Details Reference number 408570 Salary £56,532 – £69,338 The national salary is £56,532 – £64,048, London salary range is £61,201 – £69,338. Your salary will be dependent on your base location. A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% GBP Job grade Grade 7 Grade 7 Contract type Fixed term Loan Length of employment For a period up to July 31 2026 Type of role Communications / Marketing Working pattern Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time Number of jobs available 1 Contents Location About the job Benefits Things you need to know Apply and further information Location This position is based at NIO Erskine House, BT1 4GF, NORTHERN IRELAND OFFICE LONDON, SW1A 2HQ About the job Job summary Please refer to the job description Job description As Head of Strategic and Internal Communications, you will be expected to hit the ground running, quickly making a significant contribution as a senior leader to the smooth running of the Communications Directorate and in developing and implementing our organisation’s strategic communication vision. You will thrive in a fast-paced environment and be comfortable juggling priorities, working with senior stakeholders and leading your team to turn complex information into clear, engaging communications outputs for internal and external audiences. You will champion innovation and efficiency in our strategic communications approaches for key announcements, events and departmental priorities, while developing your team’s capabilities and maintaining the highest professional standards. In addition, you will be responsible for shaping how we engage with our people and ensuring that our internal communications strategies align with our organisational objectives and that you deliver impactful communications. Were looking for someone who: Strategic vision and leadership: Ability to set a compelling communications vision that supports organisational objectives and inspires your team to deliver exceptional results, with proven experience in leading high-performing communications teams. Exceptional stakeholder management: Demonstrable capability to build strong relationships at all levels, particularly with senior leadership, and to effectively influence and advise on internal and strategic communications matters. Internal communications expertise: Track record of successfully communicating complex internal communications including change initiatives to internal audiences, with a deep understanding of how to drive engagement. Commitment to professional development: Dedication to continuous learning and development both for yourself and your team, with experience in identifying and nurturing talent. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The main responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to: Developing strategic communications approaches and communications handling plans for key UK Government and departmental priorities, announcements and events and oversight of team in delivery Oversight of the development and delivery of an annual programme of internal communications including a weekly content plan, departmental engagement sessions and L&D events Weekly participation in Head of Internal Communications DD network; Oversight of the collection and analysis of data insights associated with existing communications strategies Deputising for the Deputy Director, Communications at key engagements within the Northern Ireland Office as well as in cross Government forums Assisting the Deputy Director in the oversight of key corporate functions within the team e.g. budgets, resourcing, learning and development Contributing to cross-departmental initiatives and programmes as well as leading on delivery of a number of special projects internally ESSENTIAL CRITERIA: The post holder will need to demonstrate the following in their application and at interview: Proven experience working as a senior leader within a large organisation with responsibility for developing and delivering strategic communications plans and internal communications strategies Demonstrable track record of leading high-performing communications teams at a senior level Experience translating complex organisational priorities / objectives into clear, compelling narratives for both internal and external audiences Experience of successfully advising senior leaders on sensitive communications matters, showing your capacity to build trust and credibility Experience briefing Ministers or senior leaders within large organisations on complex communications strategies Proven ability in implementing internal communications strategies, including significant organisational change programmes, with measurable improvements in staff engagement Examples of successfully managing complex external and internal communications in high pressure environments, showing your ability to provide clear leadership Experience building strong relationships with senior stakeholders and providing trusted communications counsel and managing complex stakeholder relationships Evidence of managing high-performing, diverse communications teams across multiple locations DESIRABLE CRITERIA: A strong understanding of the political and cultural landscape of Northern Ireland Experience in managing external affairs programmes Track record of measuring the impact of communications Active security clearance at CTC level Person specification Please refer to the job description Behaviours We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: Seeing the Big Picture Communicating and Influencing Delivering at Pace Working Together Benefits Alongside your salary of £56,532, Northern Ireland Office contributes £16,377 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides. Access to learning and development A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options to enhance your work life balance A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% Annual Leave Public Holidays Season Ticket Advance For more information about the recruitment process, benefits and allowances and answers to general queries, please click the below link which will direct you to our Candidate Information Page. Things you need to know Selection process details This vacancy is using Success Profiles , and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. Security Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check . See our vetting charter . People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks. Nationality requirements This job is broadly open to the following groups: UK nationals nationals of the Republic of Ireland nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020 Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service Further information on nationality requirements Working for the Civil Service The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles . The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. Diversity and Inclusion The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy . Apply and further information This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Contact point for applicants Job contact : Name : SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team Email : Telephone : Recruitment team Email : Further information Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commissions Recruitment Principles. I you feel a department has breached the requirement of the Recruitment Principles and would like to raise this, please contact SSCL () in the first instance. If the role has been advertised externally (outside of the Civil Service) and you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their web pages: