Communications Officer

GO-Science

The Government Office for Science works at the heart of Government, ensuring policies and decisions are informed by the best scientific evidence and strategic long-term thinking. It's an exciting time to join the organisation; we have outstanding and high-profile positions providing you an opportunity to inform and influence policy-making and the systems for use of science and engineering across government. If you are highly motivated and looking for your next career challenge we want to hear from you.

Our mission is:

1. Science advice mechanisms that are efficient, effective, speak truth to power and are embedded irreversibly in Government systems.
2. Visible impact through both pro-active and demand-led science advice that is relevant, excellent, and delivered fit for purpose.

Further information can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/government-office-for-science

We strongly believe diversity of experience, thought, perspectives, skills, and background makes us a more innovative, welcoming Department, thus making better decisions and better delivering our objectives. We are actively seeking applications from every part of the community and particularly welcome applications from candidates of any age, background, disability, or from an ethnic minority background and any other protected characteristics. This will help us move to a workforce that reflects the people we serve to deliver better policies.

We are a friendly, inclusive team and emphasise personal development. We will ensure individuals with disabilities are provided adjustments to participate in the job application and interview process. We support your wellbeing by putting flexible working at the heart of our offer.; if successful, you will be able to discuss working arrangements with your new manager.

We maintain an internal surge capability of staff who may be called at short notice to support an activation of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE). Training and support will be provided. This is an excellent opportunity to develop crisis management skills.

The Role and Our Team

Communication is one of the main levers of government, and the team plays a pivotal role in improving the impact of the Government Chief Scientific Adviser (GCSA)and the Government Office for Science(GOS) through the promotion of science, technology and engineering for resilience and for the economy, and its application as evidence underpinning policy formulation. We need a hardworking and multifaceted individual with strong digital skills to join the team.

As part of the trusted and respected Communications team, you will advise the Government Chief Scientist and other key senior colleagues across a range of communications fields, using your influence and reach, as well as building strong networks across Whitehall. In addition, you will need to deliver against tight

deadlines and across competing priorities.

You will work across digital and social media, media relations, external campaigns, partner engagement, event management and internal communications.

The role will support the Head of Communications and Communications Manager to deliver an ambitious programme of communications.

Key Responsibilities

As part of the team, in this role you will be responsible for:

• Implementing multichannel communications plans to increase awareness and recognition of the organisation, and monitoring impact.
• Producing digital content, including filming, photography and animation for both internal and external communications.
• Providing excellent media handling advice to the GCSA and the department and writing UK press releases for local and national media identifying opportunities for positive coverage.
• Monitoring press stories relating to the organisation.
• Producing html documents for uploading on to gov.uk.
• Facilitating detailed briefings, speaking points and Q&As for the GCSA and GOS to support events, announcements, publications.
• Planning, editing and writing content for a variety of internal communications channels.
• Ensuring all communications messages are consistent and kept under review.
• Managing aspects of the GOS budget, ensuring its use represents value for money.

Essential Criteria

Demonstratable experience of:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills and an ability to simplify complex issues accurately while writing inclusively for different audiences and channels.
• Running social media campaigns and building engagement.
• Producing high quality video and animation content.
• Outstanding influencing skills and confidence to deal with senior people and colleagues.
• The ability to identify and opportunities and develop and deliver creative proposals.
• Working with content management systems.
• Excellent project management and organisation skills and the ability to plan and prioritise work.
• Managing work commissioned to external designers and developers.
• Evaluating the success or otherwise of communications activities

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of working in government