Strategic Communications Director

UKROEd is seeking an experienced Communications Manager to join our Operations business area. As a key member of our team, you will play a crucial role in developing and implementing an impactful communications strategy to ensure our messaging output is effective and aligned with our corporate strategy.

• Strategic Communications Advice: Provide strategic communications advice to our senior leadership team on all areas of communication and engagement, including planned and unplanned issues.
• Communications Planning: Work alongside our Crisis Communications Consultant to develop and deliver an annual communications plan that outlines priority campaigns and communications projects to help us deliver our corporate plans and financial strategy.
• External Communications: Manage and further develop our external communications service, including communication campaigns, reactive communications, media relations, digital, and design.
• Brand Development: Develop a unified company voice that aligns with our branding and values.
• Internal Communications: Oversee our internal communication function and work with key business areas to implement effective internal communication and engagement strategies, which drive new ways of working and support wider transformation and cultural change across the organisation.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with our stakeholders and audiences, including internal and external stakeholders across course providers, police forces, the Road Safety Trust, local and central government, and other parties to establish strong working relationships.
• Digital Platforms: Work with appointed associates on our external digital platforms, planning and managing the design, content, and production of all materials.
• Editorial Control: Provide overall editorial control of communication processes to all key stakeholders.
• Campaign Evaluation: Continuously improve the delivery and effectiveness of campaigns and engagement activities by gathering intelligence through robust evaluation, and by reviewing procedures and practices, to drive the achievement of high-quality, impactful outcomes.
• External Influence: Support UKROEd in influencing external decision makers, including central government, regional government, and police forces nationally.
• Organisational Profile: Promote the interests of UKROEd regionally and nationally, establishing a strong organisational profile to enhance its reputation, impact, and influence.
• Communications Budget: Be accountable for the effective management of the company's communications budgets to ensure measurable return on communications investment.
• Communication Protocols: Develop efficient communication protocols and policies for diverse scenarios or emergencies by engaging with executive management in drafting policies.

We are looking for a highly experienced Communications Manager with a strong track record of delivering strategic communications advice and leading communication and engagement initiatives within a complex organisation.

• Qualifications: Bachelor's degree, or equally recognised professional qualification, in a relevant subject.
• Professional Membership: Member of the CIPR or relevant professional body.
• Continuing Professional Development: Evidence of continuing professional development.

We also welcome applications from candidates with a Master's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field, and additional certifications in digital marketing, crisis communication, or stakeholder engagement.

• Experience: Experience at a managerial level delivering strategic communications advice and leading communication and engagement initiatives within a complex organisation.
• Organisational Change: Demonstrated experience in managing organisational change and executing effective internal communication strategies.
• Communication Technologies: Extensive experience utilising modern communication technologies and digital media platforms.
• Strategic Planning: Strong capability in both short-term and long-term strategic planning, with the ability to anticipate and respond to evolving priorities and emerging issues.
• Cross-Organisational Collaborations: Experience fostering cross-organisational collaborations and partnerships.
• Brand Development: Deep understanding and management of brand development and its influence on stakeholder perception and engagement.
• Crisis Communications: Proven experience in developing and executing crisis communication strategies.

We also welcome applications from candidates with experience engaging with national-level politicians and stakeholders to advance organisational objectives, background or knowledge of the not-for-profit sector, and experience working within the road safety or transportation sector.

• Job-Related Knowledge: Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communications skills with the ability to tailor messaging to diverse audiences.
• Critical Thinking: Strong critical thinking and political acumen in handling sensitive and complex issues.
• Digital Strategies: In-depth knowledge of digital and social media strategies, tools, and best practices.
• Communication Campaigns: Proficiency in developing and implementing effective communication campaigns across multiple channels.
• Equality and Diversity: Solid understanding and commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion principles.
• Office Software: Proficient in standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint) and familiarity with content management systems.
• Media Law: Basic knowledge of media law, data protection regulations, and ethical considerations in communications.

We are looking for a highly experienced Communications Manager with a strong track record of delivering strategic communications advice and leading communication and engagement initiatives within a complex organisation.

• Leadership Skills: Proven leadership skills with the ability to work with, motivate, and develop high-performing, multidisciplinary teams.
• Resilience and Motivation: Demonstrated resilience and high motivation, and the ability to inspire these qualities in others.
• Strategic Planning: Strong strategic planning and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and manage multiple projects efficiently.
• Problem-Solving: Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills to inform effective decision-making.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, adept at influencing, persuading, and negotiating with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Operational Budget Management: Experienced in managing operational budgets, commissioning services, and overseeing contractual agreements.
• Professionalism and Integrity: High levels of professionalism, integrity, and ethical standards, serving as a strong role model within the organisation.
• Collaboration and Influence: Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with senior managers, directors, and external partners.
• Political Awareness: Strong political awareness and sensitivity to navigate complex organisational and external environments.
• Leadership and Management: Proficient management and leadership capabilities with a track record of delivering successful communication initiatives.