Head of Engagement and Communications, Better Futures Fund in Manchester

Head of Engagement and Communications, Better Futures Fund in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 40500 - 49500 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead engagement and communications for the £500 million Better Futures Fund, tackling child poverty.
  • Company: Join a pioneering initiative with significant government visibility and impact.
  • Benefits: Opportunity to shape a major programme and advance your career in the civil service.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for innovation and flexibility.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference for 200,000 children and families while developing your skills.
  • Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in stakeholder engagement required.

The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.

This is an exciting and stretching role, offering a unique opportunity to lead the engagement and communications strategy for the landmark £500 million Better Futures Fund (BFF).

Over the next decade, this flagship initiative aims to leverage up to £1bn in total funding to tackle the root causes of child poverty across England, improving life chances for up to 200,000 children and families through innovative Social Outcomes Partnerships.

Due to its scale, the programme holds significant visibility across Whitehall and generates wide external interest.

This role suits a collaborative and innovative individual who is keen to work on a new complex programme that is not the usual way government does business.

As the Engagement and Communications Lead, you will own the cross-government narrative and external communications strategy, working alongside our core policy and delivery teams.

This will involve working with internal DCMS teams on government comms moments and identifying external opportunities to promote the programme.

You will coordinate all briefings and commissions relating to BFF and lead on all ministerial and parliamentary engagement.

You will also be responsible for supporting cross-government engagement, managing key stakeholder relationships and co-ordinating inputs to support the design and delivery of funding rounds.

You will manage one Senior Policy Advisor (SEO) to support the delivery of these objectives.

The successful candidate will also need to be flexible to evolving needs of the programme as it transitions through the project life cycle and be willing to adapt roles and responsibilities as required.

Success in this post means establishing trusted relationships with Ministers, departments and senior stakeholders and translating complex policy milestones into clear briefings and compelling comms moments.

This position provides significant exposure to senior HMG leadership and the opportunity to shape a major government programme from its early stages, making it an excellent platform for career progression within the civil service.

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Head of Engagement and Communications, Better Futures Fund in Manchester employer: Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, empowering employees to make a meaningful impact on society through policy development. With a strong commitment to professional growth, you will have access to extensive training and leadership opportunities, all while working in a vibrant location that champions diversity and inclusion. Join us to be at the forefront of regulatory reform and contribute to shaping the future of gambling and lotteries in the UK.

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Contact Details:

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Engagement and Communications, Better Futures Fund in Manchester

Dive into Local Government Events

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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Engagement and Communications, Better Futures Fund in Manchester

Engagement Strategy
Communications Strategy
Stakeholder Management
Cross-Government Collaboration
Briefing Coordination
Ministerial Engagement
Parliamentary Engagement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.

Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.

Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.

How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Get to Know Public Sector Values

Before your interview with Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.

Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge

Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.

Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration

The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!

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Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.