We’re looking for a talented digital communications professional to play a crucial role in maximising our engagement on social media - ensuring that digital is at the heart of our communications.
You’ll lead a high performing team focused on developing digital communications, making sure we take a data-driven approach and put our audiences at the heart of what we do. You’ll be responsible for the evaluation and continuous improvement of performance of our content. You will build strong relationships that help us to produce and distribute targeted and effective content for our audiences. Additionally, you may oversee digital tool procurement.
There will be some on call/duty requirements on a rota basis that you will be compensated for.
This is a Fixed-Term Appointment as a Deputy Head of Digital Communications in the Digital Communications team. The post is permanent, and the permanent post-holder is absent for a known period. The fixed term will end on the return of the post-holder or when the post is filled on a permanent basis by a different person. The role responsibilities are listed in the job description. This post will begin from the candidate's start date and end on 31st December 2025.
* Be responsible for the strategy, planning and execution of digital channels and creative content to help deliver Defra group’s policy priorities
* Oversee and quality control the use of Defra group’s social media platforms
* Work with communications staff (including Press Officers and Environment Agency colleagues) and Defra policy staff to engage with our audiences through the use of compelling copy, pictures and videos
* Support and advise the rest of Defra group Communications around digital communications, using digital best practice to help shape campaign work and broader communications work
* Ensure that digital content and digital insight is optimised
* Explore new ways to engage our social media audiences
* Identify and build relationships to improve the distribution and targeting of content to our audiences
* Lead a team of social media and digital engagement specialists
* Nurture and support team members’ professional development
* Represent Environment Agency, Defra and/or Digital Communications on cross-government and Departmental digital programme boards, steering groups and committees
* Advocate effective digital engagement across Defra group and its arm's length bodies
* Horizon-scan internally and externally for opportunities, tools, innovations, trends and best practice as well as risks
* Partner with digital teams – including Government Digital Service – and communicators across Whitehall to share, co-create and cross-promote digital content
* Champion digital insight and evaluation to ensure campaigns activity is evidence-based
* Evaluate the impact of digital engagement activity (qualitative and quantitative), sharing lessons learned and using those insights to inform future work
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