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- Tasks: Shape the national news agenda and manage media communications for transport policies.
- Company: Department for Transport, a dynamic and inclusive government department.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, 25 days leave, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public transport communications and engage with diverse stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Experience in communications or media and strong collaborative skills.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 35663 - 39533 £ per year.
Department for Transport
Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 15th February 2026
Location: Birmingham, Leeds, London (Hybrid)
Salary: £35,663 National; £39,533 London
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
Contract Type: Permanent – Full-time
Available Positions: 1
As a Press Officer at the Department for Transport (DfT) you could be helping shape the national news agenda every day.
No two days are the same in the communications directorate. You might be communicating our reform of the railways; highlighting the department’s work to improve bus services; or promoting transport’s key role in economic growth.
The communications team works closely with Private Offices, Special Advisers, policy officials and external stakeholders.
Top Responsibilities
- You will play an important role in responding to reactive media enquiries, working with policy officials and Ministerial teams to inform and educate the public, and correct inaccurate reporting.
- You will also work proactively on government announcements on a range of significant transport policies and campaigns.
- This will involve drawing up creative media handling, with a particular focus on new media and online outlets, maximising positive coverage.
- You will play an important role in a 24-hour communications team and will be part of a duty rota able to respond to enquiries out-of-hours. This includes working weekends and evenings and comes with a competitive remuneration package.
- You will staff ministerial events, preparing ministers for interviews and supporting journalists so they can accurately report our announcements.
- Our communications are based around campaigns and you will employ a range of skills and channels to deliver our messages. This includes working alongside strategic communication colleagues to set the direction for the department and creating social media content to tell our stories in the most effective way.
Benefits
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary.
- 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
- 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
- Access to the staff discount portal.
- Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
- Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
- 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
- Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
About You
To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:
- Experience of working within communications and/or media
- Experience of developing proactive and reactive communications approaches.
- Experience of working collaboratively with others to deliver at pace and manage competing demands.
How to Apply
Read the full description and apply at CS jobs using the link provided.
This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Sunday 15th February 2026
Press Officer in Leeds employer: Department for Transport
Contact Detail:
Department for Transport Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Press Officer in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those already working at the Department for Transport. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by staying updated on current transport issues and policies. Show us you’re passionate about the role by discussing how you can contribute to shaping the national news agenda.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your media handling skills! Think of creative ways to respond to potential media enquiries. We want to see how you’d tackle real-life scenarios that a Press Officer might face.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Press Officer in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in communications and media. We want to see how your skills align with the role of a Press Officer, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant examples!
Showcase Your Creativity: As a Press Officer, creativity is key! Use your application to demonstrate how you’ve developed proactive media strategies or handled reactive enquiries. We love seeing innovative approaches that have made an impact.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Remember, you’re applying for a communications role, so let your writing skills shine through!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Transport
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest transport policies and current events related to the Department for Transport. Brush up on recent announcements and be ready to discuss how they impact the public and media.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Press Officer, communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully handled media inquiries or crafted proactive communications in the past. Be ready to demonstrate your ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations, like how you would respond to a negative media story. Think through your approach to managing crises and how you would collaborate with policy officials and ministers to ensure accurate reporting.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
This role involves working closely with various teams. Share specific instances where you’ve collaborated with others to achieve a common goal, especially under tight deadlines. Show them you can thrive in a fast-paced environment!
