Great contract position open for Press Officers with ideally public sector communications experience in local or central government or agency-side with public sector clients, to come on board and work for a respectable government client based in London. The role is in London but will be remote working to start with and a 6 month initial contract. Rates are very competitive
Role Purpose:
You will be working as part of small specialist teams in the press office. They have particular portfolios with subjects they are responsible for offering media handling advice to Ministers, Special Advisers and officials in these areas.
Responsibilities:
Providing timely proactive and reactive media handling advice to ministers and senior officials;
Anticipate and spot news stories to prepare and issue robust responses to potentially negative stories swiftly.
Organising ministerial interviews, announcements and publicity around speeches and events;
Skilfully and effectively briefing journalists accurately and with authority;
Working closely with ministers' private offices, officials and communications colleagues to plan and implement media strategies across a broad range of media outlets, including specialist, lifestyle, online and other new media;
Negotiating with private offices and Number 10 on timing and handling plans; and
Developing an understanding of issues across the department to play an effective part in the wider communications team.
The candidate would also be required to take part in the press office out-of-hours service, for which overtime is paid.
Key experience:
The ideal candidate will have public sector communications experience in local or central government or agency-side with public sector clients.
Strong understanding of political/news landscape - can advise on risks and reputational issues and demonstrate political awareness.
Ideally educated to degree level or hold a relevant professional communications qualification or equivalent industry experience.
