Communications Manager at the Office of the Victims’ Commissioner in City of Westminster

Eligibility – This vacancy is open only to existing Civil Servant employees and employees of accredited non‑departmental public bodies (NDPBs). Please review the Eligibility section before you apply.

Key Information

• Working pattern: Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working.
• Location: London.
• Vacancy approach: Cross Government.
• Post type: Permanent.
• Closing date: 22‑Jun‑2026.

About the Victims’ Commissioner

The Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales is an independent voice for victims, dedicated to improving how the criminal justice system works for all victims and witnesses.

Role Overview

This is a high‑profile and demanding communications role in a small, fast‑paced team. As Communications Manager you will lead and deliver multi‑channel communications activity, including day‑to‑day delivery across press, digital and stakeholder communications, with a focus on digital platforms. You will operate confidently and independently, translating complex criminal justice policy into clear, compelling public communications.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver multi‑channel communications activity across press, digital and stakeholder channels.
• Plan and deliver digital communications activity using a structured campaign planning approach (e.g., OASIS), managing organisational social media channels, developing digital narratives, creating visual and short‑form content, and responding to live issues in real time.
• Draft high‑quality communications products, including original digital assets (graphics, short videos, threads and posts) as well as press releases, statements, articles, opinion pieces and lines to take.
• Lead on multi‑channel communications planning, ensuring activity is informed by insight, evaluation and the emerging news agenda, and that evaluation is built in from the outset in line with the GCS Evaluation Cycle.
• Develop clear, accurate and engaging messaging on complex policy and criminal justice issues for public and stakeholder audiences, with particular attention to the needs of vulnerable and marginalised groups.
• Manage media engagement, including pitching stories, organising and briefing interviews, responding to reactive enquiries, and drafting statements and opinion pieces.
• Horizon scan for communications opportunities, anticipate emerging issues and actively manage reputational risk.
• Provide media‑handling advice to the Victims’ Commissioner, Senior Leadership Team and colleagues on announcements, visits and speeches.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with journalists, stakeholders and relevant government departments.
• Act independently on day‑to‑day communications issues, using sound judgement where precedent or guidance is limited.

Skills, Experience and Attributes

Suitable for someone who:

• Enjoys operating with a high degree of autonomy and responsibility.
• Is comfortable being both strategist and deliverer.
• Has directly managed digital channels in a high‑profile or sensitive environment.

Likely not suitable for someone who:

• Has mainly overseen or commissioned digital work.
• Is looking for a role with narrow responsibilities.
• Prefers a slower‑paced or highly hierarchical working environment.

Has proven hands‑on experience of delivering digital and social media communications, including managing organisational channels, creating original content, making real‑time editorial judgements, and using insight and data to measure and refine impact.

Has demonstrable experience of using digital platforms to reach, engage and influence public or stakeholder audiences on complex or sensitive issues.

Has strong communications experience, with the ability to advise and influence senior stakeholders on complex or contentious issues.

Has experience of structured communications campaign planning, including setting objectives, identifying audiences, selecting channels and evaluating outcomes.

Can quickly research and analyse complex or technical policy issues and translate them for different audiences across a range of written outputs.

Has experience developing innovative, multi‑channel communications plans and confidently presenting and defending proposals to senior colleagues.

Has excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills, with the ability to brief, advise and challenge effectively.

Has strong analytical skills, including effective use of insight, data and evaluation to inform communications activity.

Has excellent political awareness and news judgement.

Is a collaborative and resilient team player, comfortable working at pace in a high‑profile environment.

Has experience handling high‑profile or sensitive media issues.

Benefits

• Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years of service.
• Scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year.
• Additional paid time off for public holidays and one privilege day.
• Leave for part‑time and job share posts calculated on a pro‑rata basis.
• Pension: choice of Civil Service pension schemes.
• Training: extensive range of training and development opportunities.
• Networks: employee‑run networks for minority ethnic origin, disabilities, caring responsibilities, women, LGBTQ+ employees.

Applicants must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or hold the right to work in the UK. The role is available within the Civil Service to employees who meet the eligibility criteria.