Dstl has a strong brand and we continue to deliver compelling digital first communications for the Government agency that provides the science inside UK Defence and Security.

A key strand in that strategy is sharing examples of Dstl’s collaboration and impact with our people and key stakeholders, as well as sharing our exciting stories with the nation and beyond.

We are looking for a digital-first video and photography expert whose imagery can highlight the world class science we do and those that do it, to bring our internal and external communications channels, including social media, to life.

You’ll be identifying and capturing content for our internal and external channels and will help develop and maintain a content library that’s as diverse as it is inclusive in illustrating our star scientists and the world-leading science they deliver.

As part of the Communications Team you’ll work closely with our Content Production Manager, Designers and two Video/Photographers, to identify, direct, collect and push compelling and engaging video and animation content to Dstl’s channels to celebrate the Dstl brand and engage our people.

You will be responsible for ensuring content is appropriate for target audiences with consistent messaging. You will also be there to ensure we have great content and photos for key events and visits to Dstl from our most important stakeholders.

Dstl recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion as people from diverse backgrounds bring fresh ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive working environment in which each employee fulfils their potential and maximises their contribution.

We particularly welcome female and ethnic minority applicants and those from the LGBTQI community, as they are under-represented within Dstl at these levels.

In this role you will:

• Capture content and create compelling video, photographic and audio (podcast) content for Dstl’s internal and external channels – at speed and to quality, ensuring brand compliance, supporting the brand narrative and enhancing Dstl’s reputation as a national asset innovating the science inside UK defence and security.
• Act on requests from colleagues within the communications team to attend events, equipment trials and VIP visits, ensuring that content is captured according to the brief.
• Identify gaps within Dstl’s existing video and photo library, creating and acting upon opportunities to gather content which would be of use to the wider organisation.
• Produce video and animation material in a wide range of formats for internal and external channels and ensure that content is fit for purpose for an intended audience.
• Work independently to capture content, but also work as part of a larger team where required, supporting the Content Producers when additional resource is needed.

Please see full job description at the bottom of the page

We are looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about content. You’ll love sniffing out and capturing great photos and video content and will have a track record that shows you know how to make the right messages and calls to action resonate across our channels.
• An ambitious self-starter. You’ll be able to identify gaps in our content library and make arrangements to gather this material independently, ensuring that our imagery accurately reflects the incredible range of work that Dstl does.
• A videography and photography expert. You know your aperture from your ISO and know just how to script, shoot and edit for a range of subject matters and scenarios.
• A natural internal networker. Our communications team is sociable, inquisitive and driven to find and share the content and stories that make Dstl tick. You’ll proactively network effectively and work to find and develop our camera and mic-friendly scientists, nurturing phenomenal key relationships with those ‘media stars’ and being a customer-focused advocate.

Essential Qualifications:

• Educated to degree level in a relevant subject or equivalent vocational qualifications

Please see full job description document for full details.

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Delivering at Pace
• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together
• Communicating and Influencing
• Seeing the Big Picture

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Submission of creative portfolio

Benefits

Dstl’s full range of great benefits can be found in the information pack which includes:

• Financial: An excellent pension scheme starting from 26% employer contribution (find out more here). In Year Rewarding Achievement bonuses and thank you vouchers. Rental deposit scheme and cycle to work scheme.

• Flexible working: Options include alternative working patterns such as; compressed hours (e.g. working a 4 day week/ 9 day fortnight), job shares and annualised hours (agreed number of hours per annum paid monthly i.e. working term-time only).

• Working hours: Flexibility around your working day (e.g. start time, finish time). Ability to bank hours in a 12 month reference period including the ability to accrue and use 3 days per calendar month.

• Where you work: Depending on your role, blended working may be available including remote working to suit you and your team. This can be discussed at interview.

• Annual leave: 25 days pro rata (rising to 30 after 5 years) plus 8 public holidays with the ability to buy/sell 5 additional days per annum.

• Family: Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks with full pay, an additional 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid

• Learning and Development: Dstl encourages and supports charterships, accreditations and provides employees access to fully funded apprenticeships up to level 7 (Masters Degree). Dstl will pay for 2 memberships with relevant bodies/institutions. Employees also have access to Civil Service Learning.

• Facilities: Onsite parking, EV Charging points, restaurants, cafés and gyms.