Head of Desk Senior Press Officer

The Home Office works to build a safe, fair and prosperous UK. We achieve this through our work on counter-terrorism, policing, crime, drugs policy, immigration and passports.

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.

You will join a multi-disciplinary team of colleagues based across the UK to deliver communications on some of the government’s most pressing and high-profile matters. You will be responsible for leading an insight-led and results driven team of media professionals on a priority area of Home Office business.

We believe a positive, open and supportive culture is crucial to help everyone deliver their best work. We value diversity and provide an inclusive and encouraging environment for our team members. We nurture our talent and offer a broad range of learning and development opportunities to help you fulfil your potential.

If successful, you will play a pivotal role in delivering communications on some of the government’s most high-profile policies, in a fast-paced environment.

We push the boundaries on communications, and we want people who are willing to go the extra mile to support the Government’s needs.

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.

Although largely media-based, the role-holder will be expected to work across all communications discipline to support colleagues as and when necessary.

Working pattern

Due to the business requirements of this role, it is only available on a full-time basis.

You will be required to join the senior management team out of hours evening and weekend press office rota, supporting more junior colleagues on duty. You will be required to contribute approximately two shifts a month. Overtime pay will be provided.

Training

In-depth learning and development tailored to your role will be provided.

Travel

Occasional travel to support media activity will be required.

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