Deputy Director External Engagement

The Deputy Director for External Engagement will oversee and guide the implementation of effective visits, events and external engagement as part of an effective communication strategy. You will have a significant leadership role facilitating ways to inspire and engage colleagues building a brilliant, high-performing organisation. You will be part of a senior team ensuring high performance, delivery and innovation.

You will be responsible for teams developing and delivering effective audience focused communications which support Government and departmental priorities.

As Deputy Director for External Engagement, yours will be a key role in telling the transport story effectively through partners.

You will be able to see the bigger picture and understand political, economic, social, environmental and technological impacts of communication approaches.

You will provide support, advice and challenge to senior leaders and you will influence and inform stakeholders inside and outside of Government.

You will have a track record in delivering high profile communications strategies, be able to identify risks and opportunities and be comfortable operating in a fast-paced news environment.

You will be able to develop highly effective teams, leading with energy and enthusiasm, creating a culture of innovation, flexibility and responsiveness enabling a swift response to changing circumstances.

You will provide support, direction and development to your team and champion innovation and creativity.

The Communications Directorate comprises around 80 staff. You will report to Wendy Fielder as Director of Communications and be part of the directorate's senior team.

You will also play a key role in the broader leadership and development of the organisation. You will be a senior leader and work with the Department's network of agencies and other bodies to help coordinate communications opportunities.

You will also be part of the leadership of the Government Communication Service (GCS).

Responsibilities of the role

You will have responsibility for leading the external affairs and visits and events teams, overseeing the development and implementation of plans and proposals and ensuring alignment with departmental goals and objectives. External engagement is crucial to building and maintaining relationships with influential individuals and organisations for the public benefit. You will also have responsibility for the Directorate's business support function.

Setting strategic direction

As part of leading your function you will consider the bigger picture, including the social and political context, being flexible and responsive to a rapidly changing world and understanding the changing needs of public audiences. You will spot and manage reputational risks, display judgement and political acumen, articulate a clear plan of action, foster innovation and provide calm and authoritative leadership for your team.

Deploying campaign communication
You will be responsible for overseeing advice on external engagement with individuals and organisation to support understanding and behaviour change for the public good in support of policy goals.

Trusted advisor fostering collaboration and influence
As a senior communications adviser at DfT you will lead your team in providing expert communications advice to senior leaders.

You will be expected to build effective relationships in and outside the department with policy and operations counterparts in the Civil Service, and with political colleagues as well as external organisations.

Understanding context
You will be able to understand and interpret the political and cultural operating context inside and outside the Civil Service to help inform your advice and lead your teams. This includes the environment and the sector in which the Department for Transport operates.

Building capability
You will role model continuous professional development and ensure your teams have the capability and skills they need to deliver. As a leader within the Government Communication Service, you will play an active role in raising professional standards and improving efficiency more broadly. You will work alongside senior leaders in the directorate to foster best practice.