Chief Media Relations Officer
| Posting date: | 16 October 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £56,214 per year |
| Additional salary information: | Leeds: £56,214 London £60,445 |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 31 October 2025 |
| Location: | Leeds |
| Company: | Government Recruitment Service |
| Job type: | Temporary |
| Job reference: | 432972/1 |
Summary
The Department of Health and Social Care media team sits at the very heart of the health and social care debate, working to ensure the public understands the government's vision for a healthier nation.
From breaking news on NHS reforms to proactive activity on policy that will change lives, the team translates complex health policy into compelling stories that resonate with millions of people across the UK.
Our media experts work hand-in-hand with ministers, providing the communications support that ensures every hospital visit, every policy announcement, and every crisis response delivers maximum impact.
The team help shape how health stories are told, working across national, regional and specialist media to ensure the government's health priorities reach every corner of the country with clarity and conviction.
They thrive on collaboration, working seamlessly with NHS England, the UK Health Security Agency and other key partners to create powerful communications that drive real change.
The team actively shape the news agenda, using our deep relationships with journalists and understanding of the health landscape to ensure that vital public health messages reach the people who need them most.
We are looking for an experienced, forward-thinking and creative Chief Media Relations Officer to join the team and provide leadership and direction as we communicate some of the most important issues of the day.
The successful candidate will be responsible for leading and driving delivery of creative and innovative proactive and reactive communications, putting our audiences at the heart of everything we do.
You will lead a team to deliver on key departmental priorities, shaping the narrative on critical health issues such as cutting waiting times, supporting the NHS workforce and helping people live healthier lives, while also organising and supporting ministerial visits. Working collaboratively across communications teams, you will play a pivotal role in turning innovative and creative ideas into reality. You will need a strong awareness of the wider media landscape – understanding how traditional, digital and social media interconnect, recognising emerging trends, and anticipating how stories will develop across different platforms and audiences. As a team leader, you will play a key role in boosting team culture and morale, creating an environment where people feel valued, supported and motivated to do their best work, whilst maintaining high professional standards.
You will be supported to develop your career as part of a friendly, welcoming team where learning, development and wellbeing are integral parts of the offer.
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