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- Tasks: Shape the news agenda and secure media coverage for key Government announcements.
- Company: Join the Department for Transport, a high-profile government department focused on transport issues.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, competitive pay, and overtime for out-of-hours duties.
- Why this job: Be part of impactful campaigns and develop your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Confident communicator with experience in communications, journalism, or PR; strong writing skills required.
- Other info: Must be available for out-of-hours duty and occasional travel to other offices.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you a confident and enthusiastic individual with experience of communications, journalism, news or PR? Do you have excellent news sense and first-rate media handling skills? Do you want to work at the heart of one of the Government's most high-profile departments and shape the news agenda? If so, then we would love for you to apply!
As a press officer you’ll be helping shape the news agenda every day, securing broadcast coverage across national news bulletins as well as front-page splashes on key Government announcements. Whether it’s helping to promote our work to revolutionise the country’s bus and rail services, or encouraging the switch to electric – at the Department for Transport you will be working on some of the most important issues facing the country.
You’ll need to be a confident and talented writer and at ease working in a fast-paced environment. You’ll also need to show a flair for spotting when there are factual inaccuracies in stories and being proactive to get them corrected swiftly, building relationships with key journalists, shaping the narrative around breaking news, and defending and promoting the department’s reputation.
We believe that different perspectives and experiences improve the calibre of work we produce. Our press office represents a variety of backgrounds and previous careers, and those who join our team are supported every step of the way as they learn about government communications, develop their skills, and kickstart an exciting career with us.
Responsibilities- You will play an important role in responding to media enquiries, working with policy and ministerial teams to inform and educate the public.
- You will also work proactively on Government announcements on a range of significant transport policies and campaigns.
- This will involve drawing up creative media handling and leading on ministerial visits and planning interviews and opportunities in a way that maximises positive coverage.
- You will play an important role in a 24-hour press office and will be part of a duty rota able to respond to enquiries out-of-hours. This includes working weekends and evenings and comes with a competitive remuneration package and opportunities for flexible working.
- Our communications are based around campaigns and you will employ a range of skills and channels to deliver our messages.
- This includes working alongside strategic communication colleagues to set the direction for the department and creating social media content to tell our stories in the most effective way.
- All members of the Media Team are expected to take part in the out of hours duty rota, for which overtime is paid.
- You will be creative when it comes to media opportunities, but also able to handle reactive media work, providing first-rate media advice and support to ministers, senior officials and stakeholders.
- You are a proactive, confident individual, with excellent organisational skills, to manage the department’s grid of upcoming announcements and forward planning activities.
- You are someone with a strong attention to detail, particularly when under pressure, have excellent communication skills and the ability to build good relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
- A minimum 60% of your working time should be spent at your principal workplace, although requirements to attend other locations for official business, or carry out detached duty in another DfT workplace, will also count towards this level of attendance.
- Occasional travel to other DfT offices will be required.
- All members of the Media Team are expected to take part in the out of hours duty rota, for which overtime is paid.
- SC clearance requires applicants to have lived in the UK consecutively for the past five years.
To learn more about this role and apply, please click here. When submitting your application, please specify that you heard about the role through the Taylor Bennett Foundation.
Department for Transport | Press Officer employer: www.taylorbennettfoundation.org - Jobboard
Contact Detail:
www.taylorbennettfoundation.org - Jobboard Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Department for Transport | Press Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current transport policies and recent announcements from the Department for Transport. This will not only help you understand the context of the role but also allow you to engage in informed discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Build a network with journalists and media professionals who cover transport issues. Engaging with them on social media or attending relevant events can provide insights into the media landscape and help you establish valuable connections.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends in public relations and communications, especially those related to government and transport. This knowledge will demonstrate your commitment to the field and your ability to adapt to changing media environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential scenario-based questions in your interview. Think about how you would handle specific media situations or crises related to transport, as this will showcase your problem-solving skills and readiness for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Department for Transport | Press Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Press Officer position at the Department for Transport. Familiarise yourself with their recent campaigns and media strategies.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in communications, journalism, or PR. Emphasise your writing skills and any previous roles where you've successfully managed media relations or handled press inquiries.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the department. Mention specific examples of how your skills align with the job description, particularly your ability to handle media inquiries and shape narratives.
Proofread Your Application: Ensure your application is free from errors. Given the importance of communication in this role, attention to detail is crucial. Ask someone else to review your documents for clarity and professionalism before submission.
How to prepare for a job interview at www.taylorbennettfoundation.org - Jobboard
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Press Officer, your ability to communicate effectively is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully handled media inquiries or crafted press releases in the past. This will demonstrate your proficiency and confidence in a fast-paced environment.
✨Demonstrate Your News Sense
Familiarise yourself with current transport issues and recent government announcements. Be ready to discuss how you would approach shaping the news agenda around these topics. Showing that you have a keen understanding of the media landscape will impress your interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle reactive media situations. Think about past experiences where you had to correct misinformation or manage a crisis. Articulating your thought process in these scenarios will highlight your problem-solving skills.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Establishing a good relationship with your interviewers can set you apart. Be personable and engage them in conversation about their experiences in the department. This not only shows your interpersonal skills but also your genuine interest in the role.
