AMS PSR

On behalf of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) we are looking for a for a Strategic Communications Officer for a contract to September 2026 based in London (2 days from London, remainder remote/WFH)

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) priorities include improving public safety and reducing reoffending by reforming prisons, probation and youth justice, and building a justice system which makes access to justice swifter and more certain for all citizens whatever their background. Project professionals in the MoJ help to improve the government’s ability to protect the public and reduce reoffending, and to provide a more effective, transparent, and responsive criminal justice system for victims and the public. 

About the Role

We’re seeking a talented Strategic Communications professional to help us tell our story, strengthen our reputation, and connect meaningfully with our audiences.

As an independent public body, the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) is responsible for designing, planning, and delivering recruitment campaigns to select judges for courts and tribunals—up to and including the High Court—as well as non-legal tribunal members. You can learn more about our work and impact on our website.

With new recruitment campaigns launching every few weeks, our mission is to ensure that every appointment is made on merit, through fair and open competition. It’s crucial that our processes are robust, inclusive, and appealing to candidates from the widest possible backgrounds—and that our audiences and stakeholders understand and trust our commitment to building a diverse judiciary that reflects the society it serves.

As a Strategic Communications Officer, your key responsibilities will be:

• Leading the delivery and evaluation of the JAC Communications and Engagement Strategy, ensuring activities align with organisational priorities.
• Providing strategic communications advice to the Chair, Commissioners, and Senior Leadership Team on both internal and external issues.
• Leading key strategic projects, including the Annual Report and the rollout of the Judicial Skills and Abilities Framework.
• Managing relationships with a range of high-profile external stakeholders, tailoring communications and ensuring clarity, accuracy, and consistency.
• Working collaboratively with engagement, policy, and operational colleagues to design and implement effective communications plans, including audience targeting, messaging, channel selection, and evaluation.
• Overseeing media relations in partnership with the JAC’s external communications adviser, including the preparation of press materials and responses to media enquiries.
• Creating impactful digital content for a range of channels, including news items, press releases, and social media content (particularly for X and LinkedIn).
• Leading the development of internal communications, promoting transparency, collaboration, and alignment with JAC values.
• Line managing two Strategic Communications Managers (HEO), supporting their professional development and delivery.

Note: The duties described reflect the role as currently defined but are not exhaustive. The postholder may be asked to undertake additional, similar tasks as required.

Essential Criteria

• Proven experience providing strategic communications advice within an organisation, ideally at senior leadership or board level.
• Strong understanding of the modern communications landscape, including experience using a variety of tools, channels, and evaluation methods.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and engage a wide range of internal and external audiences.
• Experience managing the complex needs of senior stakeholders and working within a specialist or regulated environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality briefings and content for senior leaders.
• Experience managing and motivating a team to deliver effective communications activities.
• Strong digital communications expertise, including social media management and web content editing (desirable)

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident 

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, MOJ guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group.

This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant

MOJ guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following, this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different.