Assistant Press Officer

Assistant Press Officer

Entry level 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support Ministers with media relations, draft press releases, and create engaging digital content.
  • Company: Welsh Government Communications Service, a dynamic and impactful public sector team.
  • Benefits: Civil Service Pension, 31 days annual leave, training opportunities, and flexible working arrangements.
  • Why this job: Make a difference in Wales by communicating important issues and engaging with the media.
  • Qualifications: Strong writing skills and ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Other info: Exciting career progression opportunities in a vibrant press office.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

The Welsh Government Communications Service supports Ministers in delivering effective public sector communications. The service informs the public of legislation and policies that affect them and delivers responsive and informative communications 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The press office is a busy and interesting place to work, handling many media enquiries while also developing proactive, creative opportunities to promote the Government’s agenda.

As assistant press officer, you will work with your team to communicate important and high‑profile issues facing Wales today, produce digital content, engage with media and develop exciting press plans, support senior officials, monitor media activity, sell stories to editors, respond to breaking news, and, after 6–12 months, take part on the out‑of‑hours duty rota with overtime paid.

Key tasks:
  • Work as part of a team to provide ministers with press and media relations advice and support.
  • Draft press releases, reactive statements and digital content to communicate Government policies.
  • Alongside your press office team, meet with Ministers, Special Advisers and senior officials to plan media activity and handling.
  • Contribute to the development of communications plans to support key announcements or issues.
  • Provide regular evaluation of media activity for Ministers and officials.
  • Accompany Ministers on engagements, advising on media arrangements, organising and managing interviews, and capturing social media content.
  • Maintain strong links with UK, Welsh, regional and specialist media.
  • Establish and maintain good working relations with a range of individuals and organisations including Ministers, special advisers, policy colleagues, external agencies, stakeholders and contractors.
  • Adhere to high professional standards, including good writing skills.
  • Keep abreast of developments in the communications landscape.
  • Provide general administrative support to your wider press team, including coordinating requests for translations.
  • Take part in the evening and weekend press office duty rota as required.
Development opportunities:

Press Office is a fast‑paced environment where there will be opportunities to progress.

Vetting level:

CTC – Candidates applying for a role that requires CTC clearance must have normally resided in the UK for a minimum of 3 years out of the last 5.

Welsh language requirements:

Welsh language skills are not essential for this post, but they are desirable and will be considered if two or more candidates receive the same score at the application or interview stage.

Behaviours:
  • Communicating and influencing – Take time to consider the best communication channel to use for the audience, including making the best of digital resources and considering value for money.
  • Delivering at pace – Regularly check performance against objectives, making suggestions for improvement or taking corrective action where necessary.
  • Making effective decisions – Take responsibility for making effective and fair decisions, in a timely manner.
  • Seeing the big picture – Understand how your work and the work of your team supports wider objectives and meets the diverse needs of stakeholders.
Experience:

Ability to draft clear and concise written work.

Nationality requirements:
  • UK nationals
  • Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
  • Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
  • Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre‑settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
  • Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre‑settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
  • Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
  • Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Benefits:
  • Civil Service Pension Scheme
  • 31 days annual leave (pro‑rated for part time)
  • Training and development opportunities
  • Cycle2Work Scheme
  • Smart Working flexible working arrangement
  • Green Car Scheme (subject to availability)

Assistant Press Officer employer: Llywodraeth Cymru / Welsh Government

The Welsh Government Communications Service is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and fast-paced work environment where creativity and collaboration thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to training opportunities and the chance to progress within the press office team while contributing to meaningful public sector communications that impact the lives of citizens in Wales. Enjoy a supportive work culture, generous benefits including a Civil Service Pension Scheme and flexible working arrangements, all while being part of a dedicated team that plays a vital role in shaping government messaging.
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Contact Detail:

Llywodraeth Cymru / Welsh Government Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Press Officer

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the communications field, especially those who work in press offices. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a recommendation.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio of your best writing samples, including press releases and digital content. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can do and set you apart from the crowd.

✨Tip Number 3

Stay updated on current events and media trends. Being knowledgeable about what's happening in Wales and beyond will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and show your passion for the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles that match your skills. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and ready to contribute to the Welsh Government's communications efforts.

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Press Officer

Media Relations
Press Release Writing
Digital Content Creation
Communication Skills
Team Collaboration
Media Monitoring
Stakeholder Engagement
Event Management
Evaluation of Media Activity
Administrative Support
Adaptability
Understanding of Government Policies
Decision-Making Skills
Ability to Work Under Pressure

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Writing Skills: As an Assistant Press Officer, strong writing skills are a must! Make sure your application showcases your ability to draft clear and concise content. Use examples from your past experiences to highlight how you've communicated effectively in writing.

Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to the specific role. Mention how your skills align with the key tasks listed in the job description, like drafting press releases or engaging with media.

Be Creative and Proactive: The press office thrives on creativity, so don’t be afraid to show your innovative side! In your application, share any unique ideas you have for promoting government agendas or handling media enquiries. This will help us see your potential!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Llywodraeth Cymru / Welsh Government

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in the Welsh Government's current policies and recent media activity. Familiarise yourself with key issues facing Wales today, as this will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.

✨Showcase Your Writing Skills

Since drafting press releases and digital content is a big part of the job, be prepared to discuss your writing experience. Bring examples of your work or be ready to draft a short piece during the interview to demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and concisely.

✨Engage with the Media Landscape

Stay updated on the latest trends in media and communications. Be ready to discuss how you would approach engaging with different media outlets and how you can leverage digital resources to promote government initiatives effectively.

✨Team Player Attitude

This role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, so highlight your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team environment, especially in high-pressure situations, to show that you can thrive in the fast-paced press office.

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