Head of Strategic Communications and Branding

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About Windward Energy

We're committed to supporting a sustainable world to protect future generations from the impacts of climate change.

We develop energy infrastructure that will play a part in the transition to net zero. From wind energy to hydrogen, we believe in moving towards tomorrow.

Founded in 2018, and based in Edinburgh, we operate a number of green energy companies across the UK. They're taking on some of the biggest challenges on the journey to net zero: increasing the amount of renewable energy generation; investing in new grid infrastructure to transport green energy to homes and businesses; and developing innovative long duration energy storage solutions.

What you can expect as a Windward Colleague

• Full flexibility with the option to work from home or in the office as needed.
• Flexitime with the ability to work core hours and take time back in lieu throughout the week.
• Fridays are allocated as 'no meeting' days to ensure down time at the end of the week.
• 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays.
• Private Medical Insurance from day 1 with cover for immediate family including spouse or partner and children, including direct mental health pathways and support.
• Annual pay review and discretionary bonus up to 25%.
• Employer pension contributions up to 7%.
• Electric car scheme via salary sacrifice.
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Tech scheme - discounts on latest technology including laptops, phones ipads for personal use
• Life assurance cover and income protection.
• Travel insurance.
• Suite of enhanced policies and provisions to support colleagues through all the moments that matter.
• Regular team socials, activities, sporting events and charity fundraisers.

The Role

REPORTS TO: Group Director of Policy and External Affairs

The Head of Strategic Communications will help facilitate the growth ambitions of the Windward Group, responsible for actively communicating how the Group is enabling the energy transition and driving an energy secure future and economic growth; influencing and communicating in order to support the growth ambitions and positively enhancing the brand profile of the Windward Group across a wide range of audiences including investors, market participants, governments, partners, suppliers, communities and media relations

The role will be based in Windward Energy's office in Edinburgh, will be a flexible/hybrid working model and may require occasional travel within the UK.

Main Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and deliver effective and efficient strategic communications strategy and initiatives (digital/social and traditional communications) to raise and build on the profile of the Group, share success stories and key business milestones and deliver results, coordinating with business units to ensure integrity and consistency of communications
• Identify and design events and sponsorship opportunities relevant to the Group's investments and national engagement strategy, coordinating with business units
• Build, promote and enhance the profile, aims, values and reputation of the Group brand through external communications, public and media relations; proactively protecting and enhancing the reputation of the Windward Group
• Review all key external communications materials to ensure high quality output and aligned with Windward Group brand and positioning (in conjunction with business unit input)
• Proactively build and enhance relationships with key journalists and publications, acting (where required) as a spokesperson as well as advising and briefing senior business executives/senior management on media strategies and communications opportunities, advising on and preparing press or media statements and briefings
• Prepare corporate and conference/event presentation materials using Group messaging in support of the Group (and relevant business unit) engagement activities including high quality collateral
• Plan and lead inspirational and compelling communications engagement campaigns (coordinating with business units) to deliver Windward Group messaging and enhancing the Group's brand profile
• Develop and implement crisis management plan, coordinating with business unit teams
• Gather and analyse up to date intelligence on media related activity in the UK in order to advise on emerging trends, risks and opportunities for communications activity and brand awareness/enhancement
• Ensure effective planning and coordination and work closely with business units to understand key communications activity and timescales and take action to help them deliver on their objectives from a strategic communications and engagement perspective, supporting project teams with developing and executing impactful communications and stakeholder engagement plans needed to achieve timely progress of key projects
• Manage and coordinate all sponsorship and Group wide attendance at events in conjunction with business units
• Ensure all strategic communication activity is suitably communicated and recorded and measure both the outputs against plans and outcomes against objectives and identifying follow up actions or improvements
• Develop reporting and performance metrics to measure and improve the reach and sentiment of written and digital communication activities and brand awareness activity, looking across the industry to adopt new and innovative ideas and ways of communicating to support Group and business unit objectives
• Coordinate Group communication responses to media and stakeholder queries ensuring integrity, alignment and consistency across Group

What we look for in return

Knowledge & Skills

• Highly motivated, energetic, passionate and experienced professional with an integrated, multi-channel mindset for communications
• Exceptional communication skills and experience with a passion and flair for digital storytelling and the role of traditional medial as well as broadcast and social content to communicate the positive contribution of the Windward Group to social, environmental and economic wellbeing of the localities of the Group's development activities and operations, communicating to a wide range of external audiences from communities to national audiences
• Ability to 'horizon scan' for communication matters (risks and opportunities) relevant to Group and business unit interests
• Comprehensive understanding of the energy market/industry and the process for development of and investment in renewable energy projects
• Established network of trusted relationships in communications industry and media sector
• Excellent analytical, verbal and written communication and presentation skills along with interpersonal skills which give both the credibility and capability to build and maintain strong working relationships internally and externally with ability to translate and clearly communicate complex and often technical issues in a simple and compelling way to build positive brand profile, credibility and trust with external stakeholders
• Demonstrable track record of high quality, effective strategic communications and media engagement, brand management/marketing campaigns with an in depth understanding of the media landscape, political and societal trends relevant to the Windward Group
• Ability to work collaboratively and cope well with varied and fast paced working environment
• Senior level experience of providing strategic advice to senior management / executive audiences

Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum 2:1 degree with associated training within communications and/or branding.
• At least four years' experience in communications and/or branding related role.
• A passion for renewable energy and sustainability issues.

What does our culture mean to us and you?

At Windward Energy, we are committed to having a workplace that encourages and promotes diversity, equity and inclusion. This means taking account of social or personal challenges that some colleagues may face and making available, the right workplace environment, resources and opportunities, which allow all of us at Windward Energy, to THRIVE.

Our culture and the way we do things is centered around 'belonging'. We believe that everyone should be able to be their true authentic self at Windward Energy and encourage this through promoting an inclusive environment which values and encourages different perspectives, thoughts, ideas and backgrounds, to ensure a truly innovative and exciting place to work.

We do not accept any discriminatory attitudes or behaviours. Every single colleague and potential colleague who wishes to join us, should feel confident in equality of opportunity and be free from any bullying, discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

We hope and encourage all suitably qualified individuals to feel comfortable and energised to join our dedicated team and contribute to the UK's shift towards sustainable energy solutions.