Director of Communications

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

London

  • Location London
  • Sector Central Government
  • Client Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
  • Job Type Permanent
  • Salary/Remuneration £98,000 - £168,200
  • Reference GSe123581
  • Closing Date Wednesday 2nd July 2025 - 23:55

Watch this video to hear directly from Jonathan Mills, Director General for Energy, Markets and Supply about why this is one of the most exciting communications jobs in government.  

Are you ready to shape the story of UK Government?

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) is leading the government’s mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower by 2030. We are a supported by 15 agencies and public bodies and 4,500 staff based across the UK. Our work will ensure clean energy for all, keep bills down and seize the opportunities to lead the world in new green industries, taking back control of our energy with Great British Energy and encouraging greater energy efficiency across the UK.

The role

Communications has a critical role to play in engaging the public to understand this work, building trust including through partnerships and communications, and changing behaviour through targeted campaigns. The work we do in the Department has never been more urgent, and by joining us you will be part of making a real difference.

This role is multi-faceted and will be the lead adviser to Ministers and the Department on all aspects of internal and external communications activities, providing high quality professional advice, communications expertise and judgement to help deliver the Department’s key business priorities in the UK and internationally.

You will work with the Department to develop a forward-thinking communications strategy able to communicate with citizens about how they can take advantage of the opportunities of the clean energy transition, with particular focus on the Government’s key target audiences. Crucially, as a Department dealing with one of the most polarising issues of our time, you will have a key role to play in dealing with misinformation, particularly in digital media, and in aligning the whole organisation behind our purpose. 

As lead Director of Communications for the Mission Communications Strategy, you will also need to work effectively in partnership with our key partner Departments, the Government Communications Service and No 10, to ensure coherent alignment of messaging across government.

About you

We are looking for a leading communications professional who can bring a broad range of communication skills and dynamic leadership - across media relations, reputation management, digital media, corporate and internal communications.

To be successful in this role, you will need to be an inspirational leader who can align an organisation behind a purpose, possessing an ability to rapidly address challenging emerging issues. You will also have a track record of creating an inclusive environment and developing a high-performing diverse team where all staff can progress and develop.  

You will have highly developed interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to establish credibility quickly with a diverse network of stakeholders up to Board and Ministerial (or equivalent) level.

Your talented team of c.80 will look to you for inspiring and inclusive leadership across a broad portfolio, and you will need to bring vision, innovation and a strong focus on value for money in communications delivery.

Our work is varied, interesting, and most importantly it's impactful. Our DESNZ Values are interwoven into everything we do; we are bold, we are collaborative, we are inclusive, and we learn.

As a Department we are committed to these values to build a culture where everyone can thrive.

If we are to succeed, bold communication is fundamental.

We are at a point of significant transformational change, making this one of the most exciting times to join the Department; if you are passionate about making a sustainable and positive impact to people’s lives, we’d love to hear from you. 

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. 

Application:

For more information or for an informal discussion about the role please contact our advising executive search consultants, GatenbySanderson:

Russell Brandon, Researcher

Russell.Brandon@gatenbysanderson.com

To apply for this post, you will need to complete the online application process no later than Wednesday 2nd July 23:55

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans

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Contacts

Russell Brandon: 01962 864124

Continue to full details and apply

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