[ref. m5046224] Head of External Communications

Are you a communications professional, with a talent for delivering communication strategies and plans?

Can you encourage others to work towards a common goal?

Do you have experience of managing a press office in a complex and fast moving environment?

If so, this is a fantastic opportunity to work with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) as their Head of External Communications and, we'd love to hear from you!

The Head of External Communications is responsible for developing and delivering a consistent, effective and measurable external communications strategy and for overseeing DVSA external communications plans. This will ensure customers and stakeholders are informed about, understand and can engage with DVSA’s strategic direction, policies and programmes, raising DVSA’s profile.

You will do this by directly managing external communications activities that promote, enhance and protect DVSA’s reputation, ensuring that all activities are aligned to DVSA strategic direction.

As a corporate senior leader (CSL) you will also work in collaboration with other leaders across DVSA to help shape the longer term aims of the business; developing the culture, mission, vision, values and behaviours.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develop, manage and implement a multi-channelled external communications strategy to support DVSA’s strategic direction and align with DfT Communications Strategy.
• Create communications strategies and plans that will allow DVSA to enhance meaningful relationships with targeted, external audiences, media and key influencers, to favourably position DVSA.
• Lead the development and delivery of a highly effective, professional and creative external communications function, ensuring the preparation and implementation of an external communications strategy and plan for DVSA. Oversee the effective co-ordination, preparation and delivery of clear and timely messages to external stakeholders and audiences.
• Set standards for external communications across DVSA and ensure they are aligned to Government Communications Service requirements. Ensure external communications activity is monitored so that the service is continuously improved.
• As subject matter expert, provide sound external communications advice to directors and corporate senior leaders on communications strategy, risks and opportunities.
• Manage a team of strategic communications managers whose primary focus is on external communications.
• Oversee the effective delivery of a proactive and reactive press office, in line with DVSA, Departmental and Government requirements.
• Communicate with all major stakeholders (external) to achieve business objectives.

For more information about the role and responsibilities please see the attached Candidate Pack.