G6 Deputy Head of News

Are you a senior communications professional and ready for your next challenge? 

Are you looking to build experience within government, including leading communications on the PM’s top domestic priority? 

If so, then this exciting opportunity to be our Deputy Head of News is for you and we would love to hear from you! 

Overview of the area of work: 

MHCLG policies touch all our lives and are among the most high profile issues and priorities across government. From making sure more homes are built to funding local government, from tackling homelessness to supporting more integrated communities. MHCLG has also been leading the cross-government response to the Grenfell Tower fire. 

It means we are seldom out of the news, making this an exciting and challenging job. 

We need someone with exceptional judgment, acute political awareness, great communication skills and the leadership to get the best out of a team of 35 ambitious press officers. 

As one of two Deputy Heads of News, you will play an integral role in running MHCLG’s press operation and proactive campaigns. This role supports the Head of News in leading communications for the department, managing its day to day and forward planning operation. 

You will lead a talented team of media professionals, be an active member of the Communications Senior Leadership Team and regularly deputise for the Head of News. 

If you have the flair to turn our policies into compelling stories, the sense to deal with fast breaking news and the ability to win the confidence of ministers, then this is the job for you. 

Key responsibilities: 

• Provide active and visible leadership to press office, supporting the Head of News in managing its day to day operation and the out-of-hours cover in addition to supervising the daily and weekly news co-ordination meetings; 

• Oversee the central news desk operation, and its daily output including rebuttal, tactics, monitoring and forecasts; 

• Quality assure the content generated in press office, including news releases and ministerial statements, ensuring they are timely, impactful and in line with propriety; 

• Work with Ministers, special advisers, policy and communications colleagues on immediate priorities, also shaping the Department’s longer term forward planning and external communications strategy; 

• Liaise with No 10 and represent MHCLG in cross-Whitehall communication groups; and 

• Ensure maximum effectiveness for the campaign output of press office across the full range of channels, including digital and social media. 

Key skills/criteria: 

You will need to have a full understanding of the political context and robust news judgment as you will have high visibility with the Secretary of State and Ministers leading on key priority issues. You will have strong influencing skills with the ability to manage competing demands and advise leaders on controversial and challenging reputational issues. 

You will also have experience of leading creative digital communications and a thorough understanding of how to engage audiences across social media. 

A proven ability to lead and motivate teams is essential. 

Security

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed.