Company Description
UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) Ltd, a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), is at the forefront of developing fusion sustainable energy. Through the design and delivery of the STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme, we aim to build a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040.
UKIFS will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year.
UKIFS employees can be based at either of our sites: West Burton, Nottinghamshire, or Culham, Oxfordshire. This role will require some travel between sites and to other locations for events. Onsite working is expected for 3 days each week; however, we actively support requests for flexible working.
The salary for this role is £59,723.
As an employee of UKIFS, you will benefit from:
* Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme, details of which can be found at the end of this advert.
* Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a Relocation allowance (if eligible).
* Flexible working options including family-friendly policies and the right to request flexible working from the start of your employment.
* Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders.
* Generous annual leave allowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays.
* Wide range of career development opportunities.
* A vibrant culture committed to being fully inclusive.
* A full list of our benefits can be found here: https://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/
Job Description
The UKIFS Communications team is at the heart of our organisation, actively shaping and influencing at all levels. We operate in an energising, complex, and mission-driven environment. We are currently seeking a highly experienced and visionary Senior External Communications Manager to join our team at a crucial time in the development of the UKIFS organisation.
As the Senior External Communications Manager, you will have the opportunity to develop and deliver an external communications strategy, working closely with the newly appointed Head of Communications and Community Engagement. Your role will be pivotal in building the profile of the organisation and the STEP programme, ensuring all external stakeholders are informed, engaged, and excited by the opportunities offered by this ground-breaking, nationally significant programme.
Key Responsibilities:
Develop and Deliver Communications Strategy:
* Lead the development and delivery of the external communications and stakeholder engagement strategy for UKIFS and STEP.
* Act as deputy to the Head of Communications on all matters of external communications and stakeholder engagement.
* Lead the external communications team, ensuring high-quality delivery and managing performance.
* Conduct horizon scanning to evolve the strategy to meet changing requirements.
Engage with Partners and Stakeholders:
* Develop and deliver an appropriate programme of external engagements to maintain and enhance the programme's reputation.
* Lead the interface with UKAEA group communications colleagues, ensuring alignment on key communication activities.
* Identify and capitalise on new engagement opportunities and communication channels.
* Act as a spokesperson, leading industry, community, and panel events as required.
Media Strategy and Digital Presence:
* Exploit digital channels and social media to increase brand and message penetration.
* Oversee the ongoing development of the website and ensure effective public consultation.
* Manage the strategic oversight of STEP and UKIFS social media presence.
* Lead media relations for the STEP programme, working with journalists at all levels.
Public Relations and Media Strategy:
* Develop and deliver a strategy to increase media coverage and grow brand awareness.
* Position key spokespeople as thought leaders across the fusion sector and beyond.
* Shape and maintain the positive public perception of the organisation through ongoing media engagement.
* Manage the organisation’s response to issues management.
Brand and Identity Development:
* Lead the evolution of the STEP and UKIFS brands.
* Ensure consistency in brand messaging across all communication touchpoints.
Collaborate with Internal Communications:
* Work closely with the Senior Internal Communications Manager to ensure alignment and consistency in messaging across both internal and external communications.
* Support joint initiatives that enhance the overall communication strategy and stakeholder engagement.
Team Development:
* Manage and mentor a small team of communication professionals, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and high performance.
* Utilise centrally held systems, services, and capabilities to deliver organisational objectives.
Leadership Mindset:
* Embody a leadership mindset and behaviours, embracing the organisation's culture, values, and mission.
* Foster a positive and inclusive team environment.
* Act as a cultural ambassador, representing the organisation's values and professionalism.
* Lead by example, demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and ethical behaviour.
Qualifications
Essential:
* Extensive experience in communications, stakeholder engagement, and community relations.
* A bachelor’s degree in communications or a related field.
* Experience leading, mentoring, and coaching teams to achieve high-quality delivery.
* Experience working in complex, matrixed, programmatic environments.
* Understanding of government structures and the role of national, regional, and local government in projects like STEP.
* Proven relationship builder with stakeholders at all levels.
* Experience as a trusted advisor at CEO, Director, and executive team level.
* Proficiency in producing board-level papers and proposals.
* Excellent communication skills – both written and verbal.
* Ability to act as an ambassador for the programme.
* Strategic, creative, and innovative thinker.
Beneficial:
* CIPR qualification.
* Experience working on significant infrastructure projects.
* Experience with print and/or broadcast media.
Additional Information
For more information on UKIFS visit: UKIFS Recruitment Pack
We welcome talented people from all backgrounds who want to help us achieve our mission. We encourage applications from under-represented groups, particularly women in STEM, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and neurodiverse individuals. Our leadership and EDI Networks actively promote inclusion and work to increase diversity. We follow best practices in recruitment and aim to remove barriers to success.
This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including DBS checks and possibly a search of open-source data. For applicants outside the UK or who have spent time outside the UK in the last five years, please see: Criminal Records Checks for Overseas Applicants. If your country is not listed, we cannot process your application.
Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive many applications.
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