Senior Press Officer

Overview

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) based in London is seeking an experienced and driven Senior Press Officer to join a dynamic press office renowned for managing high-profile government communications. This role is pivotal for crafting and delivering clear messages regarding UK defence, including support for the Armed Forces, responding to international incidents, and contributing to major defence policy communication.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of press officers under the guidance of the Chief Press Officer, fostering a supportive environment promoting high performance and professional growth.
• Oversee daily operations of a press office desk, ensuring prioritization of tasks and maintenance of exemplary standards during periods of intense media activity.
• Develop and implement proactive media strategies that effectively communicate UK defence narratives aligned with government priorities.
• Handle inquiries from a variety of media outlets including national, international, regional, consumer, and digital platforms to protect and enhance the department's reputation, ministers, and senior military personnel.
• Prepare press releases, statements, rebuttals, and briefing materials for senior Defence spokespeople.
• Coordinate communication efforts during breaking news and operational events to ensure timely, accurate, and effective responses.
• Collaborate closely with policy, operational, and digital communications teams to unify campaign messaging.
• Manage media access at significant, high-profile events.
• Provide expert communication advice to ministers, senior military officers, officials, advisors, and Defence Communications Directorate members; serve as a role model and leader within the press office, offering guidance and development support to colleagues.
• Participate in an out-of-hours duty rota addressing media enquiries across the MOD’s extensive remit, which may occasionally require overnight stays in MOD accommodation with a separate allowance provided.
• Cover diverse communication areas such as Military Operations, Defence equipment procurement and technological advancements, personnel matters, and broader Defence policies affecting UK Armed Forces.
• Travel opportunities both within the UK and abroad as required by directives from the communications directorate.

Candidate Profile

• Strong knowledge of the media landscape, including traditional, social, and emerging media platforms.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to simplify complex information into clear and concise messaging.
• Meticulous attention to detail and ability to rapidly absorb and convey sensitive or classified information.
• Sound judgement and confidence to serve as a trusted advisor to high-level ministers and senior military officials.
• Desirable experience includes working within media or press office environments, defence policy, news management in public relations or journalism, and expertise in social media evaluation.

Working Conditions and Additional Information

• The role is based at the MOD Whitehall Office, requiring 37 hours per week.
• Includes membership benefits of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme with employer contribution increased by 28.97%.
• Additional perks include tailored learning and development, flexible working options, inclusive culture, free gym access at Main Building, and season ticket loan for commuting assistance.
• No relocation expenses are offered.
• Employment subject to a six-month probation period if newly joining the Civil Service.
• Smoking is prohibited across the Defence working environment with certain exemptions.
• Applicants must comply with UK immigration rules; sponsorship is not available, so only candidates legally entitled to work without sponsorship will be considered.
• Candidates must declare outside interests post-interview to ensure compatibility with MOD responsibilities.
• Use of AI to generate application content is permitted only if all material is truthful, accurate, and personally experienced; plagiarism or misrepresentation may lead to disqualification or disciplinary measures.

Selection Process

• The hiring process evaluates candidates on Behaviours, Experience, and Technical Skills according to the Success Profiles framework.
• Applicants are assessed on competencies including Working Together, Making Effective Decisions, Communicating and Influencing, and Delivering at Pace.
• Technical skills assessment will focus on Government Communication Service (GCS) ideas.
• Candidates must submit CV details, qualifications, skill history, and a 250-word statement of suitability.