---

Job description

The postholder will be a senior leader within the Office of the Chief Executive, responsible for setting the strategic vision and leading the transformation of the Public Health Agency’s digital communications and publishing function . Operating with a high degree of autonomy, whilst at all times demonstrating alignment to the Government Communication Service professional competencies framework, they will design and deliver integrated digital strategies that modernise the organisation’s digital presence, enhance stakeholder engagement, and support public health objectives across Northern Ireland. This role carries significant responsibility for strategic decision-making and financial stewardship, including oversight of significant budgets, procurement of digital platforms and publishing services, and ensuring robust governance and value-for-money delivery. The postholder will act as the organisation’s lead authority on digital.

Responsibilities

• As a senior member of the Directorate the post holder will be responsible for the strategic direction for PHA digital communications and publishing, aligning with corporate priorities and national standards.
• Act as the senior advisor on digital communications and publishing strategy, governance, and risk management to the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership.
• Identify and respond to emerging public health challenges, acting as the digital communications lead for crisis and emergency response situations advising senior leadership on digital communication implications.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• University degree or recognised professional qualification or equivalent in a related subject such as Digital Media and Communications, Digital Marketing, Publishing journalism or a related field and at least 3 years management experience.
• Senior level digital communications leadership which includes providing strategic level guidance and advice to senior staff.
• OR Have at least 5 years management experience working in senior level digital communications leadership which includes providing strategic level guidance and advice to senior staff.
• Proven experience and skills in leading on proactive digital communication strategies and assets in relation to high profile and complex projects.
• Experience of facilitating and managing change, in a busy Communications team.
• Experience of managing budgets and procuring digital communications services including development of business cases, within a Communications team.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience of staff management and development.
• Have worked with a diverse range of stakeholders, both internal and external to the organisation, to achieve successful outcomes, including contract management for external agencies and digital providers.
• Access to a form of transport which will enable the postholder to undertake travel across Northern Ireland on a regular basis and in a timely manner which will enable them to undertake the duties of the post in full.

Desirable Skills

• Post Graduate qualification to Masters level in an area related to Digital Communications.
• Membership of a professional communications media or PR body institute forum.

Further Information

Job location: PHA HQ Belfast