Head of Communications

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Science and Technology Facilities Council

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

Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers, technicians and business support team explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. Whether it's sending probes into space or finding new ways to treat cancer, everyone here plays a vital role in making a positive difference to society.

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.

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.

The role is responsible for internal and external communication, public engagement as well as enabling stakeholder relationship building through visits and events. 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.

Person Specification

We are looking for someone to join the team with great interpersonal skills who will be able to quickly get to grips with complex subject matter and build relationships across STFC and the wider space sector. 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.

Essential criteria:

The following criteria will be assessed at either shortlisting (S), interview (I), or both (S&I):

• Experience working in communications (S)
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral (S&I)
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills with experience managing teams (I)
• Experience of planning, delivering, and evaluating communications campaigns and events (S&I)
• Experience managing a brand and developing proactive and reactive messaging (S)
• Enthusiasm for space, science, and communications (S&I)
• Excellent organisation and prioritisation skills (I)

Employees applying for any opportunity which may mean being away from your substantive role for a temporary period of time, please refer to the Recruitment Policy and associated guidance for further information in the first instance. If you are made an offer, please ensure you liaise with your line manager and the designated HR team as soon as possible in order that implications of any move are clear and understood, prior to a move taking place .

We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Whatever our role, we have the freedom to explore, learn and connect, as part of a community that loves to share knowledge and support one another.

As one of Europe's largest research organisations, this is a place where there's always something new to learn - about the world around us, about your career, but most of all, about yourself. Join us and discover what's possible.

About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

As one of Europe's largest research organisations, we ask the biggest questions in the universe to find answers that change the world around us. We seek understanding. We're proud of the impact we make. And we're committed to helping build a globally competitive, knowledge-based UK economy. Being part of all this means contributing to work that pushes boundaries and creates possibilities. You'll work with, and learn from, true experts. Whatever your role, you'll be free to question, and encouraged to share ideas. And, in a positive and supportive culture, you'll discover just what a difference you can make when you're equipped and inspired to excel.

We're a place where curious minds thrive. Not bound by profit, we explore ideas that others don't, ask questions that others won't, and discover answers that others are not equipped to find. And, alongside Mars landings and black holes, we also explore diverse, international projects in everything from science and engineering to computing and technology. Whether it's at the cutting edge or behind the scenes, our work is intellectually challenging. It's very often ground-breaking. And it's endlessly, irresistibly fascinating.

For more information about STFC please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/

You can also visit our careers site https://www.stfccareers.co.uk/

About UK Research Innovation (UKRI)

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.

Supporting some of the world's most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.

More information can be found at www.ukri.org .

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI .

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

How we support EDI in the workforce

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit 'How we support EDI in the workforce' .

Disability Confident Employer
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

How to apply
Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the 'experience' section of the application.

UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion - a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.