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Location
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About the job
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Benefits
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Things you need to know
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Apply and further information
You can be based in Edinburgh.
You will be required to attend office at least once a week thereafter or as and when
required.
Home working and flexible working opportunities are available under our Agile working policy on agreement with your Line Manager.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of digital communications within Scotland's only prosecution service.
As Head of Digital Communications at COPFS, you'll lead the development of our digital communications strategy while remaining closely involved in the delivery of impactful digital content, campaigns and engagement activity. You'll oversee our digital channels, influence senior decision-making, drive improvements through insight and analytics, and help ensure the public can access clear, accessible and trusted information about Scotland's justice system.
We're looking for an experienced digital communications leader who combines strategic thinking with a hands-on approach and is passionate about using digital channels to deliver meaningful public impact.
If you're ready to lead change, influence at a senior level and help build a modern, specialist digital function, we'd love to hear from you.
As our Head of Digital Communications, you will lead the development and delivery of COPFSs digital communications strategy, ensuring our digital channels support public understanding of the justice system and reflect our organisational priorities.
Operating at a senior level, you will provide strategic advice and influence decision making across the organisation, working with leaders, specialists and operational colleagues to embed digital thinking into communications planning and delivery.
You will oversee digital standards, governance, accessibility, analytics and channel performance, ensuring our communications are effective, user-focused and evidence-based. This is a unique opportunity to build and shape a developing specialist function, driving innovation, influencing organisational change and improving how COPFS engages with the public through digital channels.
As a developing specialist team, you will require a balance of strategic leadership and practical delivery, with the ability to move confidently between setting direction and personally leading complex digital communications activity.
Key responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Digital Direction
Lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of COPFSs digital communications strategy, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and public need
Shape the future direction of digital communications within COPFS, establishing clear standards, governance and ways of working
Identify opportunities to improve how the organisation communicates through digital channels, driving innovation and service improvement
Ensure digital communications activities contribute to wider organisational objectives and support public confidence in COPFS
Senior Stakeholder Engagement and Influence
Act as the senior digital communications advisor, providing expert advice and recommendations to Senior Leaders and colleagues across COPFS
Build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels, influencing decision making and promoting best practice in digital communications
Support the handling of high-profile, sensitive and complex communications issues, ensuring digital considerations are effectively represented
Champion user-focused and evidence-based approaches to communications planning and delivery
Digital Channels, Content and Governance
Provide strategic oversight of COPFSs digital channels, including the corporate website, social media platforms and future digital communication developments
Personally oversee and contribute to the development, commissioning and publication of complex, sensitive or high-profile digital content
Establish and maintain governance arrangements that ensure content is accurate, accessible, compliant and aligned with organisational standards
Lead the development and implementation of digital content standards, publishing processes and commissioning arrangements
Ensure compliance with accessibility legislation, information governance requirements, copyright obligations and relevant digital standards
Insight, Performance and Continuous Improvement
Use analytics, audience insight, user feedback and digital performance data to inform decision-making and strategic priorities
Lead the evaluation of digital communications activity, measuring effectiveness and identifying opportunities for improvement
Oversee the development of reporting frameworks and performance measures to demonstrate impact and value
Promote a culture of continuous improvement, learning and innovation across digital communications activity
Resource and Supplier Management
Manage allocated budgets, commissioned activity and external supplier relationships, ensuring value for money and effective delivery
Exercise appropriate delegated authority in relation to digital communications expenditure and procurement activities
Lead, develop and support specialist digital communications resources, creating a high-performing and collaborative culture
Ensure resources are effectively prioritised to deliver organisational and strategic objectives
Please note these are not exhaustive lists and other duties may be required as
appropriate to the role
We are looking for applicants who are strategic, forward thinking digital communications professionals who combine expert technical knowledge with strong
leadership and influencing skills. You should be comfortable operating in a complex environment, building credibility with senior stakeholders and translating digital opportunities into meaningful organisational outcomes.
You should be passionate about creating accessible, user-focused communications and committed to ensuring that digital channels meet the needs of diverse audiences. You will bring sound judgement, a create and analytical mindset and the ability to balance innovation with appropriate governance, risk management and
professional standards.
You will be confident leading change, using evidence and insight to inform decisions and inspire others to adopt new ways of working. You should also demonstrate resilience, political awareness and a commitment to public service, alongside a genuine enthusiasm for shaping a developing digital communications function and helping organisations communicate more effectively in an increasingly digital world.
Relevant professional qualifications in communications, digital marketing, content design or related disciplines would be advantageous, although equivalent knowledge and experience gained through a professional career will be equally valued.
Significant experience of developing and delivering digital communications strategies that support organisational objectives and improve engagement with target audiences
Experience of providing expert digital communications advice to senior stakeholders, influencing decision-making and promoting best practice across an organisation
Experience of using analytics, audience insight, user feedback and performance data to inform strategic decisions and drive continuous improvement
Experience of leading complex digital communications projects, programmes or services, managing competing priorities and delivering measurable outcomes
Experience of managing teams, specialist resources, suppliers or commissioned services to deliver high-quality digital communications activity
Experience of establishing or improving digital governance, standards or processes to ensure effective, consistent and complaint digital communications
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Changing and Improving
- Communicating and Influencing
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Practical knowledge of digital communications tools and platforms, including content management systems, analytics platforms, accessibility testing tools, social media management systems and digital content creation software such as Adobe suite.
- The ability to develop and implement effective digital communications strategies that deliver clear organisational outcomes.
- The ability to use audience insight, analytics and evaluation to inform decision-making and measure success.
- Expert knowledge of digital communications best practice, including content design, accessibility, channel management and user-centred approaches.
- The ability to establish appropriate governance, standards and controls to manage digital communications activity effectively.
Alongside your salary of £62,111, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service contributes £17,993 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides .
We offer an excellent range of benefits which include:
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25 days paid holiday + 11.5 public and privilege holidays (rising to 30 days paid holiday after 4 years).
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Generous Civil Service Pension employer contribution, on average over 28.97% of your pay
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Flexible working hours and family friendly approach to work.
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Cycle to Work Scheme and Season Ticket Loans.
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Employee Wellbeing Support with Mental Health First Aiders and access to an Employee Assistance Programme.
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles , and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
Please see our application pack on our website for full details.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Successful candidates must undergo an enhanced (or equivalent) criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles .
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy .
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Please see our application pack on our website for full details.
https://www.copfs.gov.uk/about-copfs/careers/
