At a Glance
- Tasks: Craft compelling news stories and manage media relations for the Treasury.
- Company: Join a friendly team at the heart of government communications.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, a fantastic pension, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make an impact by shaping how important issues are reported.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and ability to engage with senior leaders.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you looking for a challenging and exciting role at the very heart of government? This role involves crafting how the biggest stories are reported and helping people understand issues that affect their daily lives. If so, we’d love to hear from you!
About the Team
The Ministerial and Communications Group sits at the heart of the Treasury. If you are interested in the inner workings of the Government, meeting Ministers, Senior Officials and liaising with the Press then this could be the place for you! We are a friendly and inclusive Group working on some of the most exciting issues of the day, bringing together work from across the rest of the department and engaging closely with partners across Whitehall and beyond.
We provide support to Ministers, through Ministerial offices. We act as Treasury's external face, through the Press Office and Communications team. We are responsible for managing the department, through our support for the Permanent Secretary, the Second Permanent Secretaries, the Treasury Board, and the Executive Management Board (EMB), and our ownership of Treasury governance structures. The Group is led by the Permanent Secretary.
About the Job
In this role, responsibilities will include:
- Reactive media management - dealing with breaking stories, quickly drafting and providing well-written statements and information to journalists, and keeping the department updated on news coverage.
- News management - the ability to quickly spot both potential problems and opportunities to insert a positive government voice.
- Providing regular and timely media monitoring and insight of departmental issues for the department.
- Providing regular media handling advice to Ministers, officials and colleagues on sensitive, complex and high-profile issues.
- Creating summaries of the day's coverage and expected stories for the wider department.
- Working at pace with policy and wider HMT comms to create sharp, insightful media lines.
- Developing and maintaining strong relationships with Ministers, officials, journalists, stakeholders and colleagues in other departments.
- Media operations - assisting on ministerial media visits, including issuing operational notes and assisting with media on the day.
Alongside these responsibilities you will also take part in our out-of-hours duty rota. This will involve proactively monitoring for breaking news and coverage that might require correction or clarification, providing swift and effective responses to requests for comment and keeping the department updated.
About You
You will possess strong oral and written communication abilities and be capable of engaging effectively with senior leaders. You will be able to analyse complex information, consider various options, and clearly articulate your recommendation. You will also develop positive relationships with colleagues across different teams and draw on these connections to advance goals.
Some of the Benefits our people love!
- Generous Annual Leave – 25 days (rising to 30 after 5 years), plus public holidays and the King’s birthday.
- Outstanding Pension Scheme – Defined Benefit pension with employer contributions of 28%.
- Parental Leave Packages – Including 6 months’ occupational pay for maternity/adoption, shared parental leave options.
- Flexible & Hybrid Working – Options include part-time, job-share, compressed hours, flexitime, and hybrid working (where business needs allow).
- Advance Schemes & Discounts – Rental deposit, cycle-to-work, SmartTech, season ticket loans, and access to HM Treasury’s benefits portal for a wide range of discount codes.
For more information about the role and how to apply, please follow the apply link. If you need any reasonable adjustments to take part in the selection process, please tell us about this in your online application form, or speak to the recruitment team at hrrecruitment@hmtreasury.gov.uk.
Press Officer - News desk in Durham employer: HM TREASURY-1
Contact Detail:
HM TREASURY-1 Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Press Officer - News desk in Durham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current or former employees of the Treasury. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest news and issues affecting the Treasury. Show that you’re not just interested in the role but also in the bigger picture. Bring your A-game by having thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewers about their work and challenges.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Press Officer, you’ll need to articulate complex information clearly. Try mock interviews with friends or family, focusing on how you’d handle breaking news or sensitive topics. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team. Keep an eye on our site for any updates or new roles that pop up!
We think you need these skills to ace Press Officer - News desk in Durham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Press Officer role. We want to see how you can contribute to our team, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Off Your Writing Skills: Since this role is all about communication, ensure your written application is clear, concise, and engaging. We love a good story, so use your writing to demonstrate your ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with the audience.
Research is Key: Dive into understanding the Treasury and its current issues. We appreciate candidates who show initiative and knowledge about our work. This will not only help you in your application but also in any potential interviews down the line!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at HM TREASURY-1
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re up to speed with current events, especially those related to government and the Treasury. Familiarise yourself with recent news stories and understand how they impact the public. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the role during the interview.
✨Craft Your Narrative
Prepare a compelling personal story that highlights your communication skills and experience in media management. Think about specific examples where you've successfully handled media inquiries or crafted statements under pressure. This will show your potential employer that you can thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Build Relationships
Emphasise your ability to develop strong relationships with various stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you’ve collaborated with colleagues, journalists, or officials in the past. This is crucial for a Press Officer role, so showcasing your interpersonal skills will set you apart.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, the challenges they face in media management, or how they measure success in this role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the position is the right fit for you.