Senior Press Officer in Ellesmere Port

Positive Employment is currently recruiting for a Senior Press Officer for our client, a local government organisation based in Ellesmere Port.

The successful post holder will deliver the organisation's day-to-day news and media activity. They will help shape compelling stories, manage media enquiries, draft high-quality content, and support the organisation's external voice across all channels.

Working closely with the Head of News, Digital Content Manager and Social Media Officer, the Senior Press Officer will ensure the Combined Authority's work is visible, understood and trusted across the region.

This role is hands-on, demanding and focused on storytelling, media handling and clear, accurate communication. The post holder will also support internal communications, stakeholder engagement and corporate messaging where required.

This role is a temporary contract with an initial contract length of 3 months with the possibility to extend. Hybrid working in an agile environment with travel across the Cheshire and Warrington region.

Duties and Responsibilities but not limited to:

• Deliver proactive and reactive media handling under the direction of the Head of News.
• Draft press releases, media pitches, statements and other media materials.
• Identify and develop compelling stories that showcase the Combined Authority's impact.
• Support forward planning, media monitoring and the development of key messaging and lines to take.
• Ensure all content reflects the organisation's tone of voice, messaging and strategic narrative.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with regional, trade and national media contacts.
• Act as a day-to-day contact for media enquiries, providing timely and accurate responses.
• Prepare briefing notes, Q&A and supporting materials for senior leaders.
• Support media engagements for senior leaders and assist with reputation management.
• Contribute to issues management and crisis communications activity.
• Work closely with the Social Media Officer to ensure news content is effectively promoted across websites, social media and newsletters.
• Draft content for digital channels where required and help maintain consistency across all communications.
• Use analytics and performance insights to support content planning and continuous improvement.
• Draft internal news stories, staff communications and organisational updates.
• Support the preparation of speeches, scripts, blogs, opinion pieces and briefings for senior leaders under the direction of the Head of News.
• Work with programme leads across the organisation to identify and communicate impactful stories.
• Translate complex policy or technical information into engaging, audience-focused content.
• Support crisis communications planning and participate in out-of-hours communications cover on a rota basis where required.

Personal Requirements:

• Strong experience within a press office, journalism or media relations environment.
• Proven ability to develop clear, engaging and compelling news stories.
• Experience delivering proactive and reactive media handling.
• Excellent writing, editing and content production skills.
• Understanding of local government, public sector or political environments.
• Strong judgement, political awareness and professional impartiality.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure while delivering effective communication solutions.
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
• Collaborative approach with the ability to work effectively across multiple teams.
• Good regional media networks within the North West.
• Experience working within a Combined Authority, Mayoral Authority or Whitehall environment.
• Experience supporting elected members or senior leaders.
• Knowledge of devolution or regional policy.
• Experience or training in crisis communications.

Working Hours:

36 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Pay:

£30.59 per hour.

Please note this role is within the scope of IR35.