A vacancy has arisen for a SO2 ANY to serve as Communication, Engagement and Heritage Officer at the RAF College at RAF Cranwell on Full Time Reserve Service (Limited Commitment) Terms and Conditions of Service (TCoS), with an initial proposed start date of 01 February 2027 or earlier/later subject to candidate status.
As SO2 Communication, Engagement and Heritage (CEH) you are responsible for the management and coordination of communications, engagement and heritage outputs across the RAF College (RAFC). As discrete communication and engagement lines of development, you are responsible for the media and engagement activity of the College’s 5 pillars as well as for the planning and delivery of Regional Air Officer Central (RAOC) activity. You are also the HQ lead for cohering innovation, improvement, lessons and learning work-strands across the RAFC. There are no line management responsibilities associated with this role. Specifically, you will be responsible for:
1. Communication and Engagement: Developing and delivering the RAFC Media, Communications and Engagement Plan, ensuring coherent and consistent messaging across the College’s AOR. Acting as the lead MCO for the RAFC, providing specialist advice and guidance on media and communications output and governance issues to HQ staff across the 5 HQ pillars. Providing specialist advice and guidance on audiences and targeting engagement to HQ staff, consulting with higher HQs and the RAF Cranwell Engagement Cell to facilitate the delivery of senior and international visits to the RAFC HQ and subordinate units. Supporting the RAF Cranwell MCO within the context of VVIP visits and the Station Major Incident Plan when required.
2. Heritage: Developing and delivering the RAFC Heritage Strategy and Management Framework, overseeing the governance of collections management and audience-facing activity within the RAFC in conjunction with the College Bursar and Deputy Building and Collection Custodian. Liaising and coordinating with the Air Historical Branch and regional heritage networks to maintain the Collection in accordance with the Framework. The lead for any RAF College Alumni Network as required.
3. Innovation, Improvement, Lessons and Learning: Developing a RAFC Innovation and Improvement Plan, providing guidance on the coordination of activity within and across the College’s OF5 pillars to efficiently deliver tangible outputs in accordance with higher HQ direction. Championing Organisational learning throughout the RAFC, consulting with the RAF Organisational Learning Team to inculcate best practice and ensure coherence with other 1* AORs.
4. Regional Air Officer Central: Acting as the desk officer for the planning and delivery of Regional Air Officer Central activity, developing ideas and identifying and communicating benefits to Defence across the engagement opportunities. Liaising with the outer office and approved activities administrative teams to ensure the RAFC Comdt is fully briefed. Preparing speeches and briefing notes as required in consultation with the outer office staff.
So2 Communications, Engagement And Heritage employer: Serve
Joining the team at Northwood HQ as an SO2 IWC Ops Delivery offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the mission of the IWC while enjoying a supportive work culture that values collaboration and professional growth. Employees benefit from structured development pathways, flexible working arrangements, and the chance to engage in high-level strategic operations that directly impact the Joint Force. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on employee well-being, Northwood HQ stands out as an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in defence operations.
