Chief Communications Officer and Deputy Head Strategic Engagement. Ministry of Defence - Strate[...]

UK Ministry of Defence; London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization at a pivotal moment in national defense. As Chief Communications Officer, you will lead a dynamic team in shaping the narrative of the UK Armed Forces. Your role will involve strategic planning, media relations, and high-profile engagement events, all aimed at enhancing the reputation of the Command. You'll work closely with senior military leaders and engage with diverse stakeholders, ensuring that communications are effective and impactful. This is an exciting opportunity to influence the future of defense communications while navigating a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.

Benefits

Civil Service Pension

Flexible Working Options

Learning and Development Opportunities

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Qualifications

• Proven team leadership ability in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in developing and implementing communication strategies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Strategic Command Communications Team and oversee media relations.
• Develop comprehensive communications plans aligned with Command priorities.
• Deliver high-profile engagement events for internal and external audiences.

Skills

Leadership

Media Relations

Strategic Communications

Stakeholder Engagement

Crisis Management

Digital Communications

Education

Degree in Communications or related field

Tools

Social Media Platforms

Media Monitoring Tools

Job description

This role is based out of MOD Main Building in Whitehall, central London (SW1A 2HB) and the Northwood Headquarters, North West London (HA6 3HP).

Job Summary

Job Summary

You would be joining Strategic Command at an incredibly exciting time, at the moment of publication of the long-awaited Strategic Defence Review, the introduction of a series of Defence Reform measures led by the Defence Secretary and a rapidly shifting Geo-Political context. This is at a time when the pace of operations of the UK Armed Forces is high and the return to state-on-state competition is increasingly manifest, with a significant impact on our Armed Forces, how we operate and how we communicate what we are doing to external and internal audiences.

Against this backdrop, communicating the contribution of Defence and Strategic Command in protecting our national security and building the capabilities to succeed today and prepare for tomorrow has never been more important. You will be expected to work closely with Commander Strategic Command, General Sir Jim Hockenhull, and support the delivery and communication of his priorities. This will include overseeing the delivery of around half a dozen high profile engagement and outreach events a year - typically with external media, think-tanks and industry representatives.

As Chief Communications Officer, you will be highly visible and often on point in helping General Hockenhull and his Command Group communicate and engage with internal and external audiences on a broad range of issues and across traditional outlets and digital media. This includes considering how our messaging will impact diverse groups and audiences, including - our partners overseas, Defence industry, digital stakeholders in the public and private sector, the general public and, ultimately, our adversaries.

Strategic Command is constantly learning and adapting to help make Defence more integrated and effective. In this vein, Strategic Command is undergoing a transformation programme to sharpen our outputs and help secure better national security outcomes for the UK. As such you will have a role in shaping the future direction of communications across the organisation, including your role and that of the team as the wider organisation transforms – the successful candidate will be comfortable in working through change and ambiguity to improve communications across Strategic Command.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job Description

Job Description

For this role, an ability to build credibility quickly at senior levels (at the equivalent of Director-level upwards to the equivalent level of a Permanent Secretary), both across Civil Service and the Armed Forces, will be vital. You will frequently be asked to represent the Communications Team across Strategic Command and the MOD. You will be eager to get stuck in, confident in a fast-paced environment, willing to learn, and comfortable adapting to changing situations and bringing your team with you – providing day-to-day leadership but also building capacity for the future. You will be able to turn your hand to reactive media as well as do the longer-term planning in positioning Strategic Command’s outreach and engagement as part of a concerted communication plan.

We are looking for an individual with a deep understanding of traditional and social media, and previous communications experience, able to lead and inspire their team, manage upwards with dexterity - as Commander Strategic Command’s Principal Media Advisor - who can safeguard and enhance the reputation of a large organisation, and diverse workforce, operating at innovative edge of the UK Armed Forces.

The Successful Candidate Will:

• Act as the Principal Media Advisor to Commander Strategic Command and Deputy Commander Strategic Command.
• Lead the Strategic Command Communications Team currently 7 x Civil Servants, (incl. 1 x Grade 7, 2 x SEOs and 4 x HEO equivalents, but growing with the likely introduction of a further Grade 7).
• Lead the Strategic Command Events and Engagement Cell currently three people but growing (incl. 1 x Armed Forces Officer (a Lt Colonel Reservist) and two further part time reservists).
• Deputise for Deputy Director Strategic Engagement (an SCS1), who is currently leading a broader team of c. 25 people.
  
  

The Successful Candidate Will:

• Be expected to lead communications at a system-wide level. Establishing trusted relationship with the Command’s key senior figures from within the Command, across Defence (incl. Directorate for Defence Communications and single Services – the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force) and across Government to ensure the successful delivery of communications that support our Command priorities.
• Be required to set the strategic communications direction for the Command, manage reputational risk, and align activity to Command and Departmental priorities.
• Lead and oversee Strategic Command responses to reactive media enquiries ensuring that our media posture in responsive and aligned to the Commander’s and wider Departmental priorities.
• Act as the most senior communications adviser at Strategic Command, overseeing and leading the Strategic Command comms function in providing expert communications advice to the Command Group (the Commander, Deputy Commander), Senior officials, Ministers, and Special Advisers.
• Lead the development and delivery of comprehensive Strategic Command communications plan (or strategy) and relevant sub-strategies for External Media and Affairs, Digital Channels, and Internal Communications that align with the Command’s priorities, including Defence Reform and continued Strategic Command Transformation.
• Tailor and deliver internal communications across Strategic Command, across a diverse workforce approaching 27,000 people, and the broad range of organisations within it.
• Oversee the planning and delivery of key engagement and outreach events to support Strategic Command and Defence’s wider messaging and priorities.
• Deliver high profile engagement events with a strong focus on external audiences, typically supporting 5-6 high profile external and internal outreach events a year, through events & engagement cell, in support of the Commander and Deputy Commander.
• Role model continuous professional development and make sure the Strategic Command communications function has the capability and skills it needs to deliver the communications strategy. As a leader within the Government Communications Service you will play an active role in raising professional standards and improving efficiency more broadly, including by leading continuous improvement projects.
  
  

The successful candidate will report to the Deputy Director Strategy & Engagement at Strategic Command, and will work closely with General Sir Jim Hockenhull, Commander Strategic Command, and Lt General Tom Copinger-Symes, Deputy Commander Strategic Command.

Strategic Command is going through a significant transformation programme which aims to improve the way the Command conducts its business and delivers for Defence and the nation. As a consequence of this, all posts within Strategic Command Headquarters and in time the wider organisation, are/will be subject to review and potential changes as we continuously improve across the period of the transformation programme. These changes may be minor or could be more substantive and will generate new opportunities. Throughout, the Command’s transformation programme is committed to following the MOD’s framework on managing and supporting people through the change process and places an emphasis on early and open consultation and engagement with the Command’s personnel and Trade Unions.

In common with the rest of Government, there is an expectation that the MOD Civil Service will spend the majority of their working week in the office. This is a non-contractual arrangement where all employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estates capacity. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or carry out detached duty in another MOD workplace, will also count towards this level of attendance. It is recognised that where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working.

Applicants can request further information regarding how this may work in their team from the vacancy holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.

The Successful Candidate Will:

• Be expected to lead communications at a system-wide level. Establishing trusted relationship with the Command’s key senior figures from within the Command, across Defence (incl. Directorate for Defence Communications and single Services – the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force) and across Government to ensure the successful delivery of communications that support our Command priorities.
• Be required to set the strategic communications direction for the Command, manage reputational risk, and align activity to Command and Departmental priorities.
• Lead and oversee Strategic Command responses to reactive media enquiries ensuring that our media posture in responsive and aligned to the Commander’s and wider Departmental priorities.
• Act as the most senior communications adviser at Strategic Command, overseeing and leading the Strategic Command comms function in providing expert communications advice to the Command Group (the Commander, Deputy Commander), Senior officials, Ministers, and Special Advisers.
• Lead the development and delivery of comprehensive Strategic Command communications plan (or strategy) and relevant sub-strategies for External Media and Affairs, Digital Channels, and Internal Communications that align with the Command’s priorities, including Defence Reform and continued Strategic Command Transformation.
• Tailor and deliver internal communications across Strategic Command, across a diverse workforce approaching 27,000 people, and the broad range of organisations within it.
• Oversee the planning and delivery of key engagement and outreach events to support Strategic Command and Defence’s wider messaging and priorities.
• Deliver high profile engagement events with a strong focus on external audiences, typically supporting 5-6 high profile external and internal outreach events a year, through events & engagement cell, in support of the Commander and Deputy Commander.
• Role model continuous professional development and make sure the Strategic Command communications function has the capability and skills it needs to deliver the communications strategy. As a leader within the Government Communications Service you will play an active role in raising professional standards and improving efficiency more broadly, including by leading continuous improvement projects.
  
  

The successful candidate will report to the Deputy Director Strategy & Engagement at Strategic Command, and will work closely with General Sir Jim Hockenhull, Commander Strategic Command, and Lt General Tom Copinger-Symes, Deputy Commander Strategic Command.

Strategic Command is going through a significant transformation programme which aims to improve the way the Command conducts its business and delivers for Defence and the nation. As a consequence of this, all posts within Strategic Command Headquarters and in time the wider organisation, are/will be subject to review and potential changes as we continuously improve across the period of the transformation programme. These changes may be minor or could be more substantive and will generate new opportunities. Throughout, the Command’s transformation programme is committed to following the MOD’s framework on managing and supporting people through the change process and places an emphasis on early and open consultation and engagement with the Command’s personnel and Trade Unions.

In common with the rest of Government, there is an expectation that the MOD Civil Service will spend the majority of their working week in the office. This is a non-contractual arrangement where all employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estates capacity. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or carry out detached duty in another MOD workplace, will also count towards this level of attendance. It is recognised that where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working.

Applicants can request further information regarding how this may work in their team from the vacancy holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.

Person specification

Person Specification

The successful candidate will have excellent people skills, first-rate written and oral communications abilities, and an aptitude for developing good working relationships and influencing journalists, Defence commentators, social media influencers, and senior managers. The successful candidate will be committed to delivering a high-quality service in a fast-paced environment.

Experience

Essential:

• Proven team leadership ability. Including leading multi-disciplinary teams (events teams, media relations, reputation management, digital channels, and internal communications) and developing high-performing professionals.
• Experience in developing and implementing compelling and creative communication strategies in a large and complex organisation and the ability to enable and drive organisational priorities.
• Proven experience of leading and delivering communications and campaigns that use a range of different channels, including generating or capturing insight to support future campaigns.
• Proven experience in building capacity across teams, and investing in, and bringing on, individuals and teams, including experience in driving continuous improvement and innovation to set and raise professional standards.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills.
• Current, prospective, or prior membership of the Government Communications Service.
  
  

Desirable:

• An ability to establish effective relationships with a range of complex stakeholders to support delivery, and to deliver through others.
• Prior Experience of working across the UK National Security apparatus.
• Experience and understanding of the digital landscape.
  
  

Behaviours

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

• Leadership
• Changing and Improving
• Delivering at Pace
  
  

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Leadership
• Changing and Improving
  
  

Technical skills

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

• Government Communications Service (GCS) Insight
• Government Communications Service (GCS) Implementation
• Government Communications Service (GCS) Impact
  
  

We only ask for evidence of these technical skills on your application form:

• Government Communications Service (GCS) Implementation
  
  

Alongside your salary of £70,540, Ministry of Defence contributes £20,435 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
  
  

External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

At sift we will assess you against the following :

• CV
• Leadership
• Changing & Improving
• Technical Skill - Government Communications Service (GCS) Implementation
  
  

At interview you will be assessed on the following :

• Leadership
• Changing & Improving
• Delivering at Pace
• Technical Skill - Government Communications Service (GCS) Insight
• Technical Skill - Government Communications Service (GCS) Implementation
• Technical Skill - Government Communications Service (GCS) Impact
  
  

The successful candidate must be a UK National and hold UK Developed Vetting (DV)status or being willing undertake to the process to secure the relevant clearances (at DV level).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: [e-mail] .

As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came in to effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system.

Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job Contact :

• Name : For further information please contact Graham Ball, at Strategic Command - [e-mail] - alternatively please contact Annabel Giles, Assistant Head Comms at Strategic Command, [e-mail]
• Email : [e-mail]
• Telephone : [phone]
  
  

Recruitment team

• Email : [e-mail]
  
  

Further information

Please ensure you read the attached candidate information document prior to completing your application. If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address: Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, Room 6124, Tomlinson House, Norcross Lane, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address: Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Or by email: [e-mail].