Communications Officer Job at Home Office

Home Office

Communications Officer Job at Home Office – The Home Office works to build a safe, fair and prosperous UK. We achieve this through our work on counter-terrorism, policing, fire, crime, drugs policy, immigration and passports.

The Communications Directorate is a multi-disciplinary team delivering the Home Office’s communications strategy. We are insight-led and results-driven, and our marketing campaigns support strategic objectives using a wide range of channels. We seek to provide high quality media, rebuttal and social media services. Our Internal Communications team supports employee engagement and business transformation.

Job description

You will be expected to work closely with colleagues including policy officials, operational teams, external stakeholders, ministers and 10 Downing Street, advising on the role communication can play in delivering on government priorities. Successful candidates may also be expected to work on other specialisms, so experience of work on digital communications and strategic campaigns would also be valuable.

You will be part of a multi-disciplinary team with colleagues based across the UK working in one of the most complex, demanding departments in government. Home Office communications sit within the wider professional body for government communicators, the Government Communication Service.

Key responsibilities

Work closely with colleagues, including policy officials and operational teams, to advise on the role communications can play.
Devise and deliver clear integrated communication plans.
Respond to media enquiries and ensure the Department’s position is accurately reported.
Produce proactive communications plans to announce policies or successes by providing media advice, drafting press releases and facilitating ministerial interviews.
Deliver impactful communications supported by insight and evaluation, including direct, paid-for, low and no-cost marketing, partnerships, media and digital communications.

Training

The Home Office is committed to supporting learning and development through formal training and on the job opportunities.

Working Pattern

Due to the business requirements of these roles, they are only available on a full-time basis.

You will also be required to join the out of hours duty rota and contribute approximately one-to-two shifts a month. In-depth training and overtime pay is provided.

Travel

Occasional national UK travel may be required for example for a Ministerial visit, when an overnight stay may be required.

Person specification

Successful applicants will be a highly motivated, adaptable, dependable and collaborative communications professional. Someone who is willing to learn and prepared to work on some of the most challenging, high-profile and interesting issues in government.

Essential Criteria:

Experience working in a fast-paced communication role, or similar, juggling competing priorities, exercising good judgement, and keeping calm under pressure.
Strong news sense and understanding of current affairs, including how to identify and mitigate reputational risks.
An ability to communicate effectively (excellent written and speaking skills), and develop trusted and productive relationships with colleagues, external partners and stakeholders.
Creative and digital communications skills
Proven ability to distil large amounts of complex information into clear key messages suitable for specific audiences.
Understanding of how audience insight and evaluation can be used to inform communication strategies and activity.