Press Officer – Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (Kent)
Location: Maidstone / various locations
Contract type: Fixed‑term secondment until 31 March 2028
Part/Full time: Full time
Salary: £41,856.00 (pro‑rate for part‑time)
Working pattern: Mon‑Fri with occasional evenings and weekends; hybrid working available
About the role
The OPCC’s Press Officer will bring a minimum of four years of practical media experience and strong relationships with journalists. You will report to the Head of Communications & Staff Officer to the PCC and work closely with the External Engagement Officer and Communications Officer, supporting the PCC, Matthew Scott, in his public engagement and the delivery of his Police and Crime Plan.
Key responsibilities
* Lead daily engagement with journalists and manage media enquiries.
* Drafter press releases on behalf of the PCC for mainstream and digital platforms, supporting initiatives such as Cutting Crime, Supporting Victims, Building Trust.
* Work with Kent Police’s Press Office to coordinate communications.
* Provide national press releases and portfolio updates in collaboration with the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners.
* Support the PCC in national roles covering workforce, victims, Blue Light Commercial and Police Reform.
* Develop proactive media opportunities to promote the OPCC and PCC.
* Lead the digital media strategy and provide short‑term cover for the Communications Officer and External Engagement Officer.
* Maintain autonomy in the role while working within the team.
Qualifications and experience
* Minimum of four years experience working with media.
* Strong ability to build constructive relationships with journalists and council stakeholders.
* Experience drafting press releases and managing media enquiries.
* Knowledge of public sector communications and crisis communication preferred.
* Competent in using digital platforms and social media in a public role.
Requirements
* Full citizenship or suitable visa status; must have resided in the UK for the last three years.
* Must obtain policing vetting and meet the political restrictions under the Local Government Act 1989.
* Availability for occasional weekend and evening work.
Equality and diversity
Kent Police and Essex Police welcome applications from all backgrounds – age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage & civil partnership status, pregnancy, maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, sex, employment status.
Application process
Applicants must provide a CV and a covering letter that outlines how they meet the requirements of the role and aligned competencies. The selection process may include an interview on 16 July 2023. Further support and adjustments to the application process are available – please contact recruitment.business.services@ecis.police.uk with the subject “Application Support and Adjustments”.
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