Media Officer

On behalf of The Ministry of Justice, we are looking for a Communications Officer - Inside IR35 for a 10 month contract working on a Remote basis (occasional travel required for key meetings)

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) priorities include improving public safety and reducing reoffending by reforming prisons, probation and youth justice, and building a justice system which makes access to justice swifter and more certain for all citizens whatever their background. Project professionals in the MoJ help to improve the government’s ability to protect the public and reduce reoffending, and to provide a more effective, transparent and responsive criminal justice system for victims and the public.

About this role

The Communications Team is responsible for publishing and promoting the Inspectorate’s reports and findings, and enhancing the organisation’s profile and reputation with external stakeholders. The Senior Communications Officer plays a key role in the planning, delivery and evaluation of internal and external communications.

The Senior Communications Officer is a varied and busy role, so we are looking for someone who is proactive and motivated. The successful candidate will need to:

- Have significant experience in communications, PR or journalism.
- Have devised effective communications plans, using the right channels for the target audience.
- Have a strong news sense alongside excellent writing skills.
- Demonstrate strong organisational skills, including delivering at pace under competing deadlines.
- Be an enthusiastic team player and problem solver, with the ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with colleagues to deliver effective solutions.

The main duties and responsibilities of the Communications Officer would be to:

- Communications partner to internal clients – working to identify and prioritise projects, developments and events that need to be shared with internal and external audiences.
- Support internal clients by providing guidance around communications issues and by developing effective communications plans to share messaging with key audiences across all channels, including social media.
- Write engaging and appropriate copy for internal and external audiences, including press releases, newsletter, internal and external briefings, web copy and social media.
- Support with internal and external communication events.
- Handle and log media enquiries, including drafting proactive and reactive press statements and briefings, building relationships with key journalists, organising media interviews and media monitoring.
- Support communications with key external stakeholder groups.
- Contribute to the development and delivery of the Inspectorate’s communications strategy.
- Support team working outside specific role as required.
- Recognise and promote diversity issues in all aspects of work.

Essential:

- Degree (or equivalent qualification) in Communications, Media, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing or a related discipline or significant relevant professional experience.
- Substantial experience delivering strategic communications and media services in a complex organisation.
- Proven experience of developing and delivering communications strategies, plans and campaigns with measurable outcomes.
- Strong experience handling high-profile, sensitive and complex media issues.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality content for diverse audiences.
- Demonstrable experience of media relations, including press releases, briefings and interviews.
- Experience of digital and social media communications, including content creation and performance analysis .
- Ability to provide strategic advice to senior leaders and stakeholders.
- Experience of working collaboratively across teams and with external partners.
- Strong organisational, project management and prioritisation skills.
- Experience of line management or providing professional guidance to staff.
- Understanding of communications best practice, governance and reputational risk management .

Desirable:

- Experience working in the public sector, education or a politically sensitive environment.
- Experience providing communications support directly to schools, youth services or community-based organisations.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident

As a Disability Confident employer, MOJ encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent candidates . Applications from candidates who identify as having a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be prioritised for review. Where application volumes are high, additional role-specific and desirable criteria may be applied as part of the shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant

As a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, MOJ welcome applications from veterans, service leavers, reservists and military spouses or partners. Applications from eligible candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role will be prioritised for review. Where application volumes are high, additional role-specific and desirable criteria may be applied as part of the shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".