At the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) we are immersed in an exciting period of change. Our work ranges from supporting the UK’s world-leading food, farming and fishing industries to protecting the environment and providing robust defences against natural threats. 

This is an opportunity to grow your portfolio with communications that make headlines. As part of a new strategic communications function, you will design and deliver high-profile public information campaigns and strategies focused on EU Exit projects.  It’s a hands-on role, working across the full communications mix and engaging with policy teams, other government departments and a range of external partners to find new ways of reaching our target audiences.  Building productive working relationships and gaining stakeholder buy-in will be key to your success.

You’re likely to come from a marketing, press office or policy background, where you’ll have a track-record of providing effective communications advice and developing and delivering compelling communications plans. As you will have some line management responsibilities, the ability to lead and develop others is vital.  You will also have the capacity to think critically about the complex challenges the Government will face in the coming months and analyse the effectiveness of your campaigns, sharing this knowledge with colleagues to deliver a culture of continuous improvement.  Strong organisational abilities are essential as you will juggle a number of projects, often working at pace. Exceptional writing skills are, of course, vital.

Everyone in Defra is supported to develop their skills and capabilities. You will have access to learning and development from quality providers and support from mentors and coaches. We offer flexible working alongside a range of other policies and schemes to support your physical and emotional wellbeing. Our comprehensive benefits offer includes generous annual leave, a contributory pension, staff bonuses and recognition, volunteering days, childcare vouchers and other salary sacrifice options, and an employee discount scheme.