Head of Media in London

The Conservative Party is seeking an experienced political communications professional to lead the day-to-day operations of the CCHQ Press Office. This is a high-profile, high-tempo and demanding role. You will be a driving force behind the Party’s media operation, shaping how the Conservative message reaches journalists and playing a central role in delivering the Party’s core messages and strategy.

Working closely with the Leader of the Opposition’s team, Shadow Cabinet Ministers and senior Party staff, you will oversee proactive and reactive communications, protect the Party’s reputation, and ensure every piece of Press Office output meets the highest standards.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the day-to-day running of the Press Office, setting the pace and standard for the team.
• Oversee strategic media monitoring and political intelligence, escalating major developments to Directors.
• Build and manage relationships with top-tier journalists, and drive the Party’s media and digital communications strategy.
• Set communications priorities and oversee attack plans and proactive announcements in coordination with LOTO and Shadow Ministers.
• Accompany the Leader of the Opposition on key visits, ensuring media handling, briefing, lines and logistics are delivered to a high standard.
• Act as the final point of quality control for all written and external-facing Press Office material.
• Turn strategic direction into delivery, ensuring the right products reach journalists at the right time.
• Manage major set-piece media moments, including Party Conference, press conferences, launches and other high-profile events.
• Ensure joined up working across CCHQ, acting as the key liaison between the Press Office and wider Party operations.
• Line manage and develop a team of Press Officers, and deputise for Directors when required.
• Be willing to work flexibly, including regular out-of-hours and weekend work, and provide senior cover during fast-moving news cycles, major political moments and LOTO visits.

Who You Will Be

A seasoned communications professional with a strong commitment to the Conservative Party and a track record in political communications. You will be comfortable operating at pace, under pressure and in high-stakes political environments. You will bring:

• Prior political experience and senior communications experience, with political communications strongly preferred.
• Strong campaigning experience.
• The ability to write and converse confidently and credibly with journalists.
• Sound judgement and the initiative to make the right call under pressure.
• A degree or equivalent experience.
• Prior line management or strategic leadership experience.

Skills We’re Looking For

• Excellent relationship-building and influencing skills, with the ability to adapt tone and message to the audience.
• Creative problem-solving in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication, editing and proofreading skills.
• Strong personal organisation and the ability to prioritise a demanding workload.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a high-performing team against multiple objectives.
• A genuine, personal commitment to the values of the Conservative Party.