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- Tasks: Shape the news agenda and secure media coverage for key Government announcements.
- Company: Join the Department for Transport, a high-profile government department focused on revolutionising transport services.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, competitive pay, and overtime for out-of-hours duties.
- Why this job: Make an impact on national transport issues while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in communications, journalism, or PR with strong writing and media handling skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusivity and equal opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 30400 - 40800 £ per year.
We recognise the challenges that people with protected characteristics may experience on the job market and in their career progression. We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities. We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as possible, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups, including ethnic minorities, people with a disability, and people with gender diverse identities.
Are you a confident and enthusiastic individual with experience of communications, journalism, news or PR? Do you have excellent news sense and first-rate media handling skills? Do you want to work at the heart of one of the Government's most high-profile departments and shape the news agenda? If so, then we would love for you to apply!
As a press officer you’ll be helping shape the news agenda every day, securing broadcast coverage across national news bulletins as well as front-page splashes on key Government announcements. Whether it’s helping to promote our work to revolutionise the country’s bus and rail services, or encouraging the switch to electric – at the Department for Transport you will be working on some of the most important issues facing the country. You’ll need to be a confident and talented writer and at ease working in a fast-paced environment. You’ll also need to show a flair for spotting when there are factual inaccuracies in stories and being proactive to get them corrected swiftly, building relationships with key journalists, shaping the narrative around breaking news, and defending and promoting the department’s reputation.
We believe that different perspectives and experiences improve the calibre of work we produce. Our press office represents a variety of backgrounds and previous careers, and those who join our team are supported every step of the way as they learn about government communications, develop their skills, and kickstart an exciting career with us.
Responsibilities
- You will play an important role in responding to media enquiries, working with policy and ministerial teams to inform and educate the public.
- 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 and leading on ministerial visits and planning interviews and opportunities in a way that maximises positive coverage.
- You will play an important role in a 24-hour press office 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 and opportunities for flexible working.
- 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.
- All members of the Media Team are expected to take part in the out of hours duty rota, for which overtime is paid.
Person specification
You will be creative when it comes to media opportunities, but also able to handle reactive media work, providing first-rate media advice and support to ministers, senior officials and stakeholders. You are a proactive, confident individual, with excellent organisational skills, to manage the department’s grid of upcoming announcements and forward planning activities. You are someone with a strong attention to detail, particularly when under pressure, have excellent communication skills and the ability to build good relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
Additional Information
A minimum 60% of your working time should be spent at your principal workplace, although requirements to attend other locations for official business, or carry out detached duty in another DfT workplace, will also count towards this level of attendance. Occasional travel to other DfT offices will be required. All members of the Media Team are expected to take part in the out of hours duty rota, for which overtime is paid. SC clearance requires applicants to have lived in the UK consecutively for the past five years.
Press Officer employer: Guardian Jobs
Contact Detail:
Guardian Jobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Press Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest transport policies and initiatives in the UK. Understanding the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the department's work.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the communications and PR field, especially those who have experience working with government departments. Attend relevant events or webinars to build connections that could provide insights or even referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current affairs and media trends, particularly those related to transport and public policy. Being well-informed will enable you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and showcase your ability to handle media inquiries effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed media relations or handled crises in previous roles. Highlighting your experience in a fast-paced environment will show that you're ready to take on the challenges of a press officer at the Department for Transport.
We think you need these skills to ace Press Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Press Officer at the Department for Transport. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in communications, journalism, or PR.
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV should clearly showcase your writing skills and media handling experience. Include specific examples of how you've successfully managed media enquiries or shaped narratives in previous roles.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the department's mission. Highlight your proactive approach to media work and your ability to build relationships with journalists, as these are key aspects of the job.
Proofread Your Application: Ensure that your application is free from errors and clearly communicates your qualifications. Attention to detail is crucial for this role, so take the time to review your documents before submission.
How to prepare for a job interview at Guardian Jobs
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Press Officer, your ability to communicate effectively is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully handled media inquiries or crafted press releases in the past. This will demonstrate your expertise and confidence in a fast-paced environment.
✨Demonstrate Your News Sense
Be ready to discuss current events and how they relate to the Department for Transport's work. Showing that you have a keen understanding of news agendas and can spot inaccuracies will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-time media situations. Think about how you would handle a breaking news story or a negative press situation, and be prepared to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Emphasise Your Teamwork and Relationship-Building Skills
The role involves working closely with various teams and stakeholders. Share experiences where you've successfully collaborated with others, especially in high-pressure situations, to show that you can build relationships and influence effectively.
