The Secretary of State for Defence regularly undertakes high profile media activity, visits, speeches and stakeholder engagement as well as communicating with civil servants and service personnel across Defence. The Communications Secretary plays an important role, providing direct support and advice to the Secretary of State, and working closely with DDC and the Secretary of State’s Private Office to plan and implement activity.
Key responsibilities
Overall responsibility for planning and implementing the Secretary of State for Defence’s communications activity, including media, digital and internal communications
Ensure the Secretary of State’s priorities and steers are properly reflected in Defence communications
Provide direct advice and counsel to the Secretary of State and support, prepare and accompany them on communications activity, including visits, interviews, press conferences and speeches
Play a full and proactive role in the Directorate’s leadership team, deputising for the Deputy Director of News, Digital and Speechwriting when and where appropriate, and line manage roles within DDC
Work closely with the rest of the DDC, the Secretary of State’s Private Office and Special Advisors to co-ordinate and organise Secretary of State communications engagements
Support the Secretary of State’s Private Office in relaying accurate and timely information to DDC that impact communications activity and ensure Private Secretaries are working with relevant DDC project leads
Represent DDC at Secretary of State Private Office meetings, including weekly diary and daily wash-ups - presenting DDC advice and providing timely readouts
Be a senior leader within DDC, including working with the Deputy Director and Head of News to ensure high standards, good behaviours and efficient use of resources at all times.
Take responsibility for clearing products relating to the Secretary of State, including reactive lines, press notices, op-eds, internal communications, digital content and briefing packs
Confidently articulate the work of UK Defence to media, working to clear objectives and deploying an acute awareness of risk
Be involved in the strategic planning process for Secretary of State communications engagements from an early stage working with communications teams across the Directorate, policy teams, Private Office and Special Advisors to produce robust delivery plans
Provide coaching/training and development by mentoring the Press Office and other communications teams, working with the Deputy Director and Head of News.
Oversee recruitment for Press Office roles
Provide senior communications support out of hours on weekdays and at weekends as part of the back-up rota.
Remote working within this role is something that can be discussed at interview stages or with your future line manager if you are found successful.
Please note, candidates will be redirected to the Civil Service Jobs website where you will need to submit your application form. Please note the closing date above is incorrect and cannot be amended so please check the closing date on Civil Service Jobs and allow enough time to submit your application form.
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