Communications Manager - Royal Air Force

Overview

The Royal Air Force (RAF) Air Media and Communications team is dedicated to shaping perceptions both internally and externally. Working as part of the Government Communication Service and in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and other armed forces communication units, the team uses strategic communication frameworks to ensure alignment with RAF objectives. This role offers an opportunity to influence communications strategy and create engaging digital content that resonates with diverse audiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the implementation of the RAF Communications Strategy by building strong connections within the RAF communications network and advising on messaging outputs.
• Create compelling digital content for senior RAF leaders that aligns with strategic objectives.
• Assist in crafting and deploying communication plans for campaigns, collaborating with government and external partners.
• Represent the Strategy & Plans Team in external meetings, providing detailed feedback to inform team actions.
• Support routine analysis of Air Media content with data and evaluation teams.
• Generate innovative ideas to launch campaigns that engage audiences across digital and social channels.
• Organize and lead team meetings to enhance collaboration and productivity.
• Handle administrative duties efficiently to maintain smooth communication operations.
• Foster and maintain relationships with government colleagues, stakeholders, and the RAF media network.
• Manage communication processes internally, ensuring team members are informed of any changes.
• Identify, evaluate, and mitigate risks related to RAF communications on an ongoing basis.
• Participate in an out-of-hours on-call rotation with additional compensation.

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience in a professional communications setting.
• Track record of designing and executing effective communication plans or campaigns.
• Strong passion for digital content, with up-to-date knowledge of best practices and emerging tools for content creation.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and working across multiple teams to deliver communications.
• Desirable: familiarity with Government Communications Service frameworks; content creation skills including copywriting, photography, infographics, and video production; PR campaign experience; intermediate proficiency with MS Office.

Behaviors and Skills Assessed

• Leadership abilities.
• Effective communication and influence.
• Collaboration and teamwork.
• Technical competency in Government Communications Service Insight and Implementation frameworks.

Employment Details and Benefits

• Position offers a 37-hour workweek based in London with flexible working arrangements allowing for a hybrid model, expecting minimum 60% office presence.
• Annual salary of £37,720 with a Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme contribution of £10,927.
• Access to tailored learning and development opportunities.
• Work environment that promotes inclusion, diversity, and wellbeing.
• New hires undergo a six-month probation period.
• Note: No relocation expenses covered, and travel expenses for interview will not be reimbursed.
• MOD enforces a smoke-free policy with exceptions per local guidance.
• Applicants requiring visa sponsorship will not be considered as the role does not meet the criteria for sponsorship under the current UK points-based system.
• The MOD has a zero-tolerance policy on unacceptable behaviors including bullying and harassment; employment eligibility excludes those dismissed for such reasons in the past five years.

Additional Information

The role involves participation in a shared out-of-hours on-call rota with extra payments. Candidates must declare any potential conflicts of interest before appointment, though such declarations typically do not preclude employment. The department promotes a Disability Confident Scheme to support candidates with disabilities. Candidates should provide truthful, accurate information in their application; misuse of AI-generated content or plagiarism may lead to disqualification.