About the job

Job summary

At GCHQ, we unlock the complex world of data and communications to keep the UK and its citizens safe, both in the real world and online. Working closely with our British Intelligence partners in MI5 and MI6, we protect the UK from threats including serious organised crime, terrorism, and cyber-attacks. A role in GCHQ means you’ll have varied and fascinating work in a supportive and encouraging environment that puts the emphasis on teamwork.  

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of GCHQ, is the UK Government’s lead authority on cyber security. The organisation is at the heart of the Government’s cyber security strategy and has the aim of making the UK the safest place to live and work online.    

As Campaigns Manager for the NCSC, you will support the strategy, planning, implementation and evaluation for all our campaign work. This includes the development and delivery of a single cross-government campaigning effort to drive up the cyber resilience of citizens and businesses. Whether it’s working with influencers or striking up new partnerships with retail or tech firms, this role will provide a real opportunity for creativity, innovation and collaboration. You will need to set your creative mind to work on finding new ways to engage audiences on cyber security.  

Job description

What will the successful candidate be doing? 

• Campaign planning:   

Support the development of comprehensive campaigns strategies aligned with cross-government priorities and communication objectives.   

Ensure campaign strategies are underpinned by research and ensure evidence-based decision-making.   

Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to align campaigns with broader government initiatives.    

• Budget management:   

Develop and manage campaign budgets, ensuring value for money and effective use of resources.   

Monitor expenditures, identify variances, and work with the finance team to provide regular updates on campaign spend.   

• Project management: 

Create and maintain detailed project timelines.   

Monitor progress against milestones, adjusting plans as needed to ensure timely delivery.   

• Message development:   

Work closely with creative agencies to craft compelling, accurate, and accessible messages that resonate with diverse audiences.   

Ensure consistency of messaging across various communication channels and platforms.   

Reviewing campaign materials, including working with internal stakeholders to ensure their technical accuracy.   

• Collaboration   

Work with colleagues across the digital content, media, guidance and events teams to ensure a joined-up approach to campaigns.   

Working closely with colleagues across government to coordinate campaigns activity.   

Collaborate with other government departments, agencies, and external partners to leverage resources and maximise the reach of campaigns.   

• Continuous improvement:   

Work with the insight team and external research agency to ensure campaigns are measurable.   

Stay updated on industry best practices and share knowledge within the team.  

Person specification

The successful applicant will need to have: 

• The successful candidate will need to build effective relationships and work as part of a virtual campaign team with colleagues from across government including the Home Office, Cabinet Office and DSIT (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) to deliver effective campaigns which drive real behaviour change.    
• You will work with a range of internal stakeholders to ensure campaigns reflect NCSC technical expertise and the latest threat picture. You will also play a key role in driving low/no cost activity through social media, PR and partners to help support marketing activity.    
• You will work with the Head of Campaigns to help extend the reach and resonance of communications activity through partner engagement. You will be able to identify credible partners and provide marketing support to leverage campaign amplification.    
• You will be part of the wider NCSC communications team and will work with colleagues across digital, media, advice and guidance, strategic planning and internal communications to share insight, ensure campaign activity is joined up and that messaging is consistent.    
• The successful candidate will have strong creative and project management skills, the ability to manage competing demands, and to advise the senior team and stakeholders across government on high-profile issues.   

GCHQ Competencies 

The NCSC will assess you against competencies used by the UK Intelligence Community. These competencies are based closely on the Civil Service Behaviours. The Level 3 competencies you’ll assessed against are: 

• Seeing the Big Picture (Civil Service Behaviour Equivalent: Seeing the Big Picture) 
• Driving Innovation and Change (Civil Service Behaviour Equivalent: Changing and Improving) 
• Communicating and Influencing (Civil Service Behaviour Equivalent: Communicating and Influencing) 
• Working Collaboratively (Civil Service Behaviour Equivalent: Working Together) 

Further information on Civil Service Behaviours 

Benefits

At NCSC and GCHQ, we are proud of our inclusive and supportive working environment that’s designed to encourage open minds and attitudes.  As an organisation that values and nurtures talent, we are committed to helping you fulfil your potential.  With comprehensive training and development opportunities, tailored to your needs and the requirements of your work, we will enable you to flourish in your role and perform to the very best of your abilities. 

You’ll receive a starting salary of £41935. 

For roles based in London, you’ll receive an additional £6,250 London Allowance.  

Other benefits: 

• 25 Days Annual Leave automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years' service, and an additional 10.5 days public and privilege holidays 
• An environment with flexible working options 
• Opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme. 
• Interest-free season ticket loan 
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Facilities such as a gym, restaurant and on-site coffee bars (at some locations) 
• Paid parental and adoption leave. 
• Excellent pension scheme - Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27% 

Equal Opportunities 

At GCHQ diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. To protect the UK, we need a truly diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve. This includes diversity in every sense of the word: those with different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ways of thinking and those with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including those from groups that are under-represented in our workforce such as women, those from an ethnic minority background, people with disabilities and those from low socio-economic backgrounds. 

Find out more about our culture, working environment and diversity on our website: 

Disability Confident 

GCHQ are proud to have achieved Leader status within the DWP’s Disability Confident scheme.  This is aimed at encouraging employers to think differently about disability and take action to improve how they recruit, retain and develop disabled people.  Being Disability Confident, we aim to offer a person-to-person interview to any candidate who self-identifies as disabled and meets the essential criteria for the role.  This is our ‘Offer of Interview’ (OOI). To secure an interview for this vacancy, the essential criteria (in order of application process) are: 

• Demonstratable previous experience in a marketing or communications role.  

Things you need to know

Selection process details

What to Expect:

Our recruitment process is fair, transparent, and based on merit. Here is a brief overview of each stage, in order: 

• Online Application – evidence against competencies required. 
• Application sift – looking at your previous experience and motivation for the role and the organisation. 
• Interview 
• If successful, you’ll receive a conditional offer of employment. 

Please note, you must successfully pass each stage of the process to progress to the next. Your application may take around 6 - 9 months to process including clearance, so we advise you to continue any current employment until you have received your final job offer 

Before You Apply 

To work at GCHQ, you need to be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. You can read our full eligibility criteria here.  

This role requires the highest security clearance, known as Developed Vetting (DV). It’s something everyone in the UK Intelligence Community undertakes. You can find out more about the vetting process here. 

Please note we have a strict drugs policy, so once you start your application, you can’t take any recreational drugs and you’ll need to declare your previous drug usage at the relevant stage. 

The role is based in either London, Manchester or Cheltenham, so you’ll need to live within a commutable distance. Please consider any financial implications and practicalities before submitting an application, as we do not offer relocation costs. 

Please note, you should only launch your application from within the UK. If you are based overseas, you should wait until you visit the UK to launch an application. Applying from outside the UK will impact on our ability to progress your application. You should not discuss your application, other than with your partner or a close family member. 

The closing date for this role is: 20/02/2024 at 2355hrs  

Right to Withdraw Statement:  

Please be aware that we withhold the right to bring forward the closing date for this role from the original closing date once a certain number of applications have been received. Please be mindful of this and submit your application at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment. 

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.