Associate Director, Communications and Engagement

at  Met Office

Job Introduction
We’re seeking to appoint an exceptional Associate Director of Communications & Engagement to help us make a difference to our planet.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & ABILITIES

If you can demonstrate the essential criteria, we encourage you to apply.

• Significant experience in leading and delivering external and internal communications strategies and plans that achieve outcomes in a complex and high-profile organisation, preferably in the public sector or a scientific organisation.
• Extensive leadership experience with a track record of leading, developing and motivating a high-performing multi-skilled communications teams in complex, evolving environments.
• Expertise in managing high-profile media relations, crisis communications and reputation management.
• Proven ability to provide authoritative and influential advice to senior leaders on strategic communications issues and opportunities.
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills across a range of internal and external partners.
• Experience of working with a range of stakeholders including government, the media, trade union with an understanding of the political and policy environment we operate in.
• A commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in communications practice, including the use of insight, evaluation and digital channels to deliver successful outcomes.
• A commitment to personal continuing professional development through a related professional body such as GCS, CIPR, CIM or PRCA etc.

• Accountable for the development of the Met Office Engagement Strategy and its delivery at an operational level, including:
• Accountable for all aspects of our external communications including reputation and crisis management, delivery of campaigns, proactive relations with the media, strategic communications, channel management, creative content and social media that help change attitudes or deliver behaviour change among our audiences.
• Accountable for all aspects of our internal and corporate communications including employee engagement and listening, corporate communications on strategic priorities, channel management such as the intranet, events such as the awards for excellence that all support the culture of the organisation and ensure effective two-way communications with staff.
• As the most senior Communications professional at the Met Office act as lead advisor in the provision of high quality and professional advice on communications strategies and media handling. A key part of this is involves helping the CEO spot and mitigate risks and maximise opportunities.
• Build trust and influence with external networks through effective stakeholder management with other parts of government including senior officials at Director level across as well as developing key communications relationships with print and broadcast news journalists, influencers and commentators to further the Met Office’s communications objectives.
• Accountable for the creation of the Met Office corporate narrative, value proposition and brand including tone of voice, Met Office vision and purpose and our values.
• Being a visible, senior leader and strong contributor to the wider Met Office Extended Leadership Team, Executive and Communications SLT, both leading and contributing to corporate initiatives as necessary.
• Sound management of resources and budgets, including identifying and realising no- and low-cost ways of delivering communications.
• Play a leadership role in the Government Communications Service, developing influential working relationships with other Government Departments through the delivery of Arm’s Length Body elements of the GCS strategy.
• Lead, inspire and develop a modern communications and engagement function especially through times of transformation, focused on professional development and the use of use of insight and evaluation and to deliver our organisational objectives.