18083 - External Communications Officer - Media and Press

External Communications Officer – Media and Press

Grade

IO (HEO equivalent)

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to join our communications team in a role focused on press and media relations. You will help shape national conversations on some of the most high-profile and sensitive issues facing the justice system – from pressures in our prisons and the delivery of justice through the courts to major policy reforms that directly affect victims, offenders and communities.

The role sits primarily within our Press and Media function, where you will support the team to manage media relations, respond to press enquiries and deliver proactive communications activity at pace and under scrutiny while working with Ministers, Special Advisers and Number 10.

The way the public find their news has changed and the Ministry of Justice communications team is at the forefront of efforts across Government to look at new ways we can reach our audiences.

Fewer people find out what is happening in the world through newspapers – and as communicators we have to find new, compelling ways to reach the public in an age of 24-hour and digital news.

That’s why we are looking for creative individuals who have ideas of how to communicate the Government’s work in the modern age – whether that’s explaining policy through innovative podcasts, digital first stories, or the use of gripping case studies from those who have had first-hand experience of our justice system.

Our communication strategies only succeed when we can work across all disciplines which means the ideal candidate will think beyond just press releases to set out our message. They need to consider how we can reach new and consumer media outlets, work with our stakeholder team to secure supportive voices and develop compelling broadcast content for television and social media.

We also want people who thrive under pressure, who can deal with complicated and fast-paced reactive queries on issues from our key justice agencies like the Prison and Probation Service and the Courts and Tribunals Service. You will need to be able to work at pace to find information, draw up a response and work with journalists to help inform their story.

You will also have the opportunity to work across other external communications disciplines, and we welcome candidates who bring experience or interest in digital, external affairs or strategic communications alongside their press skills.

Key responsibilities

• Handle incoming media enquiries accurately and at pace, drafting responses and lines to take in close collaboration with policy and senior colleagues.
• Proactively pitch stories and develop press releases, opinion pieces and other media content that land key messages with target audiences.
• Work across communications to support the development of communication strategies and campaign plans covering print and broadcast media as well as working with new media and digital outlets.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with journalists and editors across national, regional, trade and specialist media.
• Monitor media coverage and the wider communications landscape, identifying opportunities and risks and escalating issues appropriately.
• Draft high-quality written content across a range of formats and channels, including briefings, digital content and stakeholder correspondence.
• Work collaboratively across the wider communications team and with policy and operational colleagues to ensure press activity is joined up and aligned to organisational priorities.
• Contribute to evaluation of communications activity, using data and coverage analysis to inform and improve future work.

Skills and experience

Candidates should be able to demonstrate experience or strong potential in press and media work. We also welcome candidates who bring skills or interest in one or more of the following areas:

• Media and press – drafting press releases, handling media enquiries, building journalist relationships, developing reactive and proactive media strategies.
• Digital communications – creating content for websites and social media, using analytics to inform decisions and reach audiences beyond traditional media.
• External affairs – stakeholder engagement, managing relationships with partners, interest groups or parliamentarians to support broader communications goals.
• Strategic communications – contributing to narrative development, audience insight, and integrated campaign planning.

Person specification

You will be an effective communicator with strong writing skills and the ability to adapt your style for different audiences and channels. You will be collaborative, proactive and comfortable working at pace in a fast-moving environment. You will be curious, creative and committed to continuous learning across communications disciplines.