Head of Media Freedom & Projects
| Posting date: | 25 April 2024 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £49,839 to £55,531 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 08 May 2024 |
| Location: | Manchester, Greater Manchester |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 2 days per week |
| Company: | Government Recruitment Service |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | 351099 |
Summary
This is a high profile role, which involves regular, fast-paced engagement with Ministers, Special Advisors, senior stakeholders across government and press stakeholders on complex, politically sensitive issues.
The successful candidate will work closely with stakeholders inside and outside of Government to champion an independent press and protect media freedom. They will also lead on and deliver the Government’s commitment to improving the safety of journalists operating in the UK. Responsibilities are likely to include:
Upholding media freedom by working with stakeholders including the press sector, police, and other government departments such as the Home Office, MoJ, FCDO and DSIT, to ensure HMG policy delivers the press sector needs and priorities.
Development and delivery of legislation, including implementation of the Online Safety Act’s protections for news publishers’ content.
Delivery of the National Action Plan for the Safety of Journalists, refreshed in October 2023, and leading an effective secretariat function of the National Committee for the Safety of Journalists.
Leading an effective secretariat function for the SLAPPs Taskforce and the successful delivery of its work plan, published in December 2023.
Strategic press projects, which may include urgent and/or high-priority work across the press policy team, as well as research and policy development responding to the changing nature of the press industry.
Line management of one HEO, with the potential for further task/line management as required.
Person specification
The ideal candidate would have the following key skills and experience:
Essential requirements
Strong verbal and written communication skills which allow you to communicate with others in a clear, honest and enthusiastic way, and experience of explaining complex issues in a way that is easy to understand.
Able to work with senior stakeholders in and across different organisations and sectors, with experience of actively building and maintaining a network of colleagues and contacts to achieve progress on shared objectives.
Experience of weighing up evidence and analysing information from a range of sources, including complex and incomplete evidence, and making decisions confidently even if they prove to be unpopular.
Ensure activity in your area reflects wider strategic priorities; bringing together views, perspectives and diverse needs of stakeholders to gain a broader understanding of the issues surrounding policies and activities.
Desirable skills
Experience of delivering legislation
Experience of media, digital or technology issues and / or previous experience in a sector facing policy role
We are running an information session where prospective applicants can find out more about the role. This will be hosted by Isabel Evans, and will take place on: Monday 29 April, 15.30-16.00.
The session will be an opportunity to hear more about the role, the team and wider directorate and the department. It will also be an opportunity for you to ask any questions.
The successful candidate will work closely with stakeholders inside and outside of Government to champion an independent press and protect media freedom. They will also lead on and deliver the Government’s commitment to improving the safety of journalists operating in the UK. Responsibilities are likely to include:
Upholding media freedom by working with stakeholders including the press sector, police, and other government departments such as the Home Office, MoJ, FCDO and DSIT, to ensure HMG policy delivers the press sector needs and priorities.
Development and delivery of legislation, including implementation of the Online Safety Act’s protections for news publishers’ content.
Delivery of the National Action Plan for the Safety of Journalists, refreshed in October 2023, and leading an effective secretariat function of the National Committee for the Safety of Journalists.
Leading an effective secretariat function for the SLAPPs Taskforce and the successful delivery of its work plan, published in December 2023.
Strategic press projects, which may include urgent and/or high-priority work across the press policy team, as well as research and policy development responding to the changing nature of the press industry.
Line management of one HEO, with the potential for further task/line management as required.
Person specification
The ideal candidate would have the following key skills and experience:
Essential requirements
Strong verbal and written communication skills which allow you to communicate with others in a clear, honest and enthusiastic way, and experience of explaining complex issues in a way that is easy to understand.
Able to work with senior stakeholders in and across different organisations and sectors, with experience of actively building and maintaining a network of colleagues and contacts to achieve progress on shared objectives.
Experience of weighing up evidence and analysing information from a range of sources, including complex and incomplete evidence, and making decisions confidently even if they prove to be unpopular.
Ensure activity in your area reflects wider strategic priorities; bringing together views, perspectives and diverse needs of stakeholders to gain a broader understanding of the issues surrounding policies and activities.
Desirable skills
Experience of delivering legislation
Experience of media, digital or technology issues and / or previous experience in a sector facing policy role
We are running an information session where prospective applicants can find out more about the role. This will be hosted by Isabel Evans, and will take place on: Monday 29 April, 15.30-16.00.
The session will be an opportunity to hear more about the role, the team and wider directorate and the department. It will also be an opportunity for you to ask any questions.