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We encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates

At DfE, we are proud of the commitment we make to diversity and inclusion and of the progress we have made. We have active & vibrant staff networks, special leave policies and workplace adjustments put in place for those who need them. We are continuing to build a diverse DfE, in an inclusive environment which nurtures and realises potential in all, at all levels. Equality and Diversity - Department for Education

We are seeking an imaginative, intellectually curious and politically savvy person to join our media team and help us tell the public and media about our work to transform schools, colleges, universities and children’s services in an exciting, innovative way.

The Department for Education has an exciting, diverse brief that is full of key priorities for Number 10, and you will help to bring these stories and policies to life through the media. We are looking for two media officers to join the team, with the potential for further roles in the future.

You'll need to be able to combine creativity with the organisational skills to manage numerous different projects to tight deadlines, working with a number of policy officials, as well as enjoy pitching to journalists, bloggers and commentators.

You will work closely with the department’s ministers, special advisers, policy officials, communications professionals at Number 10 and with communications teams across Whitehall. You will be part of a motivated team with a track record of helping people progress to the next level.

If this sounds like the role for you and you feel you are the candidate for us, then please apply detailing examples and your experience.

If applicants are not appointable at this grade they may be considered for positions at the grade below.

Working across the Department’s diverse portfolio, the media officer would:

• Create, research, develop and draft media handling for a range of channels to promote key announcements and policies from the Department;
• Establish and maintain key relationships with journalists, keeping them across future announcements from the Department and regularly pitching ideas to them to ensure coverage;
• Develop a good understanding of the business priorities for each Ministerial portfolio and identify and flag risks and issues identified;
• Monitor and evaluate media to improve future media handling;
• Use media and audience insight to inform your approach and adapt messaging and narratives based on the audience;
• Provide advice – and constructive challenge where required – to policy teams, the Permanent Secretary, ministers, and special advisers on the communication implications of new, developing and existing policy;
• Create and implement communication strategies and integrated media campaigns that keep us on the front foot;
• Demonstrate excellent written communication skills and set standards to ensure appropriate content, messaging, tone and consistency in media communication;
• Represent the DfE in cross-government meetings, and work with external stakeholders to gain insight, to influence where necessary, to suggest joint initiatives where appropriate and to contribute to the existing or proposed initiatives of others; and
• Participate in the out-of-hours duty rota providing an on-call service to members of the media.

In return for all of this, we will ensure that you are fully supported and have the opportunity to develop your career as a skilled communications professional.

Essential Criteria:

• A creative thinker with strong written communication skills across a variety of platforms, from blogs to press releases, as well as strong verbal communication skills.
• Experience working in a press office, journalism, PR agency or communications equivalent.
• A proven track record in building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders, journalists and senior colleagues.
• Initiate and lead the development of both reactive and proactive, integrated media campaigns that build on insight and tracking data.
• Comfortable handling high-profile and sensitive media issues. Adhere to confidentiality and provide clear, trusted briefings to media and other partners.
• Knowledge of the media landscape, particularly popular and emerging online and digital trends. Review communication and media plans to ensure activities reflect policy developments and the emerging news agenda.
• Able to understand the key issues currently facing the Department and how they fit as part of the Government’s priorities.
• Analyse media monitoring results to assess the effectiveness of media strategies and inform future proactive and reactive media campaigns.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise and deliver multiple tasks to short deadlines. This is a busy office and the role will require you to handle several tasks at once so adaptability and organisation is essential.

We are looking for candidates who are equally comfortable using the full range of social and digital channels – Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn - to communicate the DfE’s key messages. This could include basic filming and editing although this can be developed within the role.

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Delivering at Pace

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Ideas: Press and Media
• Impact: Press and Media
• Implementation: Press and Media
• Insight: Press and Media

Applicants currently holding a permanent post in the Civil Service should note that, if successful, their salary on appointment would be determined by the Department’s transfer / promotion policies.

As a member of the DfE, you will be entitled to join the highly competitive Civil Service Pension Scheme, which many experts agree is one of the most generous in the UK.

You will have 25 days leave, increasing by 1 day every year to a maximum of 30 days after five years’ service. In addition, all staff receive the King's Birthday privilege holiday and 8 days’ bank and public holidays.

We offer flexible working arrangements, such as job sharing, term-time working, flexi-time and compressed hours.

Most DfE employees will be working a hybrid pattern, spending at least 60% of their time in an office or work setting. Changes to these working arrangements are available in exceptional circumstances, but must be agreed with the line manager and in line with the requirements of the role.

Travel to your primary office location will not be paid for by DfE, but costs for travel to an office which is not your main location will be covered.

As an organisation, which exists to support education and lifelong learning, we offer our staff excellent professional development opportunities.

Job contact :

Name :
Comms Directorate Recruitment
Email :
recruitment.commsdirectorate@education.gov.uk

Recruitment team

Email :
AdvertsRecruitment.DFE@education.gov.uk