Head of Digital Communications

Job title:

Head of Digital Communications

Company

Electoral Commission, The

Job description

Job Title: Head of Digital Communications
Directorate: Communications and External Affairs
Starting salary band: £71,618 – £75,693 per annum

• E grade: £71,618 – £75,693 per annum depending on skills, experience and qualification.

• Staff with the London Office as their work location will attract a London weighting allowance of £3,217 on top of their base salary.

Full time & permanent: This role is available on a hybrid working basis, the Commission requires a minimum of two days office attendance (40%).
Location: Preferred location is London, but we will consider applicants who can work from either Cardiff, Edinburgh or Belfast office locations. Regular travel to London will be required.Working at the Electoral CommissionThe Electoral Commission is the independent body which oversees elections and regulates political finance in the UK. We work to promote public confidence in the democratic process and to ensure its integrity.We offer excellent terms and conditions, including flexible working hours and the opportunity to join the Civil Service pension, fantastic office space and opportunities for personal development and continuous learning.The Commission is about to embark on an exciting new journey with a new five-year Corporate Plan which will impact the way the Communications and External Affairs Directorate works. We are investing in our digital communications function, growing the team and developing our use of digital tools and channels to help us reach key audiences.The digital communications team delivers the Commission’s voter-facing digital services, including the website and social media channels. The team ensures the UK’s voters have reliable, accurate and engaging online information to help them participate in our democratic system.The RoleWe are seeking an exceptional digital communications leader to join the Electoral Commission as our Head of Digital Communications. This is a high-impact role shaping how millions engage with the electoral process.As Head of Digital Communications, you will lead a high-performing team of 14 digital communications experts and product delivery specialists to develop and deliver our digital strategy – ensuring voters and other key audiences have access to accurate, accessible, and engaging online information about the UK’s democratic processes. You will use your knowledge of user-centred design, content strategy, digital analytics and accessibility to help the team produce high quality digital content. You will work closely with a range of strategic partners, including the UK’s governments, local councils, and external digital service providers, to ensure voters receive high-quality, seamless online information and services.You will lead one of the Commission’s most high-profile digital projects: bringing in-house the online election information tool currently managed by our external partner, Democracy Club. This essential service provides millions of voters with personalised, postcode-specific information about upcoming elections and how to participate. Your leadership will be pivotal in ensuring its successful transfer, long-term management, and continued impact on voter engagement across the UK.Who we are looking forWe are looking for an experienced communications leader with expertise in digital communications channels, content strategy and product development. You will have a strong track record of delivering high-impact digital strategies and services. You will be comfortable setting the Commission’s digital communications strategy and inspiring your team to deliver engaging high-quality online content.You will be confident managing substantial budgets and procurement processes, with oversight of significant financial resources—including leading multi-million-pound digital projects.You will be an exception communicator, adept at using new and innovative ways to reach your audiences, and confident advising senior colleagues on communications approaches.To be successful in this role, you will need to have:

• Experience developing and delivering digital communications strategies for varied audiences and users.

• Experience managing complex digital projects, suppliers and budgets.

• Extensive experience leading and developing teams.

• Experience overseeing complex digital projects and working with product delivery and development teams.

• A deep understanding of digital inclusion and accessibility standards, and a commitment to ensuring all audiences can participate in the democratic process.

For a full list of competencies, please refer to the job description and person specification.Other BenefitsThe Electoral Commission contributes 28.97% of your basic salary towards you being a member of the Civil Service Pension scheme. Find out what and the conditions involved.The Electoral Commission offers a competitive mix of benefits including:

• A culture of flexible working, such as flexi scheme, homeworking and compressed hours.

• Automatic enrolment into the Civil Service Pension Scheme, with an employer contribution of 28.97%.

• A working from home allowance of £312 per annum is paid as a tax-free working from home allowance.

• A minimum of 28 days of paid annual leave, plus eight bank holidays increasing up to a maximum of 30 days after four years.

• An extensive range of learning and professional development opportunities, which all staff are actively encouraged to pursue.

• Eye care vouchers, Ride 2 Work and an opportunity to sell up to five days annual leave at the end of the annual leave period

• A hybrid office/home based working model where staff will spend 40% of their time in the office.

More information on how to applyTo remove bias from our recruitment, process the Electoral Commission operates anonymous recruitment. Please apply by supplying an anonymous CV, without reference to your name, age, ethnicity or other identifiable information. Failure to supply anonymous CV and cover letter will result in your application being rejected.We want to attract the broadest range of talented people who are passionate about democracy. The more diverse our workforce, the better we can adapt to and reflect the needs of society. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and as a staff member you will become part of an inclusive culture, where you will have the opportunity to achieve your full potential and enhance your career through learning and development.Closing date is Sunday 22 June at 23:59. We reserve the right to close the advert earlier if we receive a high volume of interest so, please don’t delay applying if interested.Shortlisting will take place week commencing 23 June.First stage interviews will be held in the week commencing 30 June 2025If successful, second stage interviews will be held within a week of the first interview.Role to start at the earliest 1 August 2025 but no later than 10 October 2025.Applicants who are applying for the London based position will be expected to attend the interview in person at our offices in Bunhill Row, London. We may use video conferencing tools for the interviews of applicants based in any of the devolved office locations. We will confirm details with shortlisted candidates. Electoral Commission does not compensate candidates for the travel costs incurred due to interview attendance.If you are interested in applying for this role, please download the job description before applying online.If you have any further questions about the role please don’t hesitate to contact the hiring manager Niki Nixon, Director of Communications on who will be happy to help.No Agencies please.

Expected salary

£71618 – 75693 per year

Location

London

Job date

Sat, 24 May 2025 02:14:50 GMT

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