Skip to main content

This job has expired

Head of Design and Publishing

Employer
National Audit Office
Location
London (Central), London (Greater)
Salary
£68,303.00 - £77,274.00
Closing date
28 Nov 2021

Job description We are looking for an experienced creative and strategic individual to become the head of design and publishing for the National Audit Office.

Main purpose of the role

-The head of design and publishing is responsible for overseeing the publication of the NAO’s diverse programme of work for its external audiences. They are responsible for ensuring the clear, accurate, accessible, and engaging visual communication of the NAO’s insight and recommendations to help Parliament and audited bodies improve the UK’s public services.

-The role manages an in-house team of team leaders, graphic designers and publishing staff to produce a large volume of physical and digital products for internal and external use. The role is also responsible for engaging with internal clients to provide an excellent customer experience and for modernising the function to keep pace with developments in the design and digital communications landscape.

-Reporting to the director of communications, the head of design & publishing will be a key member of the communications leadership team consisting of the director and two other heads of function (covering external and internal communications). Responsibilities This role includes the following main areas of responsibility:

Creative direction

-Leading a team of approximately 10 people to provide a high-quality, efficient design and publishing service for the NAO.
-Creative leadership of the design function to inspire and drive novel and visually effective ways to meet the NAO’s communication needs, within tight budgets.
Ensure the NAO’s work is presented to high accessibility standards to suit a wide range of stakeholders, being particularly mindful to the presentation of complex information and data.
-Guardianship of the NAO’s visual brand, ensuring that all in-house, outsourced and staff-produced products uphold the NAOs brand guidelines and meet our quality standards.

Operational management

-Oversee delivery of external publications for the NAO’s intensive work programme of over 100 publications per year as well as digital assets for its website and social media platforms, and internal design products.
-With the support of two team leaders , oversee the operational management of the graphic design, quality control, proofreading, publishing, printing and laying functions, including interactions with the relevant offices in Parliament.
-Manage the design and publishing budget, supplier contracts, staff resourcing and recruitment. Ensuring the team is well resourced and its workload does not exceed its capacity limits.

Client engagement

-Provide an exceptional customer experience for internal clients, supporting them with expert design advice, easy-to-use publishing guidance, reliable delivery of their products while managing their expectations and communicating regularly.
-Develop deep working relationships with internal and external communications colleagues to jointly deliver integrated campaigns.
-Build relationships with the Executive Team, Directorate, audit practice community and other internal stakeholders to influence and support them with their design needs and provide expert counsel.

Function development
-Develop the team’s design capability, by improving skills and using new tools to create improved products, in particular data visualisation, animation and videography for the digital landscape.
-Help the team capture and use insight, data and best practice to understand our impact and inform future approaches.
-Improve the operational efficiency of the function by implementing better working processes, in particular around work allocation, commissioning processes, resourcing models and outsourcing.
-Improve the overall customer service experience for internal stakeholders, including developing an accessible product catalogue, clearer guidance for clients, and better critical review processes involving evaluation metrics.
-Advise on the use of the NAO’s digital platforms and in particular shape the redevelopment of the NAO website to ensure the NAO takes full advantage of modern digital publishing practices.

Team Leadership
-Line management of two direct reports. Develop and support individuals within the team and mentor them in their career ambitions. Support knowledge sharing across the team.
-Ensures a holistic and full-service approach to our communications by fostering a collaborative dynamic between design and publishing and the wider comms functions.
-Support the delivery of the communications strategy, including the effective management of relationships with internal stakeholders.
-Support the director of communications to lead and develop the senior management team and whole staff cadre. Role model the NAO values and behaviours. Skills required Essential

Creative communications
-Proven experience of leading design teams in an agency or in-house environment.
-Demonstrable experience in generating creative ideas and seeing them through to delivery.
-Creative, visually articulate and able to translate dense and complex content and data into accessible and engaging products.
-Experience in producing corporate reports for print and digital, social media and web assets, videography, and animation.
-Ability to direct and control artistic direction of team and ensure adherence to brand guidelines and design best practice to produce high quality results.
-Up to date knowledge of latest design trends, developments and industry best practice and accessibility standards.
-Good working knowledge of key design software such as adobe creative suite, after effects, premier pro, and working with Microsoft Office and Microsoft Teams.

Leading and communicating
-A strategic mindset and ability to set out a vision for how design and publishing, and communications as a whole, can best serve the NAO’s mission.
-A strong leader, able to support, nurture and empower their team to deliver excellent results.
-Excellent client engagement skills and the ability to understand and deliver on customer needs.
-Is responsive and agile in meeting demands and can deal with multiple priorities, ensuring plans are delivered on time and to budget.
-A track record of improving productivity and working practices to improve team efficiency. Demonstrates a continuous improvement approach to their work.
-Identifies risks and opportunities that impact service delivery and escalates as appropriate.
-Role models inclusive behaviours in line with the NAO values (We act with courage and integrity; We are inclusive and respectful; We are curious and seek to learn; We strive for excellence)

Desirable
-Experience of developing corporate brand and visual identity
-Experience of working on website or intranet redesigns
-Experience of working on recruitment marketing campaigns
-Knowledge of Parliament, government or audit sector, and how the NAO fits in to and supports this system
-Strong project management skills

Selection process
Stage 1 – Candidates apply with CV and covering letter by closing date of Sunday 28 November
Stage 2 – Longlisted candidates requested to supply portfolio of work by Monday 6 December
Stage 3 – Shortlisted Candidates invited for interview and presentation between 9 and 15 December

Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalised job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Create alert