UK Ministry of Defence
Defence Nuclear Organisation - Senior External Strategic Communications Officer
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
MOD Main Building London
Job Summary
The Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO) is responsible for the provision of the nuclear deterrent, encompassing our submarines and nuclear warheads, while also advising on UK nuclear planning and fostering international co-operation on nuclear matters. With a multidisciplinary team of over 700 professionals, the DNO brings together expertise in science, engineering, finance, policy, programme delivery, and more. We work in partnership with the Royal Navy, the Submarine Delivery Agency and the Atomic Weapons Establishment as the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE).
Here at DNO we strongly believe that diversity and inclusion is not only the right thing to do but is also essential for a thriving and successful organisation. We have a culture where differences are celebrated, and our people feel supported, included and empowered. Join us and be part of an organisation that truly values diversity and inclusion and makes a positive impact on the world.
As the External Strategic Communications Officer, you will deliver a high-profile communications campaign focused on the UK's independent nuclear deterrent. Working at the heart of the DNE, you will develop and implement a strategic communications programme that highlights the enterprise's contribution to national security, prosperity and economic growth.
We're looking for a proactive, creative and confident communications professional who thrives in a complex stakeholder environment. You will build strong relationships across government and industry, engaging with colleagues from the Ministry of Defence, wider government and partner organisations.
You will lead the end-to-end delivery of campaign activity, collaborating with organisations across the DNE, including the DNO, AWE and the Royal Navy, as well as industry partners such as BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and Babcock. Together, you will deliver compelling communications through a range of channels, including digital and social media, national and regional media, and feature articles.
The campaign will increase public awareness of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise and the vital role it plays in protecting the nation while supporting jobs, skills and economic development across the UK. You will also contribute to innovative storytelling opportunities, including the development of a potential television documentary.
Alongside this flagship campaign, you will support the delivery of wider external communications for the Defence Nuclear Organisation, helping to enhance its reputation and achieve its strategic objectives.
This is a unique opportunity to deliver communications of national significance and make a tangible impact on something of critical importance.
This post is advertised at 37 hours per week.
Job Description
As the Senior External Strategic Communications Officer, you will play a leading role in delivering high-profile communications that increase understanding of the UK's independent nuclear deterrent and the wider Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE). Working at the centre of a programme of national importance, you will design and deliver strategic communications campaigns that engage the public, helping to demonstrate the DNE's contribution to national security and economic growth.
This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious communications professional to broaden their experience in a complex, high-profile environment, working alongside senior leaders across government, defence and industry. The role offers significant scope to develop strategic communications expertise, lead major campaigns and build the stakeholder management skills needed for future progression into senior communications leadership positions.
You Will:
- Lead the planning, delivery and evaluation of strategic communications campaigns designed to raise awareness and understanding of the UK's independent nuclear deterrent.
- Identify opportunities for proactive communications and stakeholder engagement, developing creative, audience-led approaches to support campaign objectives.
- Develop OASIS plans for major programme milestones and campaign activity, coordinating content and communications across the DNE.
- Create high-quality communications products, including key messages, narratives, press releases, social media content, briefing materials and Q&A.
- Advise on and deliver integrated communications strategies across digital, social, media and stakeholder channels.
- Build strong relationships with partner organisations across the DNE, ensuring communications are aligned and deliver maximum impact.
- Provide strategic communications advice to senior leaders, influencing decision-making and helping shape external engagement activity.
- Monitor campaign performance, audience insight and media activity, using data and evaluation to continuously improve communications outcomes.
- Maintain a communications forward look, providing senior leaders with visibility of upcoming activity and opportunities.
- Support executive communications and reputation management activity, including social media engagement.
- Contribute to wider communications and engagement priorities across the DNE, working collaboratively with internal communications, external affairs and creative specialists.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
In return, you'll gain unparalleled experience leading communications on issues of national significance, working with senior stakeholders across government and industry, and developing the expertise, networks and leadership skills to progress your communications career.
Hybrid and flexible working can be considered for this post. Successful candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before starting the role.
Person Specification
We're looking for a talented communications professional who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and is excited by the opportunity to work on communications that have national significance. You will be a confident relationship builder, strategic thinker and skilled communicator, with the ability to translate complex subjects into compelling stories for a wide range of audiences. This role offers the opportunity to lead high-profile campaigns, engage with senior stakeholders across government, defence and industry, and further develop your strategic communications expertise within a unique and influential environment.
You Will Be Able To Demonstrate:
- Experience leading the development, delivery and evaluation of strategic communications campaigns, from initial planning through to measuring impact and outcomes.
- A track record of working across organisational boundaries to deliver integrated, high-impact communications and engagement activity.
- Experience of analysing audience insight, campaign performance and communications data, and presenting clear recommendations to senior stakeholders.
- Knowledge of digital communications and content creation, with experience supporting or delivering engaging multimedia content, including videos, graphics, animations and infographics.
- Excellent writing, editing and presentation skills, with the ability to simplify complex information and create compelling content for diverse audiences.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with experience building effective relationships across multiple organisations and seniority levels.
- A proactive, collaborative and solutions-focused approach, with the confidence to take ownership of projects and identify opportunities to maximise impact.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work to tight deadlines.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
- Communicating and Influencing
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Delivering at Pace
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Government Communications Service: Competency Framework - Competency 2: Ideas [https://www.communications.gov.uk/publications/competency-framework/]
Alongside your salary of £46,040, Ministry of Defence contributes £13,337 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
- 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
- On-site Gym
- Cycle Loan (Advance on Salary)
- Thank You Scheme
- Defence Sports & Recreational Association (DSRA)
- Defence Discount Service
- On-site Nursery
The post does not offer relocation expenses.
External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.
Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.
Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.
Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.
MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
This post is classed as ‘Reserved’ as per the Civil
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location