WILTSHIRE POLICE
Job Description
Post Title: Digital Communications Manager
Department: Corporate Communications
Post Number:
Work Location: Headquarters, Devizes
Grade: W10
Security Vetting Level: SC
Responsible to: Head of Corporate
Communications
Date: September 2014
Reporting Structure:
Head of
Communications
& Engagement
Head of Media
Digital
Communications
Manager
Communications
Supervisor
Communications
Officer - Digital
Visual
Communications
Officer
EComms
Technician
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Digital Communications Manager
Job Purpose
To research, develop, design and maintain digital communication channels for Wiltshire Police and
the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and to provide effective internal and
external websites and services, including the management and further development of digital
channels, capability, content and design. In addition, the post holder will also be responsible for
ensuring that secure digital channels are made more accessible such that traffic via these means is
increased with the overall aim of enhancing our digital offering with a clear focus on delivering a firstrate online service for the customer.
Main Responsibilities
1. Research and develop a clear and progressive Digital Engagement Strategy for the
Force and the OPCC which clearly lays out the plans for digital development based upon
thorough research, costing and best practice, and which builds upon and embraces current
and future technological advancements.
2. Devise and direct the development of a tactical delivery plan that includes the delivery of
specific proactive and reactive digital communications and ensures that implementation
delivers consistent, coordinated corporate messages to staff, stakeholders and the public.
3. Provide strategic advice about digital communications issues and methods relating to
operational policing matters, major and critical incidents, organisational change, public
engagement, employee engagement and the Force and OPCC objectives and goals
4. Influence, relationship building and collaboration by proactively building relationships
with senior managers and other key stakeholders, both internally and externally, to influence
and deliver key Force and OPCC initiatives and projects within a digital environment.
5. Ensure knowledge and understanding of the various Force and OPCC business areas,
their purpose and how they interact. Establish and maintain relationships with other senior
digital communications professionals in partner agencies to develop collaborative
opportunities at a local and regional level such to ensure that we are at the cutting edge of
digital advancements.
6. Develop our digital strategy with partners on behalf of the Force/OPCC, specifically in
relation to web based applications such as Community Messaging and ecommerce
opportunities
7. To support the head of corporate communications in delivering a planned, consistent
and corporate approach in relation to external public relations and marketing activity via
digital channels, working with partner agencies.
8. Explore, manage and effectively use digital channels of communication to suit
individual/tailored circumstances or project needs, including digital and social media
applications, Community Messaging and the internet and intranet by using up to date
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Programming. Authoring software that develops and maintains digital website support for
partnership websites, such as SPLASH, Wiltshire Police Band etc. working closely with
partner agencies.
9. Use digital identification/research/consultation tools to pinpoint target audiences to
secure optimum promulgation of messages through channels such as Community
Messaging and social media for events, operations and planned campaigns.
10. Staff management and development – to manage, supervise and develop the digital
communications team, providing professional advice, support and direction. Co-ordinate and
supervise their work to ensure the tactical delivery of both internal and external digital
communications activity is in line with the departmental plan and Force and OPCC priorities.
Dimensions
Financial

Management of a Community Messaging budget
Non-Financial
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
Some weekend working may be required
May be required to occasionally work on call
Must be prepared to travel to other working locations
The role will make decisions on a daily basis about the need to respond directly to members
of the public who have engaged with the organisation via digital media channels.
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Person Specification
Digital Communications Manager
Attributes
Qualifications:
Experience:
Skills:
On Appointment
Criteria
ITIL qualification / experience ( risk management, change
control, design and technical documentation)
Qualification in digital communications, digital media or relevant
equivalent experience.
Desirable
Corporate social media experience (policy, procedure and
etiquette)
Proven experience in Web technology including authoring,
designing and maintenance and web content management
techniques.
Experience of working within a Technical environment
Experience of working in an Internet service provision
environment.
Experience of dealing with critical incidents and issues
Experience of stakeholder management
Demonstrable ability to provide excellent leadership and
effectively manage teams.
Experience in the supervision of staff.
Essential
Competent in the use of Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel
High degree of IT literacy – using social networking and website
methods of communication, FrontPage and Dreamweaver,
SharePoint Portal Server and Commerce Server
Excellent communication skills - spoken and written
Personal self-assurance/confidence dealing with people at all
levels
Presentation skills for briefings and meetings – internal and
external
Good creative writing and design skills
Ability to work to tight deadlines
Ability to work flexibly and independently with a minimum degree
of supervision
Must be resourceful, creative, diplomatic and have integrity
Ability to remain calm and composed in any potentially stressful
or highly pressurised situations
Excellent planning and organisation skills with the ability to
manage several projects and conflicting timescales
Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times
Capacity to work with staff at all levels within our own
organisation and with partners using appropriate tact and
diplomacy
Ability to transfer own skills to others and help others learning
Desirable
Essential
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Essential
Essential
Essential
Essential
Desirable
Essential
Essential
Essential
Essential
Essential
Essential
Essential
Essential
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Essential
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Essential
Essential
Knowledge:
Project and change management skills
Experience of performance management and improvement
through effective team management.
Ability to influence people and situations
High degree of problem solving ability
Sound knowledge and hands-on ability of Web authoring
packages, editing software and strong programming ability. e.g.
HTML, JavaScript, VBScript, ASP, Database Development, CSS,
DHTML, SQL, Flash / FlashAction Script and Web Content
Management packages.
Awareness of the issues surrounding Web Security
Knowledge of working on Internal Intranets.
Relational database management and data import/export
experience
Accessibility (W3c, HTML and CSS)
EU cookie law
Security (SSL, data protection)
Experience of windows and Linux
Good understanding of current and evolving IST methodologies
and development tools at a high level and their use.
Understanding of the context and issues surrounding the Police
Service nationally and locally and their impact on performance
management issues.
General awareness of equality and diversity issues in the
working environment
Awareness of workplace health & safety issues
Understanding of confidentiality and Data Protection/Freedom of
Information issues
Attributes
Desirable
Desirable
Desirable
Essential
Desirable
Essential
Essential
Desirable
Essential
Essential
Essential
Desirable
Essential
Desirable
Essential
Desirable
Essential
After Training
Qualifications:
Experience:
Skills:
Ability to develop and adapt to changing working practices in order to meet
the demands of Wiltshire Police and the OPCC, new legislation or new
policies introduced within the Force
Knowledge:
Understanding of your responsibility under Equal Opportunities and the way
in which your role and the organisation may impact on minority and more
vulnerable communities within Wiltshire
Greater understanding of relevant health & safety issues within your working
environment
Understanding of the impact of the Human Rights Act on the organisation
and the role that you undertake
Greater understanding of Data Protection and Freedom of Information issues
within your working environment
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Other Information
Digital Communications Manager
Wiltshire Police provides a 24 hour 7 day a week service therefore applicants should be prepared to
be flexible in their approach to working hours.
The post holder should have access to a vehicle or be able to make alternative arrangements to
meet the requirements of the post.
Where applicable the post holder will be expected to wear a uniform at all times when on duty.
You will be required to attend all necessary and relevant training courses in respect of your
employment to ensure compliance with the policies of the Force.
Wiltshire Police is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young
people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
MoPI (Management of Police Information);
Ensure staff are trained in and recognise the importance of managing information according to legal
requirements, quality standards and force procedures.
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