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Job description

This is a rare opportunity to join the senior leadership team of one of Northern Ireland's most important public service organisations, helping shape how policing communicates, engages and builds trust with communities across the country. The successful candidate will lead the development of a new Strategic Communications & Engagement Strategy, oversee internal and external communications, manage high-profile stakeholder relationships and play a key role in supporting visible, responsive, community-based policing. As the Director of Strategic Communications and Engagement, you will be responsible for the effective operation of the important communications function and will have a key role in supporting the delivery of visible, accessible, responsive and community based policing. You will lead the development and delivery of a new Strategic Communications and Engagement Strategy, building on established foundations. Open and transparent communications and engagement are critical in building public trust and confidence within our communities and increasing understanding of the vital role that policing plays within society. We are committed to providing accurate information on policing to the public and creating opportunities to listen to their views and to proactively respond to their concerns. The Police Service of Northern Ireland is seeking an innovative communications professional to lead this next phase of development for our Communications and Engagement function. You will have significant experience in providing communications support and advice at both a strategic and operational level. You will command confidence and trust internally and with external stakeholders, particularly with colleagues in press and media. You will support the proactive use of media to provide timely information to the public and partners. You will drive a more planned and proactive approach to communications, ensuring the organisation is well positioned to shape public understanding and confidence. You will also lead internal communications with police officers and staff to support organisational morale and well-being. Internal communications will be a key priority to ensure the workforce is equipped, engaged and empowered to deliver a quality service to the public. All candidates with the experience and attributes outlined are encouraged to apply for a fulfilling professional role as the Director of Strategic Communications and Engagement within the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Full specification available with application pack.

Responsibilities

• The Director of Strategic Communications and Engagement is responsible for overseeing and driving the internal and external communications service provision for the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
• The role holder will be responsible for developing and delivering a refreshed, integrated strategy that builds on existing foundations and sets a clear 3-5 year direction, aligned to policing priorities.
• The role holder will ensure a balanced approach to internal and external communications, lead insight-led messaging and clear organisation narrative, strengthen the PSNI's brand, and provide expert media, public relations and stakeholder engagement.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant area or full membership of a relevant professional body, for example, Chartered Institute of Public Relations,
• And; Minimum of three years' experience in a senior role directly overseeing or supporting the Communications function in a complex and challenging, large organisation. 'Large' is defined as an organisation with more than 300 employees
• OR
• Minimum of five years' experience in a senior role directly overseeing or supporting the Communications function in a complex and challenging, large organisation.
• Evidence of strategy development skills demonstrated through the formulation and delivery of effective communication strategies, procedures and systems.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to clearly communicate complex information in written and oral briefings.
• Demonstrable professional credibility in providing specialist communications and engagement advice to senior management regarding complex and high organisational impact issues.
• Experience of collaborative working at a senior level, both within a large organisation and externally on high profile issues.
• Proven track record of strong leadership, evidenced through leading and motivating a diverse team of communications and engagement professionals to achieve high standards of performance and successful outcomes.
• Other; IT literate specifically in the use of the Microsoft Office suite (including MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Excel and MS Outlook).
• Applicants must have a valid driving licence and a car available for official business use, or access to a form of personal transport that will enable you to meet the requirements of the post in full.

Desirable Skills

• Previous experience at a Director level with responsibility for organisational communication and engagement.
• Shortlisting will be carried out based on essential criteria.
• Please note in some instances, for example, where there is a high volume of applicants, desirable criteria may be assessed.

Further Information

Welcoming Statement The Police Service of Northern Ireland is committed to being representative of the community we serve and welcomes all applicants interested in a career in policing. Application Please submit your completed application and equality monitoring form to VANRATH. Please note that CVs will not be accepted. Any candidate requiring a reasonable adjustment in order to fully participate in the assessment process should provide the associated details within their application form. The deadline for receipt of completed applications is Tuesday 26th May 2026 at 15:00. It should be noted that VANRATH will review application forms on behalf of the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Candidates who meet the essential/desirable criteria will be invited to a short preliminary interview with VANRATH, the outcome of which will inform the final shortlisting decisions. The successful candidate will be issued with a provisional offer of appointment, subject to successfully completing all of the following pre-employment checks: - Vetting - Health Assessment - Substance Misuse Test - Online Learning Further information regarding these stages is available via our recruitment website: joinpsni.co.uk This is a permanent appointment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake a probationary period of 12 months. Vetting Appointment will be dependent on the individual satisfying the vetting requirements for the post which will vary according to the work area appointed to. Please note that for all appointments there is a minimum requirement to have a three year checkable history immediately preceding the submission of a vetting questionnaire. Salary The Director of Strategic Communications and Engagement is paid against NICS Grade 5 salary banding: £88,268 - £97,070 (under review) £1,422 environmental allowance. Pension At point of joining, all police staff are automatically enrolled into the Northern Ireland Civil Service Pension Scheme (ALPHA) which is a voluntary contributory pension scheme. If you have a pension fund with another scheme, you may be able to bring these funds into your NICS pension. Full details will be provided to successful candidates. Working Hours The normal working hours for this position are 37 working hours per week (42 hours gross) on a Monday - Friday pattern, with a requirement to work outside office hours when necessary to fulfil the requirements of the role. Holiday Entitlement The Director of Strategic Communications and Engagement is entitled to 30 days' annual leave on entry to the organisation, plus 12 public and privilege holidays. To request an application and candidate information pack, please email sdcapplications@vanrath.com