About the job

Summary

Reporting to the Wing Commander – Chief of Staff (COS) Astra and with a dotted management line to the RAF Head of Internal Communications for ongoing professional development and direction, the Astra C2 Communications Partner is primarily responsible for developing and delivering an Astra communication plan and associated communications output.

The Astra C2 Communications Partner will work closely and collaboratively with colleagues in the central RAF Media & Communications team to ensure that Astra communications and messaging align with the wider RAF communication strategy. They will additionally provide communications support to the Astra Warrant Officer, who is responsible for Engagement activities across the RAF.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

For over a century, the RAF has defended the skies of Britain and our interests overseas, projecting the Nation’s power and influence around the World. Throughout that time, we have continually pushed at the boundaries of technology and human endeavour, restlessly innovative and constantly evolving to anticipate whatever challenges the future may bring

Astra is the name we’ve chosen for the journey that the RAF is taking towards our Next Generation Air Force of 2040 and beyond. It encompasses everything from ambitious change programmes in the core areas of People, Digital, Space, Equipment, Training and Infrastructure to grassroots ideas from our people for improvements on our Stations throughout the UK and overseas.

Astra is about cultural change and requires honest, consistent and engaging communication to the RAF’S Whole Force of Regulars, Reserves, Civil Servants and Contractors. This new post, which will sit within a core Astra Team that operates remotely around the UK, will work closely with the RAF’s established Media & Communications team to ensure that Astra messaging is prominent in all forms of RAF Communications output.

The successful candidate will be a communications professional with relevant recent experience of delivering change communications in a complex multi-layered organisation. There will be some travel internally in the UK for occasional face-to-face meetings with the Astra Core Team and the wider Supporting Team in MOD/Air Command.

Responsibilities

1.) Develop and deliver RAF Astra’s Communications Plan

• Lead the development and delivery of the RAF Astra Communications Plan based on priorities from the Astra Campaign Plan and Directive.

• Synchronise Astra communications planning with the RAF’s Media & Communications team to maximise the impact of Astra communications.

Key tasks include:

• Understand Astra priorities and how these support delivery of the RAF’s strategic objectives.

• Use the Government Communications Service (GCS) OASIS methodology to develop and refine the RAF Astra Communications plan using relevant audience insight to identify key themes and core messages.

• Work with RAF Media & Communications IDEA team to establish evaluation criteria for all communications that reflect GCS guidance and best practice.

2.) RAF Astra Communications Delivery

Develop and deliver enduring campaigns and communications plans in support of delivering the RAF Astra Communications Plan.

Key tasks include:

• Work closely with content generators across the RAF to jointly develop plans for enduring campaigns and content handling.

• Ensure communications output is appropriate for the target audience and conveyed through the correct channels to ensuire maximum reach.

• Draft scripts for the members of the SLT and Astra Core Team.

• Work in partnership with other members of the Astra Team to understand internal and external priorities and stakeholder requirements.

• Determine when a plan is required to support a communication request or activity, and develop it using OASIS methodology with input from across Astra, RAF Media & Communications, MOD communications and the relevant Command, Group or Station level activity leads, as required.

• Oversee and arrange all media and engagement input for Astra events and Stn visits, including key national events.

• Provide communications advice and guidance for the Astra Core Team and ensure that all Astra communications adhere to RAF branding regulations as determined by RAF Media & Communications.

• Develop Astra’s online presence, including the use of social media as directed by RAF Media & Communications providing guidance and advice on the safe use of social media to the Astra Core Team.

• Create supporting measures and tools to help develop strategic capability across all communications roles, including channel mapping and user journey mapping.

• Build relationships with the delivery network seeking personnel with appropriate roles, experience and expertise to support delivery of messaging.

c. Additional Core Astra Team Delivery

• Participate on the Astra Funding, Astra Den and Astra Challenge boards, applying specialist knowledge and perspective to the examination of proposals received from the Whole Force.

• Provide direction and guidance on the use of the Astra Engagements budget, including the ordering and distribution of appropriate Astra promotional products.

• Deliver Astra presentations to the RAF Whole Force, and other audiences, using appropriate media and communications formats, including face-to-face engagements and virtual presentations.

SKILLS

The following Civil Service Success Profiles are essential to the role at MOD C2 level:

Technical: Additionally, the post holder should be able to demonstrate technical abilities in line with the GCS Professional Competency framework at Level 3 (SIO):

• Insight: Core Work with Astra Core Team colleagues in a timely way to examine and define campaign issues to be supported.

• Ideas: Core Design integrated communication strategies and examine fit with existing plans outside of the Astra Core Team.

• Implementation: Core Demonstrate strong written communication skills. Provide advice and guidance to colleagues on writing clearly for target audiences.

• Impact: Core Define clear metrics that relate to measurable communication and policy/ business outcomes.

Technical skills will be assessed through application and interview. Behaviours will be assessed through interview.

EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Developing and delivering effective communications and engagements strategies for delivery through multi-disciplinary teams.

• Writing scripts, reports and press releases tailored to different audiences.

• Developing material for internal and external platforms including digital and social media.

Desirable

• Understanding of the Government Communications Service operating models and principles.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Working Together
• Changing and Improving
• Communicating and Influencing
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Delivering at Pace
• Leadership

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Applicant should be able to demonstrate technical abilities in line with the GCS Professional Competency framework at Level 3 (SIO). Further details can be found here: https://gcs.civilservice.gov.uk/publications/competency-framework/#Introduction