Press Officer

Posting date:	27 August 2025
Salary:	£48,672 per year
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	08 September 2025
Location:	London
Company:	Government Recruitment Service
Job type:	Permanent
Job reference:	412200/1

Summary

Government press officers handle many of the news stories you read, watch, listen and react to every day. Working in a media team within Government Communications is an exciting, inspiring opportunity that will challenge and develop you as a professional communicator. You will be operating at the very heart of government, helping to shape news coverage on issues that affect everyday lives.

One of the main aspects of your role will be responding to incoming queries from the media and participating in the round-the-clock duty rota. This will involve proactively monitoring for breaking news and coverage that might require correction or clarification, providing swift and effective responses to requests for comment and keeping the department abreast of developments.

To be successful in this role, you will be confident in turning complex information into clear content that resonates with diverse audiences. You’ll be responsible for developing innovative communication plans across multiple platforms, beyond traditional print and broadcast media, working creatively with colleagues on digital and social media channels to reach different audiences. An essential part of this role is collaboration, and you will work closely with ministers, communication professionals and other stakeholders to create clear communication strategies and finalise messaging.

Responsibilities will be:

• Reactive media and press management – managing breaking stories, drafting and providing timely lines to take and accurate information to journalists, and keeping the department updated.
• Proactive media handling – drafting proactive press releases and communications handling plans that tells the government’s story in a clear and succinct way. You will work with policy colleagues and Special Advisers to agree key messages and plans to maximise ministerial time, including on visits.
• News management – the ability to quickly spot both potential problems but also opportunities to insert a government voice positively.
• Digital communications - helping government create, shape, share and exchange information through online and virtual networks.

With the support of an experienced network of peers and a strong focus on professional development, you will develop skills in line with these areas.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

About Disability Confident

A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.