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Senior Communications Manager

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Ministry of Justice

22d ago

  • Job
    Full-time
    Senior Level
  • Government & Politics
    Media & Journalism
  • Belfast

AI generated summary

  • You need strong communications leadership, political awareness, stakeholder management skills, and experience with media briefings, digital content creation, and adaptability in fast-paced environments.
  • You will coordinate communications, manage media relations, create digital content, liaise with stakeholders, support junior team members, and handle media inquiries.

Requirements

  • Experience in leading on identifying and shaping communications moments to support strategic messaging and secure media coverage.
  • High level of political and media awareness, with the ability to adapt plans in response to changing circumstances and sensitivities.
  • Excellent stakeholder management skills, including the ability to influence, persuade, and coordinate with senior officials and external partners.
  • Confident communicator with ability to provide briefings to senior figures on media interviews and logistics.
  • Strong attention to detail and experience making autonomous decisions under pressure, particularly in live or fast-moving environments.
  • Willingness to work flexibly, including unsociable hours, weekends, and short-notice travel.
  • Knowledge of the Northern Ireland political landscape
  • Prior experience briefing officials and senior figures such as non executive directors and chief executives is welcome
  • Working knowledge of the gridding process at No10
  • Experience of supporting or coordinating visual content creation for digital platforms, including social media.

Responsibilities

  • Lead on the planning and coordination of London-based communications moments for the Northern Ireland Office, ensuring activity aligns with government missions and priorities.
  • Act as the liaison for media outlets when setting up interviews in London, building and maintaining strong, trusted relationships with national and Northern Ireland based media and ensuring fair and effective coverage for all NIOs media list.
  • Work in close collaboration with the Communications team to identify and deliver compelling digital content to amplify the NIOs messaging across social media platforms at London-based visits and events.
  • Engage with stakeholders across NIO and OGDs - including Special Advisers, policy and Communications - to translate complex policy areas into clear, impactful communications opportunities.
  • Lead on gridding NIO communications activity with No10 and represent NIO at weekly meeting in Downing Street.
  • Closely collaborate with other government departments on their grid items, seeking opportunities to amplify their communications activities in Northern Ireland, identifying any risks and advising on mitigation.
  • Manage and develop junior team members, providing leadership and supporting their growth.
  • Working as part of an out-of-hours duty rota, handling media enquiries, coordinating the departmental response and circulating media coverage.

FAQs

What is the main purpose of the Senior Communications Manager role?

The main purpose of the Senior Communications Manager role is to lead the planning and coordination of communications logistics for the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland's engagements, collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure effective media coverage and strategic messaging.

What kind of experience is required for this position?

The position requires experience in leading the identification and shaping of communications moments to support strategic messaging, along with a high level of political and media awareness.

Is line management experience necessary for this role?

While line management experience is preferred, candidates without it will receive support from senior colleagues in this area to aid their development.

Are there any specific skills that are particularly valuable for applicants?

Yes, excellent stakeholder management skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to make autonomous decisions under pressure are highly valued for this role.

Will the Senior Communications Manager be involved in social media content creation?

Yes, the Senior Communications Manager will work closely with the Communications team to identify and deliver compelling digital content to amplify the Northern Ireland Office's messaging across social media platforms.

What kind of working hours should candidates expect?

Candidates should expect flexible working hours, including the possibility of unsociable hours, weekends, and short-notice travel.

Is knowledge of the Northern Ireland political landscape considered an asset?

Yes, knowledge of the Northern Ireland political landscape is listed as a desirable skill, enhancing the candidate's suitability for the role.

Will the role involve collaborating with other government departments?

Yes, the role requires close collaboration with other government departments to align communications activities and identify potential risks.

What kind of support is provided for junior team members?

The Senior Communications Manager will have line management responsibilities, which include developing and providing leadership to junior team members, supporting their growth.

Is there a security clearance requirement for this position?

Yes, the role requires National Security Vetting due to access to sensitive information, and candidates must have been present in the UK continuously for the past five years.

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Ministry of Justice

We protect & advance the UK's principles of justice, working to deliver a world-class justice system for all.

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2007
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