Deputy Director, Head of Environment Agency Communications - 29197

Job Description

This is an exciting opportunity to apply for a senior leadership position within the Environment Agency, the largest executive non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra). Covering a broad remit, this is a great place to work if you want to make a real difference to the climate crisis and build a more sustainable future.

As the principal communications advisor to the Chief Executive and Chair, and sitting on the Executive Directors’ Team, you will build and then lead a new team to drive the delivery of national communications and engagement ensuring a consistent approach to all activity. You will report to the Director of Strategy within our Strategy, Transformation and Assurance (STA) Directorate, with a dotted line to the Director of Communications in Defra group, working as part of the Defra group model.

In recent years including during the pandemic we have seen the value that people place on access to green space increase. Public expectations of a clean, healthy and sustainable environment for current and future generations continue to rapidly grow.

We have also seen a world tackling the climate change emergency, attempting to reverse the nature crisis and respond to flooding and water shortages. It’s against this backdrop that our work at the Environment Agency has never been so important and the need for visible leadership, effective management and productive relationships is critical.

This role requires a proven leader with expertise in team building and problem solving across the full breadth of communications disciplines. Please see our candidate pack for more information.

Responding to incidents is central to what we do. You will be required to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident. Full training will be available

The team

You’ll be working with the Strategy, Transformation and Assurance STA) Directorate reporting to our new Director of Strategy. STA is at the heart of our organisation. Its committed, passionate and skilled people provide national-once services to enable our organisation to thrive.

You will grow and lead a small team of expert communications professionals, providing strong and effective media communications and stakeholder engagement. You will drive the team, embedding new ways of working across the organisation.

Experience/skills Required

• You’ll have exceptional political understanding and judgement with clarity of argument and concise writing skills.
• You will be able to show that you have the professional skills, breadth of experience and personal qualities for this post, as well as the leadership skills to succeed at Deputy Director level.
• You will be a professional communications leader with a track record of success in building and leading teams in complex, evolving environments. You will be able to develop skills and expertise while creating a culture which encourages innovation.
• You will have extensive experience within an integrated communications environment in a large business or agency and a good knowledge of industry best practice and standards.
• You’ll have a strong creative and analytical understanding in delivering innovative, insight-driven campaigns and delivering successful outcomes.
• You’ll have expertise in influencing senior leaders and colleagues in a range of situations.
  
  
  

Contact and additional information

For further information please contact: [email protected]

We will be running candidate assessments during the second half of the week commencing 22 July. These may include a staff engagement panel. Further details will be provided to shortlisted candidates.

We will be running a virtual briefing session for those interested in applying for the role during the week commencing 1 July. Invitations can be acquired by emailing: [email protected]

Closing Date:

14/07/2024, 23:55 hours

Level of security checks required

Basic Check

If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.

We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.