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Head of Strategic Communications

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Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

29d ago

Applications are closed

  • Job
    Full-time
    Senior & Expert Level
  • Customer Relations
    Government & Politics
  • London

Requirements

  • Significant experience in leading strategic communications using audience insight, data and evaluation to guide communications strategy in a complex, high-profile environment.
  • Proven ability to see the bigger picture and translate policy into communication plans that drive outcomes.
  • Experience in leading and developing a high performing team.
  • Strong influencing skills, with the ability to engage and advise senior stakeholders.
  • Ability to handle high-pressure, fast-paced issues and deadlines with confidence and clarity.
  • A collaborative approach and ability to work across professional boundaries, managing multiple stakeholders and priorities.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the development and delivery of integrated strategic communication plans aligned to government missions, departmental priorities and business objectives.
  • Provide strategic advice and challenge to senior leaders, ensuring communication activity supports the DWP’s long-term goals and meets audience needs.
  • Drive insight-led planning by using audience research, data, evaluation and horizon scanning to inform communication strategies.
  • Coordinate cross-discipline collaboration with media, digital, internal communications, marketing, stakeholder engagement and policy teams to ensure cohesive and effective messaging and delivery.
  • Own and maintain a robust forward look for the department’s communications agenda, anticipating reputational risks and opportunities.
  • Build and maintain strong working relationships across the department and with wider Government Communications Service, ensuring DWP’s voice and narrative is coherent.
  • Provide leadership to team members and play an active role in building capability across the wider Communications function.

FAQs

What is the job title for this position?

The job title is Head of Strategic Communications.

Where are the job locations for this role?

The job locations are Leeds, London, and Sheffield.

What is the grade level for this position?

The position is at Grade 6 level.

What are the primary responsibilities of the Head of Strategic Communications?

The primary responsibilities include leading integrated strategic communication plans, providing strategic advice to senior leaders, driving insight-led planning, coordinating cross-discipline collaboration, maintaining a robust communications agenda, building relationships across the department, and providing leadership to team members.

What skills are essential for this role?

Essential skills include significant experience in strategic communications, strong influencing skills, the ability to manage high-pressure issues, and a collaborative approach to working across professional boundaries.

What is the salary for the Head of Strategic Communications position?

The salary is £75,550, with an additional contribution of £21,886 towards the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

Is there a requirement for in-person attendance in this role?

Yes, there is a requirement for in-person attendance at times due to the need to work closely with key stakeholders.

What kind of working patterns are available?

The DWP offers flexible working patterns to support work/life balance, including job sharing, term-time working, flexi-time, and compressed hours.

What does the selection process entail?

The selection process includes a written application, a scenario-based exercise, and an interview assessing behaviours, technical skills, and strengths.

Will there be training and development opportunities?

Yes, the DWP provides funded learning and development opportunities to support career progress.

Are applications welcomed from diverse candidates?

Yes, applications are actively encouraged from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, or sexual orientation.

What benefits are provided in addition to salary?

Benefits include generous annual leave, health and wellbeing support, financial wellbeing initiatives, family-friendly policies, and an inclusive environment with diverse professional networks.

How important is data and audience insight in this role?

Data and audience insight are crucial, as the role involves driving insight-led planning to inform communication strategies.

What will candidates be assessed on during the interview?

Candidates will be assessed on their behaviours, strengths, and technical skills relevant to the role, including an initial 5-minute presentation.

Can current civil servants transfer to this role?

Yes, existing civil servants can transfer to this role, but they should consult their current department's guidelines on transfers.

How can I contact someone if I have questions about the role?

You can contact Caroline Baillie at caroline.baillie@dwp.gov.uk for questions related to the role.

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Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is responsible for welfare, pensions and child maintenance policy.

Government
Industry
10,001+
Employees
1948
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is the UK’s largest government department and is responsible for welfare, pensions and child maintenance policy. It administers the State Pension and a range of working age, disability and ill health benefits, serving around 20 million customers. DWP is responsible for understanding and dealing with the causes of poverty rather than its symptoms encouraging people to work and making work pay encouraging disabled people and those with ill health to work and be independent providing a decent income for people of pension age and promoting saving for retirement providing value for money and reducing levels of fraud and error reducing work-related death and serious injury in workplaces through the Health and Safety Executive DWP is a fast paced organisation which puts leadership at the centre of its transformation journey. The majority of DWP colleagues are part of the Operational Delivery Profession (ODP) – providing customer service to DWP’s 20 million customers across the UK. ODP is a thriving, inclusive professional community that supports colleagues and encourages them to learn, develop, grow and progress in their career to reach their full potential.

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