Senior Media and Communications Officer (Select Committees)

House of Commons

The House of Commons a unique and exciting place to work right at the heart of the UK's thriving democratic system.

Behind the scenes, the House of Commons Service is made up of more than 3,000 employees who support and facilitate the smooth day to day running of the House. They provide professional services to Members of Parliament, their staff, and the wider parliamentary community.

Staff Benefits

In addition to your salary, we offer an attractive range of benefits including:

• 30 days’ annual leave (increasing to 35 days after first full leave year).
• Civil Service pensionwith an average employer contribution of 27%.
• Access to training and development.
• Flexible working.
• Interest free season ticket loan and bicycle loan.

Introduction

You will be working in the Select Committee Team (SCT), supporting the work of the House of Commons Select Committees. Select Committees are cross-party Committees of MPs who examine government policy and spending. You can find out more about who Select Committees are and what they do here. The post is part of a central team of 17 media and communications staff which provides a specialist service for around 30 select committees. Each Committee also has a dedicated team, usually of between 4 and 7 members of staff.

The Role

In this post, you will use media and communications work to increase the impact of committees on policy making and to engage a wider range of people in their activities.

Some of the Responsibilities include:

• Advise on and oversee the development of media and communications plans and strategies, encouraging innovation and experimentation;
• Establish and maintain strong working relations with relevant journalists in national and regional print, broadcast and digital media, and ensure that they are regularly and fully briefed;
• Draft and/or edit media releases, features, comment pieces, statements, quotes, Q & As, interviews, tweets, speeches and other material for use in print, broadcast and digital media;
• Advise Chairs, Committee Members, Clerks and Inquiry Managers on media and communications, attending committee meetings where required;

Skills and Experience

The successful candidate will have the following skills/experience:

Criterion 1

Significant experience of identifying and developing news stories and other output in journalism and/or communications, with strong news sense and an ability to use this to deliver media coverage which supports the committee’s aims.

Criterion 2

Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing, and the ability to persuade and influence at all levels, while exercising political awareness and providing politically impartial advice.

Criterion 3

Ability to absorb complex and often technical subject matter quickly and thoroughly and to convey it accurately and in an engaging way

Next Steps

• CV & Supporting Statement - If you would like to apply for this role, please submit your CV and a statement up to a 750 words.

More information on the role and the full criteria can be found in the Job Description.

Please note that most job offers will be made at the minimum of the salary range, other than in exceptional circumstances.

There will also be a 5 minute presentation for candidates invited to interviews that will be face to face. Further information will be provided ahead of interview.