Strategic Engagement Lead

Ministry of Justice; United States; Hybrid; USD 77,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Civil Service Pension

Hybrid working

Learning budget £1k

Job summary

Ministry of Justice is seeking a Strategic Engagement Lead within Justice Digital, Data and Science. You will shape communications for the Data and Science Directorate and coordinate engagement across government partners and the private sector.

Join a collaborative team delivering cross‑government data initiatives, translating complex data stories into engaging content, events and blogs while aligning with the directorate's mission and objectives.

Qualifications

• Experience developing and delivering engagement strategies to support organisational objectives.
• Collaborative approach with multiple stakeholders across professional boundaries.
• Proven track record in translating complex data into clear, engaging messages.
• Strong planning and organisational skills with ability to meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead on internal communications, supporting the Director.
• Develop a strategic comms and outreach plan for the Data and Science Directorate.
• Build a strong data narrative with compelling case studies.
• Draft external communications: blogs, newsletters and articles.
• Forge partnerships with external organisations to highlight our work.
• Support external events to showcase data programmes.
• Align messaging across the directorate to reinforce mission and objectives.

Skills

Engagement strategy

Stakeholder management

Communication

Collaboration

Tools

MS Teams

Job description

We're recruiting for a Strategic Engagement Lead here at Justice Digital, Data and Science to be part of our warm and collaborative Justice Data & Science team. This role sits within Justice Data, where multidisciplinary teams work across the data lifecycle to turn complex data into better decisions, tools and services. We bring together expertise in data management, engineering, access and sharing, data linking, data science and AI, analysis and service management. Working with partners across the department, the Criminal Justice System and wider government, we strengthen data foundations, connect data across organisational boundaries and make it easier to use data securely and effectively. By combining strong data foundations and governance with engineering, insight and AI, Justice Data supports better decision-making, frontline delivery and long-term transformation of the justice system.,

• Lead on all internal communication activity, supporting the Director.
• Develop a strategic comms and outreach plan for the Data and Science Directorate; work closely with other comms and engagement professionals across Justice Digital, Data and Science to ensure visibility of Data activities
• Create a strong narrative for Data which can support a successful process of departmental allocations, identifying compelling case studies and presenting these in an engaging way
• Draft communications for external audiences, including blogs, newsletters and articles.
• Build relationships with partners outside MoJ who can highlight our work with subject matter experts in the private sector and other government departments
• Support external events to showcase specific data programmes, for cross-government and third sector audiences
• Ensure consistent messaging across the directorate: standardising how we describe our work across all communication channels to reinforce the Data and Science Directorate's mission and objectives.

Successful candidates who meet the required standard will then be invited to a panel interview held via Microsoft Teams. At interview stage, you will be assessed against the following Success Profile elements - Experience and the following Behaviours:

• Communicating and influencing
• Seeing the big picture
• Working Together

Appointments are made strictly in merit order. In the event that two or more candidates receive identical interview scores, the behaviour communicating and influencing will be applied as the primary lead criterion to determine the final merit order. Should you be unsuccessful in the role that you have applied for but demonstrate the capability for a role at a lower level, we reserve the right to discuss this opportunity with you and offer you the position without needing a further application. A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months, from which further appointments may be made.

Use of Artificial Intelligence Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Terms & Conditions Please review our Terms and Conditions which set out how we recruit and provide further information related to the role and salary arrangements. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact [e-mail]

Additional Information Working Arrangements & Further Information

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity. Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone's circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.

For nationally advertised roles: All successful candidates will be appointed to the nearest viable office nearest to their home postcode and on its respective pay scale. This will be at either a HQ building (subject to desk allocation, a Justice Collaboration Centre (JCC) or a Justice Satellite Office (JSO) - See Map. All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity). For current MoJ employees, your base location will need to be changed to the nearest viable office (to your home postcode), either at a HQ building, JCC or JSO within the National Office Network and moved its location's respective pay scale (any legacy arrangements/locations will need to be amended). Some of MoJ's terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on modernised terms in their current post or onto unmodernised MoJ terms if they are on unmodernised terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.

For current MoJ employees, your base location will need to be changed to the nearest viable office (to your home postcode), either at a HQ building, JCC or JSO within the National Office Network and moved its location's respective pay scale (any legacy arrangements/locations will need to be amended). Some of MoJ's terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform.

Flexible working hours The Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices. Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week. MoJ welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the MoJ's Flexible Working policy.

As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the TBS Recruitment Enquiries Team. For more information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long-term condition, please watch our animated videos.

Diversity & 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 and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

Redeployment Interview Scheme Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ is committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'. MoJ is able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidates will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.

Expected week commencing 2nd November 2026

Behaviours Communicating and Influencing Seeing the Big Picture Working Together

Level of security checks required DBS Basic

• Experience of developing and delivering engagement strategies to support organisational objectives and deliver measurable outcomes.
• A collaborative approach and ability to work across professional boundaries, managing multiple stakeholders with different priorities.
• Successful track record of delivering effective internal and external communications, with strong written and verbal communication skills and a proven ability to transform technical content into clear, engaging messages for a range of audiences.
• Strong planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities to tight deadlines, adapt to changing circumstances and consistently deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Willingness to be assessed against the requirements for BPSS clearance.
• Experience of developing and delivering engagement strategies to support organisational objectives and deliver measurable outcomes.
• Successful track record of delivering effective internal and external communications, with strong written and verbal communication skills and a proven ability to transform technical content into clear, engaging messages for a range of audiences.
• Strong planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities to tight deadlines, adapt to changing circumstances and consistently deliver high-quality outcomes.

A diverse sift panel will review the information in your CV and Personal Statement to assess the sift criteria specified above. We operate an anonymous shortlisting process. Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement do not include your name or any other identifying details. Should we receive a high volume of applications, a pre-sift based on successful track record of delivering effective internal and external communications, with strong written and verbal communication skills and a proven ability to transform technical content into clear, engaging messages for a range of audiences will be conducted before the sift.

Experience of developing and delivering engagement strategies to support organisational objectives and deliver measurable outcomes. - Successful track record of delivering effective internal and external communications, with strong written and verbal communication skills and a proven ability to transform technical content into clear, engaging messages for a range of audiences. - Strong planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities to tight deadlines, adapt to changing circumstances and consistently deliver high-quality outcomes.

Evidence of Experience CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability

The national salary range is £58,511 - £65,329, London salary range is £63,343 - £70,725 Your salary will be dependent on your base location, You'll receive a range of excellent benefits when you join our department, including:

• A generous employer pension contribution of 28.97% through the Civil Service Pension Scheme.
• 25 days of annual leave, (increasing to 30 days once you have reached 5 years of service), plus 8 bank holidays and a privilege day for the King's birthday.
• Flexible working arrangements including hybrid working, working part time or compressed hours. Designed to support a positive work-life balance.
• Employees are allocated 10% of their working time for personal and professional development.
• A £1k per person learning budget is in place to support all our people, with access to best-class conferences and seminars, accreditation with professional bodies, fully funded vocational programmes and e-learning platforms.
• Compassionate maternity, adoption and shared parental leave policies, with up to 26 weeks leave at full pay, 13 weeks with partial pay, and 13 weeks further leave. And maternity support/paternity leave at full pay for 2 weeks, too!

Base salary for this role is from £58,511 - £65,329 (National) to £63,343 - £70,725 (London)

• Existing Civil Servants moving on a level transfer will retain their current base salary or move to the minimum of the pay band for the role, whichever is higher.
• Existing Civil Servants who are promoted will either move to the bottom of the new grade's pay band or receive a 10% uplift, whichever provides the greater increase.

The MoJ offers a range of benefits:

• Annual Leave Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years' service. There is also a scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.
• Pension The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.
• Training The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.
• Networks The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.
• Eligibility Staff on fixed term appointments must have been recruited through fair and open competition. Vacancies advertised cross-government are only open to all Civil Service employees and employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) who were appointed on merit following a fair and open competition; or were appointed to a permanent post through an exception in the Civil Service Commissioners' rules.

• A range of 'Family Friendly' policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
• Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
• For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on www.www.GOV.UK or Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
• Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
• Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

Working for the Civil Service The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.