Public Messaging Lead

Job summary

We recognise the challenges that people with (multiple) protected characteristics may experience on the job market and in their career progression. We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities. We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as possible, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups, including ethnic minorities, people with a disability, and people with gender diverse identities. ��

Do you have excellent written and verbal communication skills?

Can you deliver clear and convincing messages with�the confidence to directly influence ministers and senior leaders?

Would you enjoy having the opportunity to shape the public perception of two of Britain�s largest infrastructure programmes?�

If so, we are looking for someone like you to join our high-performing Public Affairs team at the Department for Transport

Job description

The Major Rail Projects Group (MRPG) within DfT brings together two of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the country � High Speed 2 (HS2), and Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR).�

The Public Messaging Lead is a challenging and rewarding role that sits within the MRPG's Public Affairs team. The team is made up of 5 roles that oversee the public messaging and perception of the HS2 programme � from managing public announcements through ministerial visits, media monitoring, stakeholder mapping, correspondence, parliamentary questions and Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, to briefings for ministerial meetings, parliamentary debates and select committee hearings.

The team sits within the Group�s wider Strategy division, helping the Department navigate some of the complex comms and delivery challenges facing HS2 and NPR. We have an important cross-cutting role that requires close interaction across all teams within the Group alongside HS2 Ltd, Private Office and communications colleagues within the Department.�

This unique role looks after an area of work that is high-profile, often controversial, sensitive, and fast-moving, offering exposure to the management of two programmes that are at the forefront� of the Government's transport infrastructure plans. Therefore, it will be essential for you to utilise your policy, strategy, communication and stakeholder management skills to influence and collaborate with senior leaders, Parliament, Ministers, internal colleagues and external partners.

Responsibilities

Building and maintaining effective relationships with colleagues across the Major Rail Projects Group and beyond, to enable the coordination of timely and high-quality public products and provide messaging and handling advice to colleagues on public developments and announcements.Acting as a central repository of knowledge for the Group�s public messaging, helping maintain a central Message Pack that provides colleagues with detailed public material on all areas of HS2.Working with the Head of Public Affairs and relevant leads to coordinate Group input into the Department�s public comments for press queries, and monitor media reports to maintain an understanding of public discussions around HS2, informing colleagues of developments where appropriate.Developing a strong understanding of key stakeholders and their positions on the rail programmes to build� stakeholder mapping and advise colleagues on their handling strategies.Working with communications colleagues across the Department and HS2 Ltd to help promote the Government�s narrative on its major rail projects, looking at a wide range of activities � ministerial site visits, events, public announcements, research into public perceptions � to develop an effective and comprehensive approach.Working closely with the Head of Public Affairs, alongside the Deputy Head, to manage and oversee the products, commissions and cases that the team leads on.Providing strategic advice and support to the Group�s senior leadership on matters relating to the public perception of the Government's major rail projects.

If you would like to find out more about what it's like to work at DfT Rail, please .

Person specification

You will be able to develop strong networks and collaborative relationships within and outside of the Department. You will have outstanding stakeholder management and interpersonal skills, be articulate and credible, and able to build positive relationships at senior level across the Department, HS2 Ltd and other Government bodies.��

You will display high-quality drafting and communication skills with an ability to write concisely for diverse audiences. You will be proactive and comfortable working independently, using your initiative when required to provide constructive challenge to colleagues and deliver effective public messaging and stakeholder handling across the Group.�

You will develop a strong awareness and understanding of both programmes and the political, economic and financial context in which they operate. You will monitor the media landscape, understand the positions and influence of various stakeholders, and act as a central point of contact for colleagues who wish to know more about the public standing of HS2 and NPR.�

You will be comfortable managing a variable workload, which requires regular re-prioritisation. You will be committed to providing empowering support to ensure individuals and teams remain effective.��

Further information

You will have the option to be based in Leeds or Birmingham attracting the National salary. If based in Leeds or Birmingham, occasional travel to our London office will be required for key meetings and team events.

A minimum 60% of your working time should be spent at your principal workplace, although requirements to attend other locations for official business, or carry out detached duty in another DfT workplace, will also count towards this level of attendance.�Occasional travel to other DfT offices will be required.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

Seeing the Big PictureCommunicating and InfluencingDelivering at PaceWorking Together

Benefits

Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits. We offer generous annual leave, attractive pension options, flexible working, inclusive working environments and much more to support a healthy work/life balance.�

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