Working across the department’s diverse portfolio, the AIO would:

• Produce excellent written communication and ensure appropriate content, messaging, tone and consistency in media products;
• Monitor media and provide analysis of coverage. Use social media listening tools to spot and react to emerging trends on the main social media channels;
• Identify risks and provide reactive communications with the ability to write concise statements and rapid rebuttals to media stories;
• Create, research, develop and draft media handling for a range of channels to promote key announcements and policies from the department;
• Monitor and evaluate media to improve future media plans;
• Establish and maintain key relationships with journalists, keeping them across future announcements from the department, briefing them on reactive stories and regularly pitching ideas to them to ensure coverage;
• Maintain media contacts and keep the database up to date;
• Produce media briefing packs covering key issues and Q&A;
• Build confidence to provide advice and constructive challenge where required – to policy teams, the Permanent Secretary, ministers, and special advisers on the communication implications of new, developing and existing policy.

In return for all of this, we will ensure that you are fully supported and have the opportunity to develop your career as a skilled communications professional.

Essential Criteria:

• Excellent written communication skills with experience of writing in various styles such as blogs, press notices and statements.
• Demonstrate a good understanding of the media landscape including how to tell a story and adapt messaging for different audiences. Ability to digest complex information and communicate concisely.
• Experience in building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders, media and senior colleagues.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise and deliver multiple tasks to short deadlines. This is a busy office, and the role will require you to handle several tasks at once so flexibility and organisation are essential.
• We are looking for candidates who are equally comfortably using the full range of social and digital channels – Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn - to innovate and communicate the DfE’s key messages. This could include basic filming and editing although this can be developed within the role.

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Delivering at Pace

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• GCS Ideas: Press and Media
• GCS Impact: Press and Media
• GCS Implementation: Press and Media
• GCS Insight: Press and Media

Applicants currently holding a permanent post in the Civil Service should note that, if successful, their salary on appointment would be determined by the Department’s transfer / promotion policies.

As a member of the DfE, you will be entitled to join the highly competitive Civil Service Pension Scheme, which many experts agree is one of the most generous in the UK.

You will have 25 days leave, increasing by 1 day every year to a maximum of 30 days after five years’ service. In addition, all staff receive the King's Birthday privilege holiday and 8 days’ bank and public holidays.

We offer flexible working arrangements, such as job sharing, term-time working, flexi-time and compressed hours. 

Most DfE employees will be working a hybrid pattern, spending at least 60% of their time in an office or work setting. Changes to these working arrangements are available in exceptional circumstances, but must be agreed with the line manager and in line with the requirements of the role. 

Travel to your primary office location will not be paid for by DfE, but costs for travel to an office which is not your main location will be covered.

As an organisation, which exists to support education and lifelong learning, we offer our staff excellent professional development opportunities.