Head of Communications and Community Engagement - UKIFS

The UK Government has established UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) Ltd., a subsidiary of UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), to lead the charge in delivering fusion energy through design and delivery of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype fusion plant. UKIFS is establishing itself, setting up the company, attracting talent, engaging with industry, developing a supply chain, and planning and constructing of the STEP prototype. Fusion energy, crucial for combating climate change and ensuring energy independence, is expected to be commercially viable by mid‑century. The UK, led by UKIFS, aims for a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040. UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd. will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year. Join UKIFS and the STEP programme to be involved in this ground‑breaking journey.

The closing date for this advert is the 24th of February.

Benefits

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.
• Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a Relocation allowance (if eligible).
• Flexible working options including family friendly policies and the right to request flexible working from the start of your employment.
• Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders.
• Generous annual leave allowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays.
• Wide range of career development opportunities.
• A vibrant culture committed to being fully inclusive.

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions. The salary for this role is £83,421 and onsite working is expected for 3‑4 days a week.

The Role

Head of Communications and Community Engagement – a senior leadership role that is at the heart of the UKIFS organisation. This role brings with it substantial influence and presence across all levels of the organisation, to develop and deploy strategies that build and strengthen UKIFS and the STEP programme’s reputation to effectively manage and deliver this significant endeavour on behalf of the government.

We operate in an energising, complex, and mission‑driven environment, where you will be leading the development and continuance of excellent stakeholder relationships including, but not exclusive to, across Government including our parent Department (DESNZ) and Cabinet Office, our integrated delivery team alliance comprised of industry partners including UKAEA as our Fusion Partner, the wider fusion community in the UK and internationally, and our local communities and development organisations.

Additional Responsibilities

• Lead the creation and delivery of internal and external communications strategies for UKIFS and STEP, adapting to evolving program needs.
• Design, plan, and execute external engagements, coordinating closely with UKAEA group communications to ensure alignment.
• Identify new communication and engagement channels, leveraging digital media to boost brand visibility and public perception.
• Manage strategic oversight of social media presence and act as spokesperson, enhancing media coverage and community relations.
• Oversee branding consistency across all touchpoints, manage a ~£1m budget, and mentor a communications team to achieve high performance.
• Champion organisational culture and values, fostering a positive, inclusive team environment, and making decisions aligned with ethical standards.

Qualifications

Essential Requirements

• Extensive experience in communications, stakeholder engagement and community relations.
• A bachelor’s degree in communications or an equivalent qualification in a related field.
• Extensive experience of leading, mentoring, and coaching teams to achieve high quality delivery.
• Demonstrable experience of working in a complex, matrixed, programmatic environment.
• Demonstrable understanding of government structures and the role national, regional, and local government play in a project like STEP.
• Experience of fiscal management and reporting.
• Proven relationship builder with stakeholders at all levels.
• Demonstrable experience as a trusted advisor at CEO, Director, and executive team level.
• Proficiency in producing board‑level papers and proposals.
• Excellent communication skills – both written and verbal.
• Ability to act as an ambassador for the programme.
• Strategic, creative and innovative thinker.

Beneficial Requirements

• CIPR qualified.
• Previous experience of working on significant infrastructure project.

We welcome applications from under‑represented groups, particularly individuals from black and other ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and women. Our Executive team, supported by our ‘Equality, Diversity and Inclusion’ (EDI) Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, actively promotes EDI and takes steps to increase diversity within our organisation. We reinforce best practices in recruitment and selection and evaluate approaches to remove barriers to success.

Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications.