Responsibilities

• Responsible for delivering insight-driven strategic communication plans for departmental and ministerial priorities, including clear objectives, measures of success and evaluation to allow for course correction.
• Working closely with colleagues in Policy Group and Strategy to join up Communications and Policy to optimise impact.
• Developing long term forward looks and quarterly plans, agreed with No.10, to maximise communications opportunities, demonstrate delivery and mitigate risks.
• Developing communications strategies that join up communications and policy delivery, grounded in DWP's operational and political context.
• Leading collaboration across the Communications Directorate to ensure plans are delivered in partnership, guided by audience insight and tailored across channels and disciplines, including new and traditional media; owned, earned and paid marketing; and stakeholder management.
• Developing narratives, lines to take and messaging frameworks for Ministers and senior officials across DWP to ensure messaging is consistent, coherent and compelling.
• Providing strategic direction on opportunities for 'digital-first' communications which support strategic goals, and fostering strong relationships with the Social Media Unit.
• Line managing and developing team members, supporting their professional growth and ensuring high standards of delivery

Requirements

• Extensive experience of leading and delivering strategic communications, in government, a large organisation, agency or equivalent
• Experience of using insight, data and evaluation to shape communications strategies and measure effectiveness, allowing course correction and embedding best practice
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with proven ability to translate complex policy into clear, compelling messages for a range of audiences and to advise and influence at senior levels
• Experience of briefing and advising senior officials, executives or VIPs, with the confidence to challenge and influence at all levels
• Comfortable managing and prioritising competing demands, maintaining quality and pace under pressure
• A commitment to developing others, setting high standards and fostering a positive team culture

Preferred

• Experience in the private sector and voluntary sector (welcomed).

Benefits

• DWP contributes £18,965 towards the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
• Working patterns to support work/life balance such as job sharing, term-time working, flexi-time and compressed hours.
• Generous annual leave – at least 23 days on entry, increasing up to 30 days over time (pro‑rata for part time employees), plus 9 days public and privilege leave.
• Support for financial wellbeing, including interest-free season ticket loans for travel, a cycle to work scheme and an employee discount scheme.
• Health and wellbeing support including the Employee Assistance Programme and the option to join HASSRA.
• Family friendly policies including enhanced maternity and shared parental leave pay after 1 year’s continuous service.
• Funded learning and development to support progress in your role and career, including qualifications, coaching, mentoring and talent development programmes.
• Inclusive and diverse environment with professional networks (e.g., Women’s Network, National Race Network, National Disability Network).