Senior Communications Officer Ref. 2025

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Mission Enablers
Cheltenham, London
£45,481 - £50,702 (on a pro rata basis) which includes a concessionary payment

GCHQ, the longest standing code-breaking intelligence agency in the UK, is offering you an exciting opportunity to join our Communications and Engagement Team as a Senior Communications Officer.

ROLE

Are you a creative communications professional with excellent news judgement? Can you reach audiences as effortlessly through social media channels as through traditional communications channels? Are you up for the challenge of contributing to and delivering communications strategies that promote and protect an intelligence agency?

GCHQ is a world-leading intelligence, security and cyber agency with a mission to help keep the UK safe. We use cutting-edge technology, technical ingenuity and wide-ranging partnerships to identify, analyse and disrupt threats in a fast-changing world.

Over the last 12 months the team has delivered a number of high impact external media opportunities, including landing significant press coverage for the publication of the second GCHQ Puzzle Book, launch of the Science Museum exhibition and our partnership with the Royal British Legion for the launch of the Poppy Appeal.

These roles bring you into the heart of the UK intelligence community where you will work closely with colleagues at the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), MI5, SIS, the National Security Communications team in the Cabinet Office, the Foreign Office and 5EYES partners.

REQUIREMENTS

You will:

• lead small teams to help shape and deliver GCHQ’s communications strategy
• provide a high-quality, professional proactive and reactive communications service to the organisation
• provide leadership, guidance and management to support your team to deliver to a high standard
• drive innovative and creative comms working closely with mission teams and recruitment teams to provide integrated communications for all of our areas
• have experience of devising and delivering communications strategies for high profile, large and complex organisations
• have proven knowledge of digital, broadcast and print media, and an appreciation of the rapid pace at which stories move in a 24/7 communications environment
• be able to work under pressure for sustained periods – while also maintaining sound judgement
• give clear and trusted advice to seniors and have awareness of broader political context
• have good relationship management skills and be able to maintain key links with relevant policy and external partners
• be willing to take part in a duty rota and occasionally work unsociable hours

If you’re excited about working with us and think you have some of what we’re looking for but aren’t sure if you’re 100% there yet… Back yourself and give it a go!

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

At GCHQ we’re proud of our inclusive and supportive working environment that’s designed to encourage open minds and attitudes. As an organisation that values and nurtures talent, we’re committed to helping you fulfil your potential. But you’re not expected to come to us with a wealth of knowledge or skills, on day one. With comprehensive training and development opportunities, tailored to your personal needs and the requirements of your work, we’ll enable you to flourish in your role and perform to the very best of your abilities.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The UK Intelligence Agencies are Equal Opportunities employers, committed to reflecting the society we protect.  Our recruitment process is fair, transparent and based on merit. We particularly welcome applications from diverse and under-represented groups.

SALARY

Salary of £45,481 - £50,702 (on a pro rata basis) which includes a concessionary payment

LOCATION  

Cheltenham or London

COMPETENCIES – LEVELS

• Communication and Knowledge sharing - Higher
• Corporate Vision and Efficiency - Intermediate
• Change and Innovation - Intermediate
• Analysis and Decision Making - Intermediate    
• Contribution to Delivery - Higher
• Managing the Customer Relationship - Higher
• Working with and Leading Others - Higher

BENEFITS WE OFFER

• the chance to work in a high-performing team
• Access to learning and development tailored to your role
• Working environment that supports a range of flexible working options
• A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
• A civil service pension and 25 days annual leave rising to 30 after five years service

SELECTION PROCESS

To apply for this position, you must meet our nationality and residency requirement. You’ll find more details here.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we also guarantee to interview all disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for our roles.

Once we’ve established that you meet our eligibility criteria, the next steps of this selection process are:

Application Form
Panel interview
Drugs test

Interviews will be held in Cheltenham and London

A DV is required for this role, but we will consider allowing candidates to start work with SC clearance en route to DV clearance. All successful applicants will need to acquire a DV if not already held.  

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 5th February.


This Program / Vacancy is closed to applications.