Responsibilities

• You will join a multi-disciplinary team with colleagues based across the UK working in one of the most complex and demanding departments in government.
• You will play a key role in one of the Communications Directorate’s thematic teams, focusing on media.
• This includes strategic planning on upcoming proactive announcements, managing emerging issues and communications risks and working closely with the newsdesk team on handling reactive enquiries from journalists.
• You will work with teams across the Directorate to design and implement insight-led, innovative media plans to reach our target audiences across channels such as broadcast, print and social media.
• You will be expected to build relationships with key journalists, briefing them on issues and pitching stories to show the government’s progress in key policy areas.
• You will work closely with colleagues including policy officials, operational teams, external stakeholders, Ministers and 10 Downing Street, advising on the role media and communication can play in delivering on government priorities.

Requirements

• Experience working in a fast-paced media role, or similar, juggling competing priorities, exercising good judgement, and keeping calm under pressure.
• Strong news sense and understanding of current affairs, including how to identify and mitigate reputational risks.
• An ability to communicate effectively (excellent written and speaking skills), and develop trusted and productive relationships with colleagues, external partners and stakeholders.
• Creative and digital communications skills.
• Proven ability to distil large amounts of complex information into clear key messages suitable for specific audiences.
• Understanding of how audience insight and evaluation can be used to inform communication strategies and activity.

Benefits

• Successful candidates will be eligible for a Recruitment Retention Allowance (RRA) of £2,300 annually
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%