Head of Communications

About Your New Employer

• Ombudsman for Children's Office (OCO): An independent statutory body established in 2004 under the Ombudsman for Children Act 2002.
• Mission: Promoting the rights and welfare of children and investigating complaints made by or on behalf of children in relation to the administrative actions of public organizations.
• Team: The OCO has a total staff of 44, with the Communications unit consisting of five members.

About Your New Job

As the Head of Communications and Public Affairs, you will be part of the Management Team and work closely with the Ombudsman for Children and other members of the Management Team. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Press Office and Media Relations: Managing press office activities, ongoing development, review, and implementation of the communications strategy.
• Public Affairs: Ensuring a targeted, effective public affairs program is in place, working closely with the Ombudsman and policy and complaints units.
• Public Relations and Advertising: Identifying PR and advertising opportunities, taking a proactive approach to increase awareness of the OCO.
• Social and Digital Media: Overseeing the development and execution of the OCO's social and digital media strategy.
• Stakeholder Management: Building and maintaining relationships with key journalists, politicians, government departments, etc.
• Brand Management: Managing, developing, and monitoring the messages/tone, look, and feel of social and digital media.
• Project and Event Management: Coordinating PR-specific projects, including event management and media relations.
• Internal Communications: Overseeing internal communications required within the OCO, organizing Town Hall events with input from other Management Team colleagues.
• Budget and Expenditure: Managing the allocated budget for the communications unit, liaising with the finance team in a timely manner, and adhering to financial policies and procedures.

What Skills You Need

To apply for this position, you must meet the following essential requirements:

• Expertise and experience (5 years minimum) in communications and public affairs in a management post.
• A qualification of at least Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications from a recognized University or Institution in a relevant discipline.
• Excellent leadership skills.
• Ability to think strategically and create a positive working relationship with colleagues and external stakeholders; to work in multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and a keen eye for detail.