Strategic Communications Lead

Responsibilities

• As Strategic Communications Lead, you will play a key role in shaping how SLC communicates and engages around some of its most significant transformation programmes and strategic priorities.
• This 18-month fixed-term opportunity has been created to support a period of significant organisational change, as SLC delivers the ambitions set out in its business plan through its focus on Perform, Reform and Transform objectives.
• You'll take ownership of strategic communications plans for complex projects and change initiatives, leading their development, delivery and evaluation.
• You'll look beyond individual communications activity to understand the broader organisational, stakeholder and external environment, ensuring communications support effective delivery and informed decision-making.
• Using insight, horizon scanning and an understanding of the political and organisational landscape, you'll anticipate risks, identify opportunities and help shape communications approaches that support engagement and understanding among colleagues and stakeholders.
• You'll work across a wide range of stakeholders and matrix teams, coordinating plans and communications across interconnected change activity and bringing together different priorities and perspectives while ensuring project communications align with wider programme objectives and organisational messaging.
• You'll provide trusted communications advice and help maintain a clear and consistent narrative across transformation activity.
• We're looking for a proactive communications professional with sound judgement, strategic thinking and the confidence to operate at senior levels.
• Success in the role will come from building trusted relationships, providing well-judged communications advice and bringing clarity and coordination to complex organisational change, helping SLC to deliver effectively while protecting and enhancing its reputation.

Requirements

• Significant experience in developing and implementing strategic communications, with expertise in change communications and campaign management.
• Proven track record in leading successful campaigns and communications to support complex programmes.
• Membership of Government Communication Service (GCS) or be prepared to attain membership.
• Well-judged planning and analytical skills with ability to use data for decision-making.
• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills at senior levels
• Ability to manage complex projects and multiple priorities
• Political awareness and ability to operate in a fast-paced environment
• Sound writing and editing skills with ability to simplify complex information
• Knowledge of change management principles and methodologies (e.g., ADKAR, PROSCI)

Benefits

• 28 days annual leave plus 8 public holidays
• Option to buy/sell annual leave
• Flexi-time and enhanced flexible working options available
• Option to join the Civil Service pension scheme
• Life insurance cover for 4 x annual salary
• Enhanced company sick pay and family leave including maternity, paternity and adoption
• Contributory lifestyle benefit options including discounts at hundreds of retailers, cycle to work scheme, access to the Civil Service Sports and Leisure Club for discounted gym memberships, and an optional dental insurance scheme