Head of Desk Senior Press Officer
Various locations: London, Manchester, Sheffield
Salary: London pay location: London £64,300 - £70,730
Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
Business area:
HO -
Communications Directorate
The communications Directorate is a multi-disciplinary team delivering the Home Office's communications strategy. We are insight-led and results-driven, and our marketing campaigns support strategic objectives using a wide range of channels. We seek to provide high quality media, rebuttal and social media services. Our Internal Communications team supports employee engagement and business transformation.
Being part of the Home Office communication team is one of the toughest but most rewarding roles in Government communications. The Home Office plays a fundamental role in the security and economic prosperity of the UK through our work on safer streets, border security and national security.
This is a role for someone who loves news and can take on the challenge of using communications to deliver the public's Plan for Change. Whether utilising traditional media, engaging with broadcasters, or pushing the boundaries with new media, we want someone who can help us communicate with the public.
Key responsibilities:
* Driving forward insight-led, creative and proactive communications plans, making the most of broadcast, print, consumer, regional social and online opportunities to effectively reach our audiences.
* Lead on the development and implementation of reactive handling plans for complex and often divisive subject matters.
* Relationship building within the wider communications department, with officials, other government department colleagues and beyond, including; with the No10 communications teams to ensure alignment with cross-government priorities and messaging.
* Developing and maintaining positive relationships with key journalists – including national home affairs and political correspondents – personally briefing them on high-profile or complex issues.
* Providing communications expertise to policy and operational officials.
* Regular interaction with Ministers and the Home Secretary's special advisers to anticipate their communications needs, proactively identifying opportunities and challenges, and providing strategic communications advice.
* Working closely with colleagues in insight, marketing, social media, external affairs, visits and Newsdesk teams to deliver, develop and evaluate your plans.
* Line management responsibilities for a media team, supporting and raising the capability of the team.
Essential criteria:
* Significant management and leadership experience of working in a fast-paced news team.
* An understanding of the media landscape and machinery of government, and an interest in politics.
* Proven experience designing and delivering creative media plans across a comprehensive range of media channels.
* Strong strategic planning skills.
* Ability to maintain high standards and make sound judgements when working to tight deadlines on complex issues in high-pressure situations.
* Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
* Confidence and knowledge in managing relationships with journalists and briefing seniors.