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- Tasks: Lead media relations and coordinate press office operations for a key government department.
- Company: Join the Defra group, a leader in environmental and food security policy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for creativity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape public perception on critical issues and drive proactive storytelling.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in media relations and strategic communications.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are looking for an ambitious and talented individual to join our busy team at the heart of government. This is a senior leadership role within the Defra group, with the responsibility to coordinate the press office response for the department and its Arm's Length Bodies (ALBs), providing strategic advice to senior leaders on reputational risk, and driving a proactive storytelling agenda across multiple news channels.
Defra leads on some of the most important policy areas in government - from the environment and food security to animal health and flood resilience - making this a rare opportunity for a senior communications professional seeking a role with genuine breadth, impact and visibility.
This is a senior and wide-ranging leadership role, sitting at the centre of the Defra group Communications team and playing a critical part in how the department manages its reputation and tells its story to the public.
The Head of Media Relations will take day-to-day responsibility for leading press office operations across the Defra group, coordinating media response for the department and its operational Arm's Length Bodies, including the Environment Agency, Natural England, the Forestry Commission, the Rural Payments Agency and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
The postholder will provide confident, expert media advice to senior leaders, Ministers, Special Advisers and ALBs, helping them navigate complex and fast-moving news stories while identifying opportunities to generate positive coverage.
The postholder will be expected to champion a culture of creativity, collaboration and proactivity across the team. They will work seamlessly across communications disciplines, including digital, strategic communications and stakeholder engagement, to deliver joined-up, high-impact communications that advance Defra's priorities.
A significant part of the role involves leading on crisis and incident response communications. This includes developing and maintaining robust communications contingency plans, coordinating a rapid and effective press office response during live incidents, ensuring accurate and timely information reaches the public and key stakeholders, and working closely with partners across the Defra group and wider government.
The postholder will be expected to provide out-of-hours cover during critical situations and to lead the communications function calmly and decisively under pressure.
Given the breadth of Defra's remit, spanning the environment, food security, animal health, flood resilience and more, the postholder will need to be comfortable managing multiple priorities at pace, balancing reactive pressures against longer-term strategic goals.
Head of Media Relations in London employer: Government Recruitment Service
Contact Detail:
Government Recruitment Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Media Relations in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the media relations field. Attend industry events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work in media relations. Include case studies of successful campaigns, press releases, and any crisis communications you've handled. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its recent media coverage. Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific scenarios related to Defra's priorities. This shows you're not just interested in the role, but also genuinely invested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles like Head of Media Relations. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Media Relations in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Media Relations role. Highlight your experience in media relations, crisis communications, and strategic advice, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Defra!
Showcase Your Storytelling Skills: Since this role involves driving a proactive storytelling agenda, include examples of how you've successfully crafted narratives in previous roles. We love seeing creativity and impact in your writing, so don’t hold back on sharing your best work!
Demonstrate Leadership Experience: As a senior leadership position, it’s crucial to showcase your ability to lead teams and manage multiple priorities. Share specific instances where you’ve led a team through a challenging situation or developed effective communication strategies under pressure.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. This ensures your application gets to the right people quickly, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Recruitment Service
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in Defra's key policy areas like the environment, food security, and animal health. Brush up on recent news stories related to these topics, as they might come up during your interview. Showing that you understand the department's priorities will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a senior role, they’ll want to see your leadership style. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in high-pressure situations, especially in crisis communications. Be ready to discuss how you foster creativity and collaboration within your team.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations, especially around crisis management. Think about how you would handle a sudden media incident or a reputational risk. Practising your responses can help you articulate your thought process clearly and confidently.
✨Engage with Their Storytelling Agenda
Demonstrate your understanding of proactive storytelling across various channels. Bring examples of successful campaigns you've led or contributed to, and be prepared to discuss how you would drive a storytelling agenda for Defra. This shows you’re not just reactive but also strategic in your approach.