Head of Digital Communications

Job summary

About the Role:

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.

Job description

As our Head of Digital Communications, you will lead the development and delivery of COPFS’s 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 COPFS’s 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 COPFS’s 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

Person specification

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.

Qualifications

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

Behaviours

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