Chief Communications Officer

www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk - Jobboard; London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A government department in London is looking for a highly skilled Chief Communications Officer to lead media strategies and manage a dedicated communications team. This dynamic role requires a strong background in media campaigns and excellent leadership skills. The position offers a unique opportunity to work closely with Ministers and shape public perception across various sectors. The right candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment and deliver impactful communication.

Qualifications

• Strong background in devising and delivering press and media campaigns.
• Experience in a senior role in a news team or press office.
• Excellent judgment in communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of media handling for various sectors.
• Devise and implement media strategies aligned with policy.
• Manage a small team of Communications Officers effectively.
• Ensure high-quality proactive and reactive communications.
• Drive creative media opportunities and strategic communication.

Skills

Media strategy development

Team leadership

Press and media campaigns

Creative thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

The Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) has an exciting opportunity for a highly skilled Chief Communications Officer in one of the most interesting, varied and fast-paced Whitehall departments.

We’re looking for an experienced, driven and creative Chief Communications Officer to join our small, friendly integrated team where you’ll get the chance to build your skills across all areas of DCMS work.

We work closely with Ministers, private offices, policy teams and special advisors to identify proactive media opportunities for Ministers and to promote the department’s work, plan media events and manage reactive media enquiries. We also work with our sectors to ensure we provide stakeholder and third-party support for specific announcements.

This is a hugely rewarding role which will provide a fascinating challenge for the right candidate.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has a very exciting opportunity for a highly skilled Chief Communications Officer to join our team in one of the most varied and fast paced departments in Whitehall.

The DCMS Communications Directorate supports our world-class sport, arts, culture and media industries.

Since the general election we have:

• Delivered a Creative Industries Sector Plan which is set to drive innovation and regional growth across film and TV, music, performing and visual arts, video games and advertising - doubling business investment to £31 billion by 2035.
• Announced a multi-billion Universal theme park and resort investment in Bedfordshire, set to generate 28,000 jobs and deliver a £50 billion boost to the economy.
• Hosted a major event at the Royal Shakespeare Company where the Culture Secretary announced a £270 million Arts Everywhere Fund to boost local economies and increase opportunities to gain creative skills
• Led communications for the 80th anniversary of VE Day - the biggest community event in recent history - and the Covid-19 Day of Reflection.

As a DCMS Chief Communications Officer, no two days are the same. You will be leading on all aspects of media handling for our sport, gambling, civil society and youth sectors.

For a small department we deliver with impact. Our work regularly leads the news agenda. From supporting the establishment of an independent football regulator, the roll out of a £900 million investment for grassroots sport and major sporting events, the publication of a new National Youth Strategy for outside the school gates, and ensuring the UK is a safe place to gamble, you will lead a small team to devise and deliver creative, compelling and integrated communication strategies.

About You

You will be a talented, passionate and enthusiastic communicator with a strong background in devising and delivering press and media campaigns in a news team or press office role. You will have sound judgement and the ability to lead.

The right person will benefit from working in a high profile and diverse role, in a team that is multi-talented, committed, fun and that strives for the best. If that sounds like a challenge you relish then we want to hear from you.

Person and Job Specification:

Reporting to the Head of News, the Chief Communications Officer will:

• Have overall responsibility for devising and implementing the media strategy for policy areas including sport (elite / grassroots), major sporting events, gambling and lotteries, civil society and youth policy, ensuring the strategy is aligned to policy aims and is evaluated.
• Lead a small team of Communications Officers to ensure delivery of a high-quality proactive and reactive communications service to the Secretary of State, Minister for Sport, Media, Civil Society and Youth, and the wider Department.
• Ensure that all members of the team are managed and directed appropriately, and that the overall strategic direction is embedded in their work.
• Help provide overall editorial control across the team to ensure appropriate and consistent content, tone, messaging and style.
• Be part of the management team for the news team with some responsibility for HR, training, learning and development.
• Help create and foster a creative team that strives for excellence, creating media opportunities and ensuring they land in the right place for the audience.
• Drive strategic and creative media, PR and communications ensuring the team fully exploits the range of media channels available.
• Participate in the out of hours duty rota.

You will be:

• Positive and resourceful in the face of challenges;
• A self-starter, who is not afraid to roll their sleeves up to deliver;
• A resilient, good humoured team player, with a positive, ‘can do’ attitude.