Press Officer

As one of two Press Officers you will work as part of small specialist teams in the press office. They have particular portfolios with subjects they are responsible for offering media handling advice to Ministers, Special Advisers and officials on these areas. Communications experience required working in; PR, as a government (or other) press officer, or in journalism.

The key responsibilities are to:

• work as part of the press team providing a high-quality service for Ministers, the Government, the Department and media
• Act as DfT spokesperson
• Work closely with relevant colleagues in the Communications Directorate and DfT agencies and other stakeholders to ensure well-rounded and strategic communications advice is offered to Ministers and officials
• Develop good working relationships with key media - national, regional, international and specialist - and ensure a professional and timely service
• Provide first-class communications advice to Ministers and officials on announcements, launches, visits and speeches
• Proactively seek opportunities to promote messages to a wide range of media, including through the DfT's digital media channels
• Ensure DfT is represented fairly in all media coverage and lead on timely rebuttal; and participate in the out-of-hours duty rota.

Preferable experience in government or LA communications and communications in transport although not essential