications plans and internal communications strategies
Demonstrable track record of leading high-performing communications teams at a senior level
Experience translating complex organisational priorities / objectives into clear, compelling narratives for both internal and external audiences
Experience of successfully advising senior leaders on sensitive communications matters, showing your capacity to build trust and credibility
Experience briefing Ministers or senior leaders within large organisations on complex communications strategies
Proven ability in implementing internal communications strategies, including significant organisational change programmes, with measurable improvements in staff engagement
Examples of successfully managing complex external and internal communications in high pressure environments, showing your ability to provide clear leadership
Experience building strong relationships with senior stakeholders and providing trusted communications counsel and managing complex stakeholder relationships
Evidence of managing high-performing, diverse communications teams across multiple locations
DESIRABLE CRITERIA:
A strong understanding of the political and cultural landscape of Northern Ireland
Experience in managing external affairs programmes
Track record of measuring the impact of communications
Active security clearance at CTC level