Head of External Communications

We have a current opportunity for a Head of External Communications on a contract basis. The position will be based in Abingdon. For further information about this position please apply.

Based Culham Ox14 3DB Hybrid working Minimum 3 days on site.

UKAEA's mission is to deliver sustainable fusion energy and maximise scientific and economic impact, with four goals covering leadership in fusion research and development, the delivery of sustainable fusion power plants, driving economic growth and jobs, and creating places that accelerate innovation and develop skilled people.

The Head of External Communications will lead and manage all external communications at UKAEA. The purpose of this function is to enable UKAEA to communicate effectively with external audiences in a way that will support the delivery of UKAEA's mission and goals. This post will provide leadership for UKAEA in the professional management of communication and develop and advise on best practice at UKAEA.

A key factor in the success of the fusion programme and the cluster of fusion activities in the UK will be the relationship with people and organisations outside UKAEA, their understanding of the field and aspirations of fusion energy, UKAEA's role, and the objectives and status of programmes operated by UKAEA, including 'RACE' and 'STEP'. Having effective and appropriate communications channels and messages is an important foundation for this, which the Head of External Communications will deliver with the support of the wider UKAEA management team.

Key Qualifications:

1. Strong creativity and excellent judgement, combined with a proven track record of producing results, applied to delivering effective and appropriate communications over a wide range of channels and approaches.
2. Ability to think clearly and deliver effective and appropriate communications while under pressure.
3. Experience and skills in crisis management communications, especially managing difficult issues and negative media.
4. Strong influencing skills, working across UKAEA divisions.
5. Proven experience delivering successful communications campaigns involving Marketing, Branding, Media Relations, Social Media, Digital (Video), Website, Events, and Print media.
6. Experience of managing PR/Marketing agencies to achieve corporate communications goals.
7. Exceptional organisational skills and the ability to prioritize, operate with pace, and manage tight deadlines.
8. Degree or equivalent qualification.
9. Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
10. Proven ability to manage projects and drive tasks through from concept to delivery.
11. Team leadership and mentoring skills.

Responsibilities:

1. Lead the creation, development, planning, and hands-on implementation of UKAEA's external communications plans, narrative, and messaging.
2. Align UKAEA's external communications to UKAEA's agreed messaging approach, to support UKAEA's mission and goals, and the UK fusion strategy.
3. Build and maintain the reputation and perception of UKAEA, UKIFS, and Culham Campus, positioning the UK as a global leader in fusion energy development.
4. Deliver counsel to UKAEA staff on communications matters, including crisis communications advice for senior staff.
5. Develop and maintain strong and productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders in communications, including HMG, ITER, EUROfusion, EC and international governments, the UN, private fusion companies, Tier 1 media, NGOs, suppliers, academia, collaborative partners, Culham Campus tenants, etc.
6. Provide direction, take responsibility for, and assist delivery of, UKAEA's external communications content and promotional activities from concept through to delivery, including Media, Social Media, Marketing, Digital (Video), Website, Events, Branding, and Print media.
7. Work with divisional leads within UKAEA on divisional communications plans and objectives.
8. Manage UKAEA's crisis communications ensuring any responses to potentially high-risk user inquiries/feedback and communications during and after incidents (or select stakeholder engagement scenarios) are coordinated, transparent, aligned, timely, and appropriate.
9. Support change management through effective communications, where applicable (e.g. JDR).
10. Management of the external communications team including Media, Social Media, Marketing, Digital (Video), Events, Culham Studio, and Print Room and 2 Tech Comms Specialists.
11. Develop the skills and experience of UKAEA's communications staff and share best practice.
12. Management of agencies where applicable, including oversight of delivery.
13. Management of the External Communications budget and obtaining all necessary authorizations from HMG (primarily DESNZ and CO).
14. Provide insights through analytics and in-depth understanding of current trends and future forecasts across Communications to contribute to the continual improvement of fusion energy communications delivery.
15. Reporting of performance metrics across all external communications divisions to ExCo and the Board.
16. Act as an ambassador for UKAEA and its values.

Additional Qualifications:

1. Understanding of UKAEA's role and the political and economic environment in which UKAEA operates.
2. Relevant professional qualification, e.g. CIPR.

Rullion celebrates and supports diversity and is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both employees and applicants.