Head Of Communications

Summary:

We are looking for a new Head of Communications to lead our small and busy communications team. Communications has a key role to play at RSH and in our regulation of the sector. You will be joining us at an exciting time as we grow and change to take on additional powers and responsibilities, which will help us drive improvement in social housing landlords.

Job Description:

You will lead our communications team to operate strategically, manage risks, and support our regulation. This includes providing credible and strategic internal and external communications advice at all levels within RSH, including to the Chief Executive and Chair, based on your strong understanding of the media and stakeholder landscape.

You will embed a modern, professional approach to communications within the team and across RSH, including effective planning and evaluation. You will also be responsible for further developing our internal communications approach so that it supports our increased size and the broader remit given by the Social Housing Regulation Act.

You will motivate and develop the communications team so that it continues to deliver effectively in line with the RSH culture and values.

Responsibilities:

This role requires a strong and effective team player who can lead the full range of Communications disciplines effectively, including internal communications, media relations, digital communications, branding, publications, and events. You will need to have proven media handling and crisis communications experience, and be able to identify and manage communications risks effectively.

You will have well developed influencing and leadership skills and be able to work confidently and collaboratively under pressure and in a changing environment. Ideally, you will bring previous experience of working in a regulatory or public policy environment, but regardless of your background, you will need political awareness and to be able to understand complex ideas quickly so that you can explain them clearly to a wide range of stakeholders and audiences.

General Information:

Why work at RSH?

At RSH, we offer a range of excellent benefits including a 35 hour working week, 33 days annual leave and access to the Civil Service Pension Scheme.

Our staff survey results consistently show that most staff think that the best thing about working at the RSH is the flexible and hybrid working and family friendly policies that support work life balance. 

We also offer access to our staff discount scheme, cycle to work scheme, a Nuffield Health Screening; and a range of other well-being focussed benefits.  Full information on this and our other fantastic benefits is available on our website.

Location

We operate a hybrid model of working with a mix of office and home working.

This role can be based out of any of RSH’s core offices in Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and Bristol. We offer a range of flexible working arrangements and staff can benefit from working from home for part of their hours. Most roles involve some travel within England between our offices, with some roles also involving onsite visits to social housing providers.
 

Interviews

Interviews are expected to take place on 21st and 22nd March and will be held via Microsoft Teams.

Benefits and Salary

At RSH, we offer a competitive salary and a range of excellent benefits; full information is available on our website.

The salary for this role is a spot salary within the given range, which will normally be the minimum of the range. There is no incremental progression through a pay scale. Annual salary reviews are determined by the government pay award. In addition, when the probation period is successfully completed, a performance related bonus may be awarded, based on appraisal ratings at the end of the qualifying appraisal year.

Things you need to know

Application process

For more information on the role, please see the attached Role Profile.

To apply, please complete the online application form on the RSH careers site detailing your experience. We will also ask you to provide a supporting statement, detailing how you meet the criteria of the role, which will be used in assessing your application. Guidance on the application process is available on our website.

We carry out anonymous shortlisting as part of our commitment to Equality and Diversity and ensuring a fair and consistent approach to recruitment.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and guarantee an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, as part of this commitment. 

We encourage applications from all sections of the community, irrespective of background, belief or identity, recognising the benefits of a diverse organisation.