Communications Manager

Communications Manager (2 Vacancies) – Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)

Salary: £36,734 – £40,344 per annum
Location: Richmond (Greater London) or Manchester, England
Contract: Fixed-term (2 years), Loan or Secondment
Working Pattern: Full-time, Flexible Working or Job Share
Job Grade: Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Vacancies: 2
Reference: 489140
Closing Date: 18 November 2026 at 11:55 pm
Visa Sponsorship: Not stated in the job advert.

Job Overview

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is recruiting two Communications Managers to join its Communications team.

This is an opportunity for creative, proactive and results-driven communications professionals to support the delivery of high-profile campaigns, media activities and engaging digital content.

You will help communicate the department’s work and promote growth and opportunities across DCMS sectors. The role involves developing audience-focused campaigns, identifying public relations opportunities, creating digital content and building effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

The successful candidates will work in a fast-paced and collaborative environment, contributing fresh ideas and delivering communications that reach audiences across the UK.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the design and delivery of paid-for and low-cost communications campaigns.
• Develop engaging news stories, digital content and audience-focused communications.
• Identify public relations opportunities and contribute innovative campaign ideas.
• Build effective relationships with colleagues, including ministerial teams, journalists and external stakeholders.
• Handle media enquiries and draft accurate responses.
• Write press releases, statements, lines to take and social media content.
• Create, edit and publish content across websites and social media platforms.
• Tailor communications for different audiences and digital channels.
• Use data and analytics tools to monitor content performance and engagement.
• Manage multiple projects and competing priorities while delivering work at pace.

Essential Requirements

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Experience supporting paid-for and low-cost communications campaigns.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Excellent writing skills, including experience producing press releases, statements and social media content.
• Experience handling media enquiries and building relationships with journalists.
• Experience creating and publishing digital content across websites and social media.
• Knowledge of using data and analytics tools to monitor digital performance.

Desirable Skills

• Awareness of the Government Communication Service (GCS) communications professional assurance process.
• Experience working within or alongside DCMS sectors.
• Experience managing agency contracts and working with external suppliers on campaign delivery.

Information Session

Prospective applicants can attend an online information session to learn more about the position, the team and the wider department.

Date: 12 November 2026
Time: 11:00 am
Host: Holly Dunkley

Interested applicants should register through the Information Session Registration Form.

Invitations will be sent after the registration deadline. Please note that the session will not be recorded and will not cover the DCMS recruitment process.

Behaviours and Technical Skills

The selection process will assess the following Civil Service behaviours:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace

Candidates will also be assessed on government communications technical skills covering:

• Insight
• Ideas
• Implementation
• Impact

Salary and Benefits

The successful candidates will receive a salary of £36,734 – £40,344 per annum, alongside a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
• 26.5 days of annual leave, increasing to 31.5 days after five years of service.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Three days of paid volunteering leave.
• Maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
• Employee discounts through the Edenred benefits system.
• Occupational sick pay.
• Employee Assistance Programme with confidential support.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Season ticket loans and cycle-to-work scheme.
• Staff reward and recognition bonuses.

Application Process

Applications will be assessed using the Civil Service Success Profiles framework, focusing on experience, behaviours and technical skills.

Applicants must submit:

1. CV

A CV outlining career history, relevant responsibilities and achievements. It must not exceed two A4 pages and should be entered in the Job History section of the Civil Service application form.

2. Statement of Suitability

A statement of no more than 750 words explaining how your skills, qualities and experience meet the essential requirements of the position.

Applicants may also address the desirable criteria, although these will not normally be assessed unless there is a high number and calibre of applications.

If there is a large number of applications, an initial sift may be conducted using the Statement of Suitability.

Interview: Successful shortlisted candidates will attend a remote interview via Microsoft Teams.

The interview will assess the specified Civil Service behaviours and technical communications skills. Candidates will also be required to deliver a presentation, with further details provided before the interview.

Additional Information

• Successful candidates must undergo a basic criminal record check.
• Counter-Terrorist Check (CTC) security clearance is required.
• Applicants must meet the Civil Service nationality and right-to-work requirements.
• A reserve list may be held for 12 months.
• Reasonable adjustments are available for candidates who require support during the recruitment process.

How to Apply

Interested and eligible candidates should submit their CV and Statement of Suitability through the official Civil Service Jobs website before the closing date.

Closing Date: 18 November 2026 at 11:55 pm.

Job Contact: Holly Dunkley
Email: holly.dunkley@dcms.gov.uk

Recruitment Enquiries: dcmsrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk