23817 - Head of External Communications

Responsibilities

• Strategic communications leadership
• Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of OPG’s external communications, translating organisational and service priorities into clear, measurable communications objectives and plans.
• Provide authoritative, evidence-led advice to the Executive Team and senior leaders on external communications, corporate reputation, customer communications, service changes, emerging risks and opportunities.
• Ensure external communications are aligned with OPG’s organisational narrative, business planning and customer needs, and support public understanding of complex services and legal processes.
• Deputise for the Head of Communications when required alongside other team leads and contribute actively to the leadership, governance, prioritisation and resourcing of the wider communications function.

Requirements

• Significant senior-level experience of developing and leading complex, insight-led external communications strategies and integrated, multi-channel activity.
• Strong strategic judgement and political awareness, with the confidence to advise and constructively challenge executive-level leaders on communications, reputation, risk and organisational priorities.
• A strong track record of translating complex policy, legal, regulatory or operational subjects into clear, accessible and audience-focused communications.
• Experience of leading campaigns or public communications designed to improve understanding, change behaviour or increase the take-up of services.
• Strong media and reputation-management experience, including handling sensitive issues, emerging risks or communications activity under significant scrutiny.
• Excellent leadership and line-management capability, with experience of setting direction, developing people and creating an inclusive, collaborative and high-performing culture.
• Experience of managing budgets, agencies or suppliers and ensuring activity is delivered to agreed standards, timescales and outcomes.
• Confidence in using research, audience insight, data and evaluation to shape communications decisions, optimise delivery and demonstrate impact.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively with senior, professional and public audiences.

Preferred

• Experience of communications within government, an arm’s-length body, regulatory organisation or another complex public-service environment.
• Experience of leading communications for organisational transformation or service change. A relevant communications, journalism, marketing or public-relations qualification, or equivalent professional experience.