London

Job Summary

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is seeking a talented and motivated Senior Press Officer to join one of the government’s busiest and highest-profile press offices.

From supporting the Armed Forces at home and overseas to responding to international crises and driving major defence policy, our communications help explain complex issues to the public and maintain confidence in the UK's defence mission.

This is a role for someone who thrives under pressure, enjoys working at the centre of the news agenda and has a genuine interest in defence, national security and current affairs.

If you're a dynamic leader with a passion for communications, an instinct for the news agenda and an interest in defence, this is a unique opportunity to make a real impact.

You will be expected to work from the Ministry of Defence’s Whitehall Office.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job Description

What you’ll be doing:

The Ministry of Defence, including the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force are subject to intense public, parliamentary and media scrutiny. You will be responsible for delivering successful proactive and reactive communications in the press office which protect and enhance the reputation of the MOD and the Armed Forces.

You Will:

• Working to the Chief Press Officer on your desk, lead and develop a team of press officers, creating a supportive, high-performing environment where people can thrive.
• Oversee the day-to-day running of a busy press office desk, ensuring work is prioritised effectively and high standards are maintained, even during periods of intense activity.
• Develop proactive media strategies that help tell the story of UK defence and support wider government priorities.
• Respond to enquiries from national, international, regional, consumer and digital media outlets in order to enhance and protect the reputation of the department, ministers and senior military officers.
• Draft press releases, statements, rebuttals and briefings for senior spokespeople across Defence.
• Coordinate communications during breaking news and operational activity, ensuring responses are accurate, timely and effective.
• Work closely with policy, operational and digital communications colleagues to deliver joined-up campaigns and messaging.
• Manage media access at a range of high-profile events.
• Provide professional and comprehensive communications advice to ministers, military officers, senior officials, special advisors, and members of the Directorate of Defence Communications. As part of the wider press office management team, Senior Press Officers will act as a role model in the office, offering guidance and support to colleagues in their day-to-day work and to develop them over time, as well as have the leadership skills to provide direction and focus to both their own team and others across the office.
• You will also be required to take part in the out-of-hours duty rota, dealing with media enquiries across the full breadth of the MOD’s responsibilities.
• This can occasionally involve overnight stays in MOD accommodation, for which a separate allowance is paid.

Communication areas you will cover include, but are not restricted to:

• Military Operations
• Equipment procurement and latest technology being developed in Defence
• Personnel related issues, including wider Defence policy issues that affect how the UK Armed Forces operate

The role will provide opportunities for travel, both within the UK and abroad wider media minding asks from across the directorate.

You Will:

• Working to the Chief Press Officer on your desk, lead and develop a team of press officers, creating a supportive, high-performing environment where people can thrive.
• Oversee the day-to-day running of a busy press office desk, ensuring work is prioritised effectively and high standards are maintained, even during periods of intense activity.
• Develop proactive media strategies that help tell the story of UK defence and support wider government priorities.
• Respond to enquiries from national, international, regional, consumer and digital media outlets in order to enhance and protect the reputation of the department, ministers and senior military officers.
• Draft press releases, statements, rebuttals and briefings for senior spokespeople across Defence.
• Coordinate communications during breaking news and operational activity, ensuring responses are accurate, timely and effective.
• Work closely with policy, operational and digital communications colleagues to deliver joined-up campaigns and messaging.
• Manage media access at a range of high-profile events.
• Provide professional and comprehensive communications advice to ministers, military officers, senior officials, special advisors, and members of the Directorate of Defence Communications. As part of the wider press office management team, Senior Press Officers will act as a role model in the office, offering guidance and support to colleagues in their day-to-day work and to develop them over time, as well as have the leadership skills to provide direction and focus to both their own team and others across the office.
• You will also be required to take part in the out-of-hours duty rota, dealing with media enquiries across the full breadth of the MOD’s responsibilities.
• This can occasionally involve overnight stays in MOD accommodation, for which a separate allowance is paid.