Senior Communications Officer, Defence, Security

We are looking for an experienced communications professional to join our growing Defence, Security and Maritime exports communications team. This team sits within DIT’s UK Defence and Security Exports (UKDSE) Directorate, which helps the UK defence, security, maritime and cyber industry achieve export success.

You will be focusing mainly on maritime exports, working closely with one of our specialist export teams - the Maritime Capability Campaign Office (MCCO) - to develop and deliver effective communications and engagement activities in support of their short
- and longer-term export objectives.

To achieve this, you will be working closely with colleagues across government as well as with key stakeholders and partners in the maritime space.

This role offers a great opportunity to make a difference in an increasingly important area. The UK is a global strength in maritime services, with hundreds of years of expertise and a long history of setting the standards for global shipping. Further strengthening the UK’s maritime sector is a priority for the UK government, and exports play a key role in this task.

DIT is an international department, and the position may include opportunities for overseas travel.

As part of our new ways of working, we expect you to work from the DIT office 2-3 days per week.
- For this role, the Department will not consider sponsoring a visa or issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship. Please note we are unable to offer advice on any Visa and Immigration cases._

**Job description**

You will be responsible for the following:

- Supporting the maritime team to develop communications strategies and delivery plans for export campaigns, providing guidance on their content and implementation and on how to monitor their impact, and ensuring coordination with partners across Government where appropriate to amplify key messages.
- Working with teams and comms counterparts in our embassies abroad to develop and deliver effective communications around key events throughout the year, from trade expos to stakeholder dialogues.
- Working with the DIT central communication team to develop communications handling plans for any export wins.
- Contributing to/leading training or induction sessions around communications, at regular intervals throughout the year.
- In collaboration with the UKDSE press officer, preparing media engagement plans to help promote the UK’s maritime export offer.
- Supporting delivery of broader UKDSE communications work and objectives as part of the UKDSE communications team.

**Hybrid Working**

Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas.

Informal hybrid working arrangements will be available as agreed with the vacancy manager and in line with the requirements of the role.

Most DIT employees will be working a hybrid pattern, spending 2-3 days a week (pro rata) in an office, on average. If your office location is London, you will be eligible to receive London weighting.

**Person specification**

**Essential Criteria**
- Proven experience working in communications and/or marketing roles, preferably for at least 5 years.
- Strong written and verbal presentation skills.
- Comfortable writing for and using a range of communications channels to get your messages across, from social media to digital and traditional press.
- Confidence dealing with a range of stakeholders.

**Desirable Criteria**
- Knowledge of international trade and/or the defence and maritime sectors would be an advantage but is not essential.

**Person Specification**

You will be able to:

- Communicate clearly and confidently, in writing and verbally, tailoring delivery of your message effectively to the situation and your audience.
- Draft high-quality communications messages to short deadlines, and cover notes to secure support for those messages from Ministers and senior officials.
- Understand how to deliver effective external communications, including responding to questions on potentially sensitive issues.
- Think creatively and on your feet to propose solutions/approaches which deliver your objectives and are acceptable to others.
- Work effectively with government, industry and media stakeholders at a range of levels.
- Build relationships and networks and use them to influence outcomes and support your objectives.

**Behaviours**

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

- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Delivering at Pace

**Benefits**
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension

**Things you need to know**

**Selection process details**

This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

**Further Information**

**Reasonable Adjustment**

**Vetting Requirements**

UK criminal records covering both spent and