So1 Communications

**Details**:
**Reference number**:

- 260069**Salary**:

- £41,000**Job grade**:

- Senior Executive Officer**Contract type**:

- Permanent**Business area**:

- MOD - Strategic Command**Type of role**:

- Communications / Marketing**Working pattern**:

- Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time**Number of jobs available**:

- 1Contents

Location

About the job

**Benefits**:
Things you need to know

Location
- Defence Academy, ShrivenhamAbout the job

**Job summary**:
The post holder is responsible for the overall strategic communications and engagement policy for the Defence Academy (DefAc). The role is responsible for all internal and external communication activities as well as the provision of timely advice to the Defence Academy Senior Leadership Team.

The postholder will lead the overall communications effort for the DefAc through the effective management of a small team comprising of three HEO civil servants and one contractor (Serco). The main responsibility includes strategizing and executing a communications plan which is aligned to wider DefAc, Joint Force Development and UKStratCom messaging and communications campaigns.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week

**Job description**:
**The post holder's main responsibilities include**:
Leading the overall communications effort for the Defence Academy, managing 3 HEO civil servants and 1 contractor (Serco) and be responsible for the Communications Budget. Provide SME support to the Commandant, the senior leadership team and across UKStrategic Command and represent Comms in senior-level meetings.

Identify, plan and deliver DefAc comms activities in support of the business objectives by developing and delivering the communications strategy for the organisation, with a focus on strategy dissemination and understanding. Remain aware of changing requirements across the growing organisation - testing and adjusting the communications approach. Develop and protect the DefAc brand in accordance with MOD guidelines.

Responsible for publishing all communications (internal and external) for DefAc, including intranets, external website, social media platforms and in the media.

Build strong networks across the Directorate of Defence Communications (DDC), Strategic Command and the Government Communications Service (GCS), responding to policy and process initiatives as required. Maintain strong links with Joint Force Development (JFD) (including their international group) to support their comms objectives, including the defence engagement strategy.

Lead on promotional and communications activities for DefAc events, supporting management and delivery as required, to raise DefAc’s profile and engage with stakeholders.

Oversee internal and external comms KPIs (including internal comms surveys to DefAc, MOD and sponsors) to ascertain impact of profile-raising activity.

Oversee development and maintenance of all DefAc digital communications platforms to support DefAc objectives, branding and marketing requirements in line with MOD and DefAc digital strategies.

**Person specification**:
The role requires an experienced communicator, with a broad knowledge of Defence and a willingness to get the job done. Very strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, along with an ability to offer attention to detail whilst simultaneously managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. The job holder should be comfortable advising senior leaders and skilled at delivering complex information in an accessible format. Strong organisational, interpersonal and time-management skills are required along with the ability to lead and inspire a small communications team to deliver more than the sum of its parts.
- Essential criteria:_

10+ years of experience working in Communications or journalism

Relevant degree or equivalent qualifications in communications, marketing or journalism

**Behaviours**:
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

- Leadership
- Communicating and Influencing
- Managing a Quality Service
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Delivering at Pace
- Leadership
- Communicating and Influencing
- Managing a Quality Service

**Benefits**:

- Some of the many benefits you will receive:

- Highly competitive pension scheme.
- Flexi-time scheme upon completion of 6 months service or the Line Manager has the ability to adopt flexible working sooner than the 6 month period.
- Move to an alternative Working Patterns (there are 9) after the Probation period.
- 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service. If by chance you have previously completed service in the Public Sector in the past 5 years, you may be eligible to request 30 days leave immediately. (Evidence will be required).
- In addition to 8 Public Bank Holidays per year you will also receive a day's Privilege Leave for the HM The King’s Birthday. - Professional and Personal Development of