Head of News

Role Overview As Head of News, you will work closely with the Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State, Ministers, their advisers, and the senior leadership team to provide expert communications advice on the potential benefits and presentational risks of decisions and policies, on handling announcements and on breaking news. With a proven track record in high profile arenas, the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate extensive experience of working in a complex environment that is subject to significant public, political and media scrutiny. Reporting to the Director of Communications, you will lead a 24/7 team of highly experienced communication professionals that handle over 8000 calls a year. You will act as the senior representative on media issues internally with senior officials, No.10, across Government, and externally with journalists, editors, opinion formers and other stakeholders. Responsibilities Providing expert communications advice to Ministers, advisers and senior officials on the opportunities and presentational risks of decisions and policies, on handling announcements and on responding to breaking news. Developing proactive and creative PR and media strategies, which use a strong mix of channels, and build public support for policy decisions or major projects. Leading a strong performing press office and running a high quality, proactive and reactive media service. Responding rapidly to fast‑moving events and providing senior cover in an out‑of‑hours duty rota when required. Improving the Department's ability to communicate effectively during a crisis and managing incident communications for MoJ and its wider network as required. Building excellent relationships with No. 10, other government departments and agencies and ALB's within MoJ to make sure the Department's communications and policy objectives contribute to the wider government narrative. Developing excellent working relationships with journalists and a good understanding of their priorities to promote accurate and fair media coverage, seeking opportunities to proactively champion the work of the MoJ in the media. Building an effective network across the Justice sector to deliver third party support and advocacy. Ensuring media work is evaluated and any actionable insight is shared across the team and used to drive improvements and increase impact. Acting as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team in the Communications Directorate, working collaboratively with senior colleagues to deliver the Department's Communications Strategy, and playing an active role in corporate initiatives that improve engagement. Budgetary responsibility for the Press Office team and the management of a range of media and media‑related services resources. As a senior member of the Government Communications Service play an active role in supporting our profession to develop talent and deliver best practice. Qualifications A senior media professional with excellent news judgement, a digital understanding and with extensive experience in a news‑related role at a senior level in a complex environment. Proven experience of managing high‑profile, fast‑moving, and sensitive news issues and providing well‑reasoned handling advice. Experience of managing competing priorities and changing deadlines and delivering a highly organised and efficient service. An understanding of your role as part of the GCS leadership. Excellent political awareness demonstrated through sound judgement and the ability to drive communications approaches from the overall organisational priorities. Application Requirements The Statement of Suitability is limited to 750 words. Please explain how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide evidence. Please put particular focus on: Experience managing large media operations Experience supporting a department and ministerial team through crises Experience ensuring your team play a crucial role in the delivery of strategic priorities Behavioural & Leadership Expectations Behaviours: Leadership, Seeing the Big Picture, Managing a Quality Service, Communicating and Influencing. Level of security checks required: Security Clearance (SC). #J-18808-Ljbffr