Head of Communications

at  Science and Technology Facilities Council STFC

HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS (MATERNITY COVER)

Salary: Band E £43,116 per annum
Hours: Full-Time (We understand the importance of work-life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants)
Contract Type: Fixed term (12 months)
Location: STFC, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire
Come and discover how much you can achieve when you’re surrounded by world-leading experts, encouraged to constantly learn and empowered to explore your curiosity.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

We are seeking an experienced communications professional, who keeps up to date with best practice and committed to building the skills and providing development opportunities for direct reports and staff across RAL Space.
This role offers the opportunity to apply and develop a broad communications skillset in a fascinating subject area and provide leadership for the department on communications and engagement activities. The successful candidate will need to be adept at managing multiple projects, prioritising activities and directing the work of the wider team.
Although the topics and projects undertaken in the department are by their nature technical, a detailed technical or scientific background is not expected but an appreciation of science and a readiness to learn will be very important.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for a talented communicator and leader, to provide maternity cover for our Head of Communications. RAL Space is the UK’s national space lab, leading science research and technology development for a diverse programme including space science and exploration, resilient society, and Earth observation. The role leads RAL Space’s small communications team and provides expert strategy and advice as part of the department’s decision-making board.
We’re going through a period of transformation in the ways we work together, and this role will play an important part in implementing and embedding this as a member of the senior leadership team.
UK Research and Innovation recognises and values employees as individuals. We aim to provide a pay and rewards package that motivates staff to perform to the best of their ability. The reward package includes a flexible working scheme, defined benefit pension scheme, 30 days annual leave allowance plus 10.5 bank holiday/privilege days and other benefits.

RESPONSIBILITIES

§ Take an active role on the RAL Space Board, a trusted team member, providing constructive challenge and taking cabinet responsibility once decisions have been reached. Share the decisions effectively across teams in reporting structure
§ Drive a multi-channel, cohesive communications and engagement strategy
§ As part of the senior leadership team, actively participate in internal and external meetings, providing effective liaison between RAL Space and our partners/stakeholders
§ Lead and develop a team of communications staff and champion communications skills and provide guidance to staff across the department
§ Develop a brand voice and maintain brand and messaging integrity and quality across all platforms while maintaining consistency with UKRI guidelines
§ Develop relationships and working with members of the media, influencers, community leaders and communications counterparts in other space organisations
§ Deliver a proactive and reactive programme of stakeholder meetings, visits and events ensuring Directors and other members of the Senior Leadership Team are well briefed and prepared
§ Oversee a programme of strategic public and schools’ outreach, in line with the STFC public engagement strategy
§ Consult on and agree tactical external communications delivery ensuring it is collaborative and well planned to develop, protect and improve RAL Space’s reputation
§ Actively promote diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity by role modelling these qualities, remaining visible and approachable to all colleagues and be receptive to new ideas