The office of the First Secretary of State is inviting applications for a new communications Special Adviser.
Reporting to the Director of Communications, the role holder will support and develop all internal and external communications for the Rt Hon Louise Haigh MP, First Secretary of State, Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Office.
This is an exciting role requiring outstanding communications judgement and a proven ability to develop and deliver the highest-quality communications plans.
Job description
The role holder will work to the Director of Communications to:
- Support and develop internal and external communications activity for the First Secretary of State and ministerial team, covering departmental business, policy priorities and announcements.
- Support the development of media lines, briefings, speeches, and other communications, ensuring clear, consistent messaging aligned with the Government’s priorities.
- Manage media responses and develop proactive communications for the First Secretary of State and ministerial team.
- Work with officials to develop and deliver communications plans, including commissioning content to maximise impact and ensure effective delivery of messages.
- Support the preparation of ministerial events, visits and media appearances, ensuring robust planning, effective speeches and briefings.
- Support political liaison with senior political leadership across Whitehall on communications matters on behalf of the department.
- Work as an effective member of the Special Adviser team, helping to shape and drive delivery of the First Secretary of State’s policy priorities.
- Support policy development for the department across a broad portfolio.
- Build and maintain effective relationships across Government to co-ordinate action in support of the First Secretary of State’s priorities.
Person criteria
The role holder will have:
- Strong understanding of the planning, delivery and sign-off of external and internal communications.
- Outstanding communication skills, excellent news judgement and a deep understanding of the media landscape.
- Proven ability to plan and lead comprehensive, multi-channel communications campaigns and external engagements.
- Excellent political judgement and awareness, with the ability to translate political messaging into effective communications plans.
- Experience of leading communications in a high-profile environment or complex organisation.
- Extensive experience in drafting speeches, briefings and other communications for senior politicians and stakeholders.
- Extensive experience in communicating complex information to a range of audiences.
Additional information
The salary for this role will fall within pay band two.
How to apply: Email [email protected] right away with your CV and a personal statement (1000 words) explaining why you are the best person for the job.
Data sent to this address will be retained during the recruitment process and then deleted.