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- Tasks: As a Communication Officer, you'll craft engaging press releases and manage media relations.
- Company: Join the Serious Fraud Office, a key player in UK law enforcement.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make an impact by shaping narratives and enhancing the SFO's public profile.
- Qualifications: Experience in communication and media relations is essential.
- Other info: This role includes opportunities for professional development and creative content creation.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 48000 £ per year.
The role will be based at our offices at 2-4 Cockspur Street, London, SW1Y 5BS, in central London. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas. Informal hybrid working arrangements apply and there is an expectation that staff will attend the office regularly. Work pattern and office attendance will be agreed with successful candidates.
We are looking for an experienced Communication Officer, with skills in press relations, to join our multidisciplinary communication team. You will be a proactive self-starter with a sharp news sense, strong relationship building skills and demonstrable experience of landing positive stories to further an organisation’s agenda.
As a Communication Officer (News) you will be responsible for:
- Developing a good understanding of the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), its media profile and spotting communication opportunities that further the SFO’s agenda.
- Maintaining professional relationships with national, international, regional and specialist media outlets and building strong links with colleagues across the SFO.
- Providing timely media monitoring and recommended handling, interview advice and briefing materials to Board members and other senior staff.
- Working to short deadlines to draft press lines in response to journalist queries.
- Working with our specialist legal, investigative and intelligence teams to draft interesting, easily-consumable and news-centric press releases that demonstrate the SFO’s unique capability.
- Devising engaging digital content that enhances the SFO’s brand and speaks to our audience.
- Building excellent, professional relationships with all stakeholders both inside and outside the SFO.
- Providing wider communication support to all areas of the team where needed.
For more information about the role and for a full list of key responsibilities, please see attached Job Pack.
Behaviours we will assess you against during the selection process include:
- Working Together
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
Technical skills we will assess you against during the selection process include:
- Government Communications Service (professional competency framework): Ideas
- Government Communications Service (professional competency framework): Implementation
Alongside your salary of £34,437, Serious Fraud Office contributes £9,976 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
Option to join the Civil Service pension scheme. For further details, click here.
Annual leave provision of 25 days which increases to 30 days after five years’ service plus an additional day in recognition of the King’s Birthday and the option to buy or sell up to five days’ leave per year. Different terms may apply if you are already a Civil Servant.
Discretionary performance-related bonus scheme.
Interest-free season travel ticket, bicycle loan and cycle to work scheme.
Access to the Rental Deposit Salary Advance Scheme which assists employees in meeting the costs of deposits for privately rented homes.
Opportunities for learning and development.
Flexible working arrangements and family-friendly policies.
Voucher for eye care and discounted spectacles.
Access to a range of discounts through membership of the Civil Service Sports and Social Club, CSSC Sports and Leisure.
Access to My CPS Rewards Gateway. My CPS Rewards offers staff a range of rewards and savings including discounts with high street retailers, savings on grocery shopping at a range of supermarkets, special salary sacrifice and recognition schemes, reloadable gift cards and e-cards, and instant vouchers.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard checks.
This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups: 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).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities.
Communication Officer (News) employer: Serious Fraud Office
Contact Detail:
Serious Fraud Office Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Communication Officer (News)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Serious Fraud Office's recent press releases and media coverage. Understanding their communication style and key messages will help you align your approach when networking or discussing your interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Build connections with journalists who cover legal and fraud-related stories. Engaging with them on social media or attending relevant events can provide insights into what they look for in a story, which is crucial for a Communication Officer.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current affairs, especially those related to fraud and financial crime. This knowledge will not only enhance your discussions during interviews but also demonstrate your proactive interest in the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider volunteering for projects or roles that involve media relations or public communications. Gaining hands-on experience in these areas will strengthen your application and show your commitment to developing relevant skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Communication Officer (News)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Communication Officer (News) position. Familiarise yourself with the Serious Fraud Office's mission and recent media activities to tailor your application.
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement: Your personal statement should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the job criteria. Highlight your skills in press relations, your understanding of the UK media landscape, and any relevant experience handling high-profile stories. Keep it concise and focused, sticking to the 500-word limit.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise your previous roles that involved communication, media relations, or public relations. Use specific examples to illustrate your achievements, such as successful campaigns or positive media coverage you've secured.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread your documents. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your writing is clear and professional. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a communication role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Serious Fraud Office
✨Know the SFO Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of the Serious Fraud Office's mission, recent news, and its role in the UK legal landscape. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and ability to contribute to their communication goals.
✨Showcase Your Media Savvy
Be prepared to discuss your experience with press relations and how you've successfully managed media interactions in the past. Highlight specific examples where you've landed positive stories or handled sensitive issues, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since the role requires collaboration with various teams, be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team environment. Emphasise your ability to build relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, which is key for a Communication Officer.
✨Prepare for Technical Assessments
Expect to complete an assessment during the interview that tests your technical skills. Brush up on drafting press releases and media monitoring techniques, as well as any relevant digital content creation skills that align with the SFO's communication strategy.
