Senior Media Officer

Are you a high-performing media officer looking for the next challenge in government? If you want to be influencing tomorrow's headlines on workers' rights, small business and remunerating postmasters affected by the Horizon scandal, then this vacancy is the perfect job for you.

The Department for Business and Trade is looking for a Senior Media Officer to help us communicate the government’s policies to help drive growth in the UK economy, support businesses and deliver on the Government’s commitment to Make Work Pay.

The role is challenging and wide-ranging, from crafting punchy press products, to advising Ministers ahead of media interviews, or briefing journalists on breaking news stories as they happen. You will work closely with the senior media team, Special Advisers, Private Office and top-level officials on reactive and proactive media.

You’ll have line management responsibilities and will need to balance multiple high-level projects and events, as well as leading on media and communications support for ministers and handling market sensitive announcements.

As a member of DBT’s Press Office team you will play an active role in promoting the Government’s landmark Employment Rights Bill and helping to address the Post Office Horizon Scandal, by finding proactive and creative opportunities to highlight the government’s work in these areas.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Plan and deliver communications that cut through both at home and abroad on ministerial events such as domestic and overseas visits, speaking engagements and interview opportunities.
• Act as a trusted adviser to Ministers on all communications matters, including crafting first-class content for social media platforms, and handling reactive enquiries and rebuttals effectively.
• Support on high-profile sector announcements, and frequently manage market sensitive issues.
• Line-manage at least one press officer, supporting and developing them to ensure they contribute both to your brief and a first-class press office operation over all.
• Monitor and evaluate coverage to ensure objectives are being met and DBT’s key messages are landing well with our key audiences.
• Be an active part of our out of hours duty rota, providing a quality service to journalists 24/7, 365 days a year.