Junior Press Officer in Medway

Junior Press Officer in Medway

Medway Entry level 24000 - 28000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support a busy press office by drafting press releases and managing media communications.
  • Company: Join Medway Council, a dynamic unitary authority with diverse services.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression opportunities, and supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for professional development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in promoting community priorities and protecting the council's reputation.
  • Qualifications: Strong written and verbal communication skills with a good news sense.

The predicted salary is between 24000 - 28000 £ per year.

We are looking for a Junior Press Officer to support a busy press office in promoting Medway, the council’s priorities and objectives, and helping to protect the council’s reputation. As a unitary authority, Medway Council delivers a wide range of services, and the press office works across the whole organisation, handling both proactive and reactive communications, ensuring no two days are the same.

You will have excellent written and verbal communication skills, a strong news sense and the ability to adapt your copy for different audiences. Reporting to the Press Officer, you will support media handling, draft and publish press releases, monitor coverage and social media, prepare briefings, support interviews, carry out research, provide support on council events and more.

The press office is managed between 8.30am and 5pm on weekdays. The team also provides an out‑of‑hours media and emergency communications service. This role will take part in the out‑of‑hours rota and occasionally cover evening council meetings.

Interviews are due to take place on the 21 May 2026. The salary you will be offered will be at level A. There will be further opportunity once in post to progress from level A to B, and B to C.

The person specification of a job profile is split into three levels:

  • Level A: Essential criteria that all applicants must be able to demonstrate through their application and interview.
  • Level B: Developed competencies that an individual who is practised in this role would be able to demonstrate and will be a progression of knowledge, experience and skills from level A.
  • Level C: Requires the highest level of competence and applicants would need to fully meet and demonstrate all aspects of the job profile, including qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience.

We are seeking a Junior Press Officer to join the team at level A. This is the entry point of the role, so you will need to be able to demonstrate the relevant knowledge, experience and skills to get you started, but you will be supported to develop in your role through induction, probation and a supportive Performance Appraisal and Career Conversation. All elements of level A listed within the person specification are essential.

Through your induction you will be introduced to the Career Progression Framework (CPF), which will help you to identify your areas of strength and any development needs.

Important Information: Applicants must be able to demonstrate all criteria at level A which are essential for appointment to the role. Medway Council is not able to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship, so candidates must already possess the right to work in the UK.

For further information, and for details of the benefits of working for Medway Council, please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online. Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email. We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.

Please visit http://www.mindfulemployer.net/ for information on how Medway Council put good practices in place to ensure employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support.

Junior Press Officer in Medway employer: Medway Council

Medway Council is an excellent employer that offers a dynamic work environment where no two days are the same, providing opportunities for meaningful contributions to the community. With a strong focus on employee development through structured career progression frameworks and supportive performance appraisals, staff can grow their skills and advance within the organisation. The council promotes a positive work culture, ensuring employees receive the necessary support, including mental health resources, making it a rewarding place to build a career in public service.
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Contact Detail:

Medway Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Junior Press Officer in Medway

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the Medway Council and its priorities inside out. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the role. Plus, it’ll give you a solid foundation for discussing how you can contribute to their objectives.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice your communication skills! Since this role is all about effective messaging, try drafting some mock press releases or responses to hypothetical media inquiries. This will not only sharpen your skills but also give you concrete examples to discuss in your interview.

✨Tip Number 3

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of Medway Council on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about what the interviewers are looking for. Plus, it shows initiative!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate candidates who want to make a difference in the community.

We think you need these skills to ace Junior Press Officer in Medway

Written Communication Skills
Verbal Communication Skills
News Sense
Adaptability
Media Handling
Press Release Drafting
Social Media Monitoring
Research Skills
Event Support
Briefing Preparation
Interview Support
Proactive Communication
Reactive Communication

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Writing Skills: As a Junior Press Officer, your writing will be under the spotlight. Make sure your application showcases your best written work. Tailor your cover letter and CV to reflect your ability to adapt your copy for different audiences, just like you would in the role!

Highlight Relevant Experience: Even if you’re at level A, it’s important to demonstrate any relevant experience you have. Whether it’s internships, volunteer work, or projects, let us know how they’ve prepared you for this role in the press office.

Be Clear and Concise: We love clarity! When filling out your application, keep your language straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure your key points stand out. This will show us you can communicate effectively, which is crucial for the job.

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 info you need about the role and the council there, so it’s a win-win!

How to prepare for a job interview at Medway Council

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, make sure you understand Medway Council's priorities and objectives. Familiarise yourself with recent press releases and news articles related to the council. This will help you demonstrate your strong news sense and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

✨Tailor Your Communication

As a Junior Press Officer, you'll need to adapt your copy for different audiences. Prepare examples of how you've done this in the past, whether through writing or verbal communication. Be ready to discuss how you would approach drafting press releases for various stakeholders.

✨Show Your Research Skills

Research is key in this role. Be prepared to talk about how you would gather information for press releases or briefings. You might even want to bring a few examples of research you've conducted in previous roles or during your studies to showcase your skills.

✨Be Ready for the Unexpected

Since the press office handles both proactive and reactive communications, think about how you would respond to unexpected situations. Prepare a couple of scenarios where you had to think on your feet and how you managed them. This will show your adaptability and readiness for the dynamic nature of the job.

Junior Press Officer in Medway
Medway Council
Location: Medway

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