This is the first role of it’s kind that I have seen advertised by a sovereign government, and I think a very commendable move by my home country.
The UK is seeking a “Director of Digital Engagement”, a senior leader who will have responsibility for an evolution of what we used to call eParticipation in the country through an array of digital media tools.
Judgement will be crucial in this role. It leads on the future of Government engagement with citizens through digital means. This means that the post will be breaking new ground on a daily basis, across Government. The agenda is politically very high profile and full of complex issues between and within departments that you will have to exercise very sensitive judgement on how to manage and resolve. You will have a level of professional expertise that is likely to mean that you will be unique in your ability to exercise judgement and provide advice to Ministers and Permanent Secretaries/ senior officials on matters within your remit. [..snip..]
This is not a role for a generalist. The professional skills required are formidable. Engagement in the digital space is a young ‘profession’ and the job requires someone who would be acknowledged by their peer group to be a leader in this field. The successful candidate will have a CV that creates instant credibility and confidence with Ministers, senior officials and digital communicators in Whitehall.
It is pretty evident that a lot of work has already taken place on this front in the UK, starting from the very top with the twittering, polling and video work that has been emanating from 10 Downing Street for a while now.