Description
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) supports ministers in leading the nation's health and social care to help people live more independent, healthier lives for longer. Our work supports major government commitments and attracts significant public interest.
We are looking for an exceptional Deputy Director, Head of Media Relations, with experience of working in a complex environment that is subject to significant public, political and media scrutiny. You will lead a team of communications professionals in promoting DHSC's policies and priorities. We are looking for an experienced communicator who will bring energy, experience and dynamism to the role.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead teams to deliver innovative communications strategies for the Secretary of State and ministers, aligned with government priorities and using new media.
- Advise ministers and senior policy officials as policy develops, using audience insight to identify reputational risks and ensure coherent communications plans for government and Secretary of State priorities.
- Build teams that identify emerging online conversations, respond quickly to risks and use trends to reach new audiences with government messages.
- Maintain a strong approach to reactive communications and rebuttal, correcting inaccuracies through clear messaging, proactive media, partner briefings and owned digital channels.
- Support the Director of Communications by advising the Secretary of State, ministers and officials.
- Build a network of communicators across government, arm's-length bodies, partner organisations and local authorities to support collaboration and rapid responses.
- Manage resources effectively to deliver excellent reactive, proactive and crisis communications.
Person Specification
- Demonstrable success in developing and implementing compelling communications strategies in a complex organisation to enable and drive organisational objectives and priorities.
- Using recognised insight and evaluation techniques to shape communications and provide measurable results.
- A proven track record of providing clear, balanced advice and professional leadership to senior leaders on a wide range of strategic, operational, sensitive and complex communications issues.
- A proven track record of leading a busy media relations team and building relationships with journalists to inform coverage.
- A record of successfully developing high-performing teams, leading, managing and motivating others, especially during periods of change, and a record of driving continuous improvement within the communications function.
- An understanding of your role as part of the GCS leadership.
Benefits
- Competitive salary of £86,000 per year
- Contribution of £24,914 towards being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme
- Generous annual leave and bank holiday allowance
- Flexible working including part-time or time-term working and access to Flexible Working Schemes
- Generous paid maternity and paternity leave
- Childcare benefits
- Onsite facilities including fitness centres and staff canteens