Senior External Communications Manager - UKIFS Ltd.

UKAEA Special Techniques Group; Abingdon; Hybrid; GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a visionary Senior External Communications Manager to lead their communications strategy. This pivotal role involves engaging stakeholders, enhancing the organization's profile, and managing a dedicated team. With a focus on innovative communication strategies, you will utilize digital channels and media relations to amplify messaging. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking projects in sustainable energy while promoting an inclusive culture within the organization. If you are passionate about communications and want to make a meaningful impact, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme

Corporate bonus scheme up to 7%

Flexible working options

Employee Assistance Programme

Generous annual leave

Vibrant, inclusive culture

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in communications and stakeholder engagement.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement external communications strategy.
• Lead external communications team and manage performance.
• Engage with partners and stakeholders to enhance reputation.

Skills

Stakeholder Engagement

Community Relations

Leadership

Strategic Communication

Media Relations

Digital Communication

Crisis Management

Brand Development

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Communications

Job description

Senior External Communications Manager - UKIFS Ltd.

• Full-time
• Salary: £59,723 + excellent benefits including outstanding pension
• Division: UKIFS - People and Operations
• Site Location: West Burton or Culham
• Confirmed Grade: Level 6
• Department: UKIFS - Communication

UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) Ltd, a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), is at the forefront of developing fusion sustainable energy. Through the design and delivery of the STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme, we aim to build a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040.

UKIFS will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year.

Employees can be based at either of our sites; West Burton, Nottinghamshire, or Culham, Oxfordshire. The role requires some travel between sites and to other locations for events. Onsite working is expected for 3 days each week, with active support for Flexible Working requests.

The salary for this role is £59,723.

Benefits include:

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
• Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a Relocation allowance (if eligible)
• Flexible working options, including family-friendly policies and the right to request flexible working from start
• Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders
• Generous annual leave starting at 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure, 2.5 privilege days, and UK bank holidays
• A vibrant, inclusive culture

The UKIFS Communications team plays a central role in shaping and influencing at all levels. We are seeking a highly experienced and visionary Senior External Communications Manager to join us during a crucial phase of our development.

In this role, you will develop and implement an external communications strategy, working closely with the Head of Communications and Community Engagement. Your efforts will be vital in building the organisation's profile and engaging stakeholders with the groundbreaking STEP programme.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Develop and Deliver Communications Strategy:

• Lead the development and execution of external communications and stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Act as deputy to the Head of Communications for external matters.
• Lead the external communications team, ensuring high-quality delivery and performance management.
• Conduct horizon scanning to adapt strategies as needed.

Engage with Partners and Stakeholders:

• Plan and execute external engagement activities to enhance reputation.
• Coordinate with UKAEA group communications to ensure alignment.
• Identify new engagement opportunities and communication channels.
• Represent the organisation at industry, community, and panel events as needed.

Media Strategy and Digital Presence:

• Utilise digital channels and social media to amplify messaging.
• Oversee website development and public consultation processes.
• Manage social media presence for STEP and UKIFS.
• Lead media relations, working with journalists at all levels.

Public Relations and Media Strategy:

• Develop strategies to increase media coverage and brand awareness.
• Position key spokespeople as thought leaders in the sector.
• Maintain positive public perception through media engagement.
• Manage responses to issues and crises.

Brand and Identity Development:

• Lead evolution of STEP and UKIFS brands.
• Ensure consistent messaging across all platforms.

Internal Collaboration:

• Work closely with Internal Communications to ensure message alignment.
• Support joint initiatives for strategic communication and engagement.

Team Development:

• Manage and mentor a small team of communication professionals.
• Foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and high performance.

Leadership and Cultural Representation:

• Demonstrate leadership, embodying the organisation's values and mission.
• Promote an inclusive and positive team environment.
• Act as a cultural ambassador, maintaining professionalism and integrity.

Minimum requirements include:

• Extensive experience in communications, stakeholder engagement, and community relations.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications or a related field.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Experience working in complex, matrixed environments.
• Understanding of government structures and project contexts like STEP.
• Strong relationship-building skills at all levels.
• Experience advising senior leadership.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to act as an effective ambassador.
• Strategic, creative, and innovative thinking.

Beneficial experience includes working on large infrastructure projects and media (print/broadcast).

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, especially women in STEM, ethnic minorities, and individuals with disabilities. Our organisation promotes inclusion and actively works to increase diversity.

This role requires completion of an online BPSS check, including DBS and open-source data searches. For overseas applicants, please see: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants. Applications are typically open for 4 weeks, but may close earlier if filled.