Digital Communications Manager - Welsh Essential in Cardiff

The Welsh Government operates name-free recruitment. The recruiting panel will not see personal information such as a candidate’s name and address during the sifting process. This policy is in line with our commitment to end bias and promote equality and diversity.

A starting salary of £37,111 will be offered to the successful candidate. This is not negotiable. Salary range or pay band HEO £37,111 to £45,378. Work pattern Full time (applications are welcome from people who work part time, as part of a job share or who work full time).

Purpose of post: This pivotal role involves producing high-quality digital content to promote the Welsh Government’s policies and initiatives, engage with the public, and enhance our online presence across various platforms. The successful candidate will manage photography, video and design assets, associated IT, and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements for the capture, storage, and distribution of content. They will ensure our messages resonate with diverse audiences and reflect the values and objectives of the Welsh Government.

Key tasks:

• Create high quality video, photo and design content across all official Welsh Government social media channels, ensuring output meets legal compliance and industry accessibility standards.
• Provide expert advice and training on creating video, photo design assets, as well as social media best practice and emerging trends to colleagues.
• Support the design and development of a clear style for video, photo and design content that can be implemented cross government.
• Work with other digital communication professionals, participating in a culture of inclusion, innovation, and continuous development.
• Contribute to comprehensive social media strategies that align with the Welsh Government's priorities and effectively engage the public.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure cohesive and coordinated communications.
• Manage and monitor digital and social media channels; being responsible for weekly grids and ensuring channels are engaging, and responsive, and that all content adheres to Welsh language standards.
• Produce in-depth social analyses and reports for each campaign and a monthly dashboard, giving insight to Ministers, colleagues, and officials, and using this evidence to inform future activities.
• Provide regular research and case studies on the use of emerging digital services, tools, trends and innovations and give feedback on their application for the Department.
• Create and identify opportunities to grow followers and reach new audiences relevant to communications aims.

This post offers the opportunity to work in a fast-paced and high-priority area, with regular engagement with Ministers. As a member of the Government Communications profession, there will be opportunities to undertake shadowing, mentoring, coaching as well as proactively making links and working with a wide range of Welsh Government teams and external partners including other Governments in the UK.

Travel: This role involves travelling across Wales to create short-form social media content, including filming Ministers in various locations across the country, therefore having a driving licence and access to a car would also be essential. There may also be occasional international travel and overnight stays.

Welsh language skills are essential for this role. Candidates must complete their application for this post in Welsh. Interviews will also be conducted in Welsh.

The following qualities are desirable and will only be considered if two or more candidates receive the same score at the application or interview stage:

• Strong bilingual communication skills in Welsh and English, with the ability to create, edit and quality-assure content in both languages.
• Degree in communications, digital marketing, journalism, media production or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience working in the public sector or political environment.
• Understanding of crisis communication protocols and experience managing sensitive digital communications.
• Knowledge of paid social media advertising and budget management.

Selection Process and Stages: Welsh Government, like all other Government Departments use Success Profiles when we recruit. For each role we consider what you will need to demonstrate to be successful. This gives us the best possible chance of finding the right person for the job. It raises performance and improves diversity and inclusivity.

If you do not meet the eligibility criteria your application will not progress. If it becomes clear at a later stage in the process that you are not eligible to appear, your application may be withdrawn, or the offer retracted.

This job is broadly open to the following groups: UK nationals, nationals of the Republic of Ireland, nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK, nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS).

Social Model of Disability: Welsh Government has adopted the social model of disability, which recognises that barriers in society act to disable people who have impairments, or health conditions, who are neurodivergent or who use British Sign Language. We are committed to removing barriers in the recruitment process so that all (or potential new) staff can perform at their best.

We encourage you to learn more about our trade unions, partnership working and to get involved in their work. All Welsh Government staff are members of the Civil Service, and as a result are eligible for 31 days annual leave (pro-rated for part time), training and development opportunities, Cycle2Work Scheme, Smart Working flexible working arrangement, Green Car Scheme (subject to availability).