This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and highly motivated communicator to join the Ministry for Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). MHCLG deals with some of the most high-profile issues across government, from firing up the Northern Powerhouse to helping people to own a home of their own. The successful candidate can expect to work at the heart of government delivering media campaigns in support of some of the Government’s top priorities from housing to local devolution, tackling homelessness to improving building safety. This is an extremely fast moving and interesting role which will put you at the forefront of government communications.

You will effectively communicate the Department’s policies defending and enhancing its reputation by:

• Devising and implementing proactive media handling strategies for the department’s major communications campaigns using a range of digital, traditional and broadcast media opportunities.
• Working with others in the media team and policy colleagues to provide a swift, accurate service to journalists.
• Researching, drafting and issuing clear, concise lines to take across a range of channels.
• Working closely with other teams in the communication directorate including news planning, partner engagement and digital and also Number 10.
• Providing an essential 24/7 service as part of the department’s out of hours duty press office rota.
• Monitoring media for developing stories and emerging themes and providing rebuttals where appropriate.

• Excellent communications skills both written and verbal including writing news releases, press statements or other briefing material.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to work to tight press deadlines and manage competing priorities.
• Ability to work on own initiative and quickly grasp complex issues.
• A sound understanding of social media and how to use it in a media office environment.
• Previous experience in managing teams would be favourable.

We'll assess you against these competencies during the selection process:

• Leading and communicating
• Communications - Ideas: Press and Media
• Communications - Implementation: Press and Media
• Communications - Insight: Press and Media
• Communications - Impact: Press and Media

At sift we will be assessing:

• Leading and communicating (Lead Competency)
• Ideas
• Implementation

In the event that we receive a large number of applications, we may sift based on the lead competency (Leading and Communicating).

All competencies listed will be assessed at interview. Some of the competencies listed are from the GCS framework. For further information on this, please click this link:

https://gcs.civilservice.gov.uk/professional-development/competency-framework/

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.