Length of employment: Job Summary: We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Strategic Communications professional to join the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) at Grade 6 level. This is a senior role within our Communications Directorate, responsible for shaping and leading strategic communication and engagement across major issues, policy and initiatives that affect millions of people. The role requires a forward-thinking individual who can see the bigger picture, develop insight-driven communications strategies, and foster collaboration across disciplines. The successful candidate will be expected to lead integrated communications planning, coordinate responses to high-profile issues, and ensure that our communications narratives are directional and that there is alignment across all communications functions in DWP, demonstrating delivery and putting audiences at the heart of communications activity. Job Description: Responsibilities will be: Lead the development and delivery of integrated strategic communication plans aligned to government missions, departmental priorities and business objectives. Provide strategic advice and challenge to senior leaders, ensuring communication activity supports the DWP's long-term goals and meets audience needs. Drive insight-led planning by using audience research, data, evaluation and horizon scanning to inform communication strategies. Coordinate cross-discipline collaboration with media, digital, internal communications, marketing, stakeholder engagement and policy teams to ensure cohesive and effective messaging and delivery. Own and maintain a robust forward look for the department's communications agenda, anticipating reputational risks and opportunities. Build and maintain strong working relationships across the department and with wider Government Communications Service, ensuring DWP's voice and narrative is coherent. Provide leadership to team members and play an active role in building capability across the wider Communications function. DWP have a broad benefits package built around your work-life balance which includes: Working patterns to support work/life balance such as job sharing, term-time working, flexi-time and compressed hours. Generous annual leave - at least 23 days on entry, increasing up to 30 days over time (pro-rata for part time employees), plus 9 days public and privilege leave. Support for financial wellbeing, including interest-free season ticket loans for travel, a cycle to work scheme and an employee discount scheme. Health and wellbeing support including our Employee Assistance Programme for specialist advice and counselling and the opportunity to join HASSRA a first-class programme of competitions, activities and benefits for its members (subscription payable monthly). Family friendly policies including enhanced maternity and shared parental leave pay after 1 year's continuous service. Funded learning and development to support progress in your role and career. This includes industry recognised qualifications and accreditations, coaching, mentoring and talent development programmes. An inclusive and diverse environment with opportunities to join professional and interpersonal networks including Women's Network, National Race Network, National Disability Network (THRIVE) and many more. Key Criteria for the Role: Essential Criteria Significant experience in leading strategic communications using audience insight, data and evaluation to guide communications strategy in a complex, high-profile environment. Proven ability to see the bigger picture and translate policy into communication plans that drive outcomes. Experience in leading and developing a high performing team. Strong influencing skills, with the ability to engage and advise senior stakeholders. Ability to handle high-pressure, fast-paced issues and deadlines with confidence and clarity. A collaborative approach and ability to work across professional boundaries, managing multiple stakeholders and priorities. We will ensure that you are fully supported and can develop your career as a skilled communications professional. DWP is committed to creating an organisation and workforce which is as diverse as the customers we serve. As such, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified people regardless of gender, race, disability, age or sexual orientation. Please note: If there are a high number of applications received, an initial sift may be undertaken based on the first 4 essential criteria listed above. Candidates who pass the initial sift may progress to a full sift or may go straight to interview DCS Criteria additional information: If high application volumes are received, the benchmark for candidates to proceed to the next stage may also be raised. In line with our commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme (DCS), we aim to advance all candidates applying under the DCS who meet the minimum standard. However, we may only progress those candidates who best meet the required standards Hybrid working The Head of Strategic Communications works with many stakeholders, being in the office is essential at times, with the need to work closely with key stakeholders that include, policy makers, ministers etc., often via in-person meetings. This blended working approach allows you to work collaboratively, meet stakeholders in-person, support others and promotes a healthy work life balance. As stated, if you are successful a hybrid working arrangement will be discussed with you prior to you taking up your post. From 01 September 2025 hybrid working colleagues will be required to meet 60% in office attendance. As your stakeholders are based across DWP Hub locations, there may also be the requirement to attend other locations at times. The Civil Service uses a Success Profiles to assess candidates', knowledge and skills. You will be assessed against experience, behaviours, strengths and Government Communications Service (GCS) technical skills. We'll assess both what candidates a r e good at, as well as what they enjoy, to help us measure candidates' behaviours, st r engths and their potential. The assessment process comprises of a written application and for shortlisted candidates, a short scenario-based exercise and interview. Written application You'll need to complete a CV and Personal Statement when you apply. Your CV should set out your career history with key responsibilities and achievements. Your Personal Statement (max 1000 words) should explain how your personal skills and qualities make you a suitable candidate for this role. Your CV and personal statement will both be assessed against the essential criteria set out on slide 5. Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form. Please note - If there are a high number of applications received, an initial sift may be undertaken based on the first 4 essential criteria listed on slide 5. Candidates who pass the initial sift may progress to a full sift or may go straight to interview Interview A 'blended' interview lasting around 45 minutes to 1 hour will test a mix of behaviours, technical skills and strengths: It may help to use the WHO or STAR model to explain: What the task/ work was, How you approached the task/work/situation and what the Outcomes were, what did you achieve? Or What was the Situation ? What were the Tasks ? What Action did you take? What were the Results of your actions? We recognise that AI may be helpful when applying for this role, but it is important to use it in the right way. Read the DWP AI Candidate Guide to understand how you can make the best use of Gen AI while ensuring your application remains authentic and effective. The evidence you provide must relate to your own experience. If evidence of p lagiarism, or sharing of questions, information or answers through out any part of the selection process is found, your application will be withdrawn. Examples of plagiarism can include: Presenting the work, ideas and experience of others as your own Copying content from an online /published source Using forms of Artificial Intelligence to produce application content which you present as your own. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview. This will be a face-to-face interview. The interview panel will be a minimum of two people. The interview will assess: a. We'll assess candidates against the following Success Profiles: Civil Service behaviours www.gov.uk at G6 level: Seeing the bigger picture Communicating and influencing Leadership Delivering at Pace b. For this professional communications role, you'll also be tested against the following Government Communications Service (GCS) technical skills at G6 level Insight Ideas Implementation Impact c. You'll also be assessed against three Success Profiles: Strengths - GOV.UK relevant to the role. These aren't defined by grade d. Shortlisted candidates will be expected to carry out a 5-minute presentation at the start of the interview marked against Seeing the Bigger Picture. Details will be sent to you ahead of time. Sift and Interview Dates : Our anticipated timetable - which may be subject to change - is as follows: Shortlisting will take place commencing 29th May 2025 Interviews will commence week commencing 09th June 2025 Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams. Further details will be provided if you are successful and shortlisted. To apply for this post please follow the instructions in this candidate pack or the job advert on Civil Service Jobs. Please submit your application no later than 23:55 29th May 2025 If you're an existing Civil Servant and want to know more about transferring to another Department, refer to your current department's guidance on transfers within the Civil Service. Candidates should not resign from their current job until all appropriate checks have been successfully completed. If you have questions about the role, DWP or the application process, please contact Further Information Find out more about Working for DWP A reserve list may be held for a period of 6 months from which further appointments can be made. Any move to DWP from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare; for further information visit the Childcare Choices website. If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out. In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing stating the job reference number in the subject heading. New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band. Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant's details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government. Before applying for this vacancy, current employees of DWP should check whether a successful application would result in changes to their terms & conditions of employment, e.g. mobility, pay, allowances. Civil Servants that would transfer into DWP from other government organisations, following successful application, will assume DWP's terms & conditions of employment current on the day they are posted, unless DWP has stated otherwise in writing. The Civil Service values honesty and integrity and expects all candidates to abide by these principles. Please ensure that all examples provided in your application are taken directly from your own experience and that you describe the examples in your own words. Applications will be screened and if evidence of plagiarism or copying examples/answers from other sources is found, your application will be withdrawn. Internal DWP candidates may also face disciplinary action. Reasonable Adjustment At DWP we value diversity and inclusion and actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including those that are underrepresented in our workforce. We consider visible and non-visible disabilities, neurodiversity or learning differences, chronic medical conditions, or mental ill health. Examples include dyslexia, epilepsy, autism, chronic fatigue, or schizophrenia. If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should: Contact Government Recruitment Service via DWPrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs. Complete the "Reasonable Adjustments" section in the "Additional requirements" page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you're deaf, a Language Service Professional. 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