At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead digital communications and engage audiences across various platforms.
- Company: Join a dynamic government department focused on impactful digital strategies.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and audience engagement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of digital engagement and make a difference in public communication.
- Qualifications: Experience in digital strategy, content creation, and team leadership required.
The predicted salary is between 64015 - 71178 £ per year.
This is a senior role leading digital communications for the department and its Arm’s Length Bodies (ALBs).
You will be responsible for how we engage with audiences across digital channels, ensuring our online presence is strategic, effective, accessible and impactful.
As Digital Lead, you will shape our approach to social media, online content, video and a range of digital platforms.
You will champion direct, meaningful communication with citizens, ensuring our content is relevant, accessible and responsive to their needs.
You will also build and maintain strong relationships with digital media publishers and influencers, working collaboratively to reach new audiences through their channels, communities and followers.
Using data, insight and innovation, you will drive digital performance, grow and engage audiences, and maximise the reach and impact of our communications in support of departmental and wider government priorities.
Working at the heart of the communications function, you will be the digital lead for a portfolio of work and will collaborate closely with the Grade 6 (G6) Head of Digital and Creative Content to ensure digital is fully integrated with media, marketing and campaigns.
You will engage with thematic working groups, collaborating with other delivery leads to ensure digital activity supports the wider Defra group communications strategy.
You will champion innovation in how we reach and engage the public online, working in close partnership with ALB communications teams to ensure a coherent digital presence across the group.
- Digital strategy and channel ownership: Develop and deliver insight-led digital communications strategies that support departmental priorities, maintaining overall responsibility for channel strategy, content planning and platform management across social media, web and emerging digital channels.
Build the team's AI literacy, understanding what tools are appropriate to use and when, and knowing how to apply the Government Communication Service (GCS) ethical innovation framework.
- Content and creative direction: Lead the creation of compelling digital content that translates policy announcements and campaigns into engaging formats, working with policy, media and marketing teams and commissioning external suppliers where required.
Ensure all content meets GCS accessibility standards and considers diverse audiences.
- Data and performance: Use audience insight and platform analytics to inform planning, measure impact and drive continuous improvement.
Report on digital performance to senior leaders, providing actionable recommendations.
Handle all data appropriately in line with GDPR obligations.
- Cross-functional collaboration: Work closely with thematic leads and delivery colleagues to ensure digital activity is integrated with wider communications planning.
- Platform expertise and innovation: Maintain knowledge of established and emerging platforms, content trends and formats.
Champion innovation and build digital capability across the wider communications directorate through training, guidance and knowledge sharing, drawing on the GCS SAFE Framework and the Framework for Ethical Innovation.
- ALB digital partnership: Build and maintain effective working relationships with ALBs within Defra group, providing strategic digital expertise, sharing best practice and supporting a coherent, integrated digital presence.
Work to remove duplication across ALB digital channels, identify opportunities for shared approaches, and ensure ALB digital activity is consistent with group standards and GCS professional requirements.
- Provide professional leadership for their functional area, including line management, performance oversight, quality assurance and capability building.
Deploy expertise collaboratively across priorities with other G7s.
- Lead and develop their team, motivating staff and embedding new ways of working across the group.
- Build strong relationships with senior leaders, Ministers, Special Advisers and stakeholders, providing trusted strategic communications advice.
- Foster a proactive, flexible and collaborative team culture, managing competing priorities and balancing reactive work with strategic goals.
- Communicate complex information clearly and persuasively, both in writing and verbally, adapting style and approach for different audiences and purposes.
- Support crisis and incident communications, working across disciplines and with partners to ensure timely, coordinated information reaches audiences.
This includes out-of-hours working when required.
- Uphold GCS professional standards, ensuring compliance with the Communication Functional Standard (Gov S011), propriety guidance and accessibility requirements.
- Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
- Digital Lead
- Company: Government Recruitment Service
- Job type: Permanent
- Posting date: 28 Oct 2026
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Digital Lead employer: Government Recruitment Service
The Ministry of Justice is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where finance professionals can thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working options, and a robust pension scheme, the MoJ fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to influence key financial strategies that impact the nation. Located nationally, this role provides the unique advantage of engaging with diverse stakeholders across the UK, making it a rewarding place for those seeking meaningful contributions to public service.
Contact Details:
Government Recruitment Service Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Digital Lead
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for Government Recruitment Service and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like Government Recruitment Service are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with Government Recruitment Service on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at Government Recruitment Service. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Digital Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit Government Recruitment Service. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of Government Recruitment Service:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Government Recruitment Service’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Recruitment Service
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at Government Recruitment Service will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At Government Recruitment Service, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.
