Deputy Head of Media Recruitment

**Details**:
**Reference number**:

- 268836**Salary**:

- £62,555 - £73,000- G6: National: £62,555 - £71,233 London: £65,819 - £73,000**Job grade**:

- Grade 6**Contract type**:

- Permanent**Business area**:

- DIT - COO: Communication and Marketing**Type of role**:

- Communications / Marketing
- Press Relations**Working pattern**:

- Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time**Number of jobs available**:

- 1Contents

Location

About the job

**Benefits**:
Things you need to know

Location
- Darlington, LondonAbout the job

**Job summary**:
You will help run of one of the most interesting press offices in Government. DIT blends the economic clout of the Treasury, business engagement of BEIS, and geopolitical challenges of the Foreign Office - housed in a dynamic and agile department with an exciting story to tell.

You will be responsible for leading teams that champion trade wins which unlock multi-billion pound markets, promote the best of British exports while encouraging companies up and down the country to sell to the world, and market the UK as the investment destination of choice for the world’s top sovereign funds and financiers.

The UK is negotiating ambitious trade deals with some of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies. These deals will boost GDP, and support high-paying jobs across the UK in sectors of the future. As Deputy Head of Media, you will work closely with Ministers, Spads, Comms colleagues, Embassies and senior officials - including on visits - to land positive, proactive stories in UK and international media.

By briefing business reporters, political editors and foreign correspondents, you will help shape tomorrow’s news and land stories on the benefits of free trade.

You will also be part of a leadership team that thrives on nurturing a culture of creativity, professional development, and the delivery of strong, evidence-based communication plans that land the right message with the right audiences.

This role is ideal for someone with experience of leading a fast-paced and news-focused comms team, in either the public or private sector, or has a great deal of media handling experience and is ready to step up to co-lead a team of twenty staff.

**Job description**:

- You will report directly into the Deputy Director, Head of Media - and be responsible for line managing three Grade 7s in Press Office.
- As Deputy Head of Media, you will have oversight of media plans for a wide range of Departmental priorities, and be confident briefing journalists, Spads or Ministers ahead of media activity.
- You will deputise for the Head of Media when required, including providing Press Secretary support to Secretary of State, or attending high-level meetings in the Department or across Whitehall.
- You will lead on team recruitment, culture and process, ensuring DIT Press Office continually evaluates and improves, introduces best practice, and creates a positive, supportive working environment that attracts and retains high-quality people in our team.
- You will provide additional leadership and line-management support for teams if and when other team leaders are away for extended periods.
- You will liaise with senior leaders across Departmental policy teams, to help generate story ideas, identify communications risks, and improve intra-department working on Departmental priorities.

**Hybrid Working**

Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas.

Informal hybrid working arrangements will be available as agreed with the vacancy manager and in line with the requirements of the role.

Most DIT employees will be working a hybrid pattern, spending 2-3 days a week in an office. If your office location is London, you will be eligible to receive London weighting.

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**Person specification**:
**Essential Criteria**
- Experience of managing a team in a fast-paced news/media environment
- High level of knowledge in how to use media to land positive news stories

**Desirable Criteria**
- Confidence in acting as a public spokesperson, or briefing senior figures ahead of public speaking and interviews
- Good media contacts, especially in sectors such as trade, business, politics
- Understanding of how Government Comms functions, and how a Department works with the rest of Government.

**Person Specification**
- Strong personal interest in news, and motivated about shaping the news agenda
- Open, collaborative mindset - comfortable working with colleagues from different teams and promoting people’s talent and ideas to achieve an objective
- Confident working with senior figures, and able to make a strong case to support advice
- Supportive manager - keen to recruit and train staff and aid their career development

**Behaviours**:
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

- Communicating and Influencing
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Managing a Quality Service
- Delivering at Pace

**Benefits**:

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