2020 will be a key year for Defence. The Government’s Integrated Review of Defence, Security and Foreign Policy will be a defining moment for the future of the MOD and the armed forces. The review comes at a time of rising international tensions. State-based threats have re-emerged. Both Russia and Iran are growing increasingly assertive on the world stage. The MOD’s Head of External Communications will be required to work across Government on both the Integrated Review and on the UK’s national security posture and response to destabilising state-based activity. With the UK’s departure from the EU, 2020 also brings communication opportunities to demonstrate the UK’s ongoing commitment to international security through our armed forces’ global reach.

Key Responsibilities: 

Reporting to the Director of Defence Communications, the Head of External Communications is responsible for:

1. Protecting and enhancing Defence’s reputation.

1. The DDC External Communications arm which oversees some 50 posts with a 24/7 news team, a proactive content-producing campaign function and speechwriters at the heart of that effort.

1. Playing a full and proactive role in the DDC Leadership team and leading a team to deliver high quality communication services.

About You:

The role requires sophisticated and extensive media relations, PR and campaigns experience, and a proven track record in using media and communication channels to deliver organisational aims and objectives. However, even more critical to your success in this role will be your outstanding interpersonal and leadership skills, your ability to lead and fully integrate teams across the communications spectrum and to prioritise, resolve issues and conflict.

It is essential in your application that you provide evidence and proven examples in each of the following selection criteria below in so far as you are able to. These responses will be further developed and discussed with those candidates invited for interview.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Demonstrable success in developing and implementing compelling communications strategies in a complex organisation to enable and drive organisational objectives and priorities.
• A proven track record of providing clear, balanced advice and professional leadership at senior management level on a wide range of strategic, operational, sensitive and complex communications issues.
• A proven track 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.
• Experience of using effective communication and engagement techniques in respect of media relations, campaigns to protect and enhance reputation.
• Evidence of highly developed interpersonal and influencing skills with a demonstrable ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders up to Ministerial level.
• Experience of budget management, including identifying and realising no/low-cost ways of delivering communications.
• Experience of creating innovative communication strategies using digital channels and new media.