investigative journalist jobs

On behalf of IBCA we are looking for a Deputy Head of External Communications (Inside IR35) for a 6 month contract based remotely with adhoc travel and site attendance as and when required.

The role:
We are seeking an experienced Deputy Head of External Communications to lead media and external communications activity within a high-profile public sector organisation. The role will focus on building and maintaining trust with communities affected by the infected blood scandal through clear, timely, transparent and sensitive communications.

You will lead the media team, develop proactive communications strategies and oversee media relations and digital channels. Working closely with senior leaders and government stakeholders, you will provide strategic communications advice, manage sensitive and high-profile media issues, and ensure complex organisational and policy developments are translated into clear and accessible messages. You will also play a key role in leading and developing the wider communications team.

As a Deputy Head of External Communications your main responsibilities will be to:

• Lead and manage the media team, setting a proactive media and external communications strategy.
• Oversee complex media enquiries and ensure timely, accurate and consistent responses.
• Develop and deliver proactive media, social media and communications plans.
• Manage digital and social media channels, including X, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.
• Horizon scan for emerging issues, policy changes and organisational developments that may impact public confidence.
• Provide strategic advice and communications counsel to senior leaders during sensitive or high-profile situations.
• Translate complex policy and organisational updates into clear, accessible and reassuring communications.
• Lead national media campaigns and build effective relationships with external media outlets.
• Ensure communications are trauma-informed, transparent and sensitive to affected communities.
• Oversee content development, editorial quality and messaging across multiple channels.
• Use data, audience insight and evaluation metrics to measure communications effectiveness and improve future activity.
• Work collaboratively with senior stakeholders, government officials and wider communications teams.
• Lead, develop and motivate communications professionals, providing clear direction and support.
• Provide senior leadership cover during critical periods and support wider organisational communications priorities.

Essential:

• Proven experience leading a busy media and social media operation.
• Strong experience developing and delivering proactive external communications strategies and campaigns.
• Experience managing national media campaigns and working with external media outlets.
• Ability to translate complex information, policy and organisational changes into clear and accessible communications.
• Experience advising and influencing senior leaders on sensitive media issues and high-profile developments.
• Confidence managing complex media enquiries and responding calmly under pressure.
• Experience overseeing digital channels, content production and communications across multiple platforms.
• Strong editorial judgement and experience commissioning, reviewing and assuring communications content.
• Experience leading, developing and motivating communications teams.
• Excellent stakeholder management and collaboration skills.
• A strong understanding of trauma-informed communications and the importance of building trust with affected communities.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and fast-moving situations.

Desirable:

• Experience leading a media or digital communications team within government, the public sector, a regulatory body or third sector organisation.
• Previous experience working within the media sector or with media organisations.
• Experience working within or navigating a public inquiry environment.
• Experience communicating on highly sensitive or high-profile public sector issues.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

In applying for this role you acknowledge the following, this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment, and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different.