JOB SUMMARY

At DSIT we’re all about improving people’s lives by maximising the potential of science & technology.
We accelerate innovation, investment and productivity through world-class science, research and development.
We use technology for good by ensuring new and existing technologies are safely developed and deployed across the UK, with the benefits more widely shared.
We are driving forward a modern digital government which gives citizens a more satisfying experience and their time back.
We do all this to enable the Government’s 5 national missions: kickstarting economic growth, making Britain a clean energy superpower, taking back our streets, breaking down barriers to opportunity and building an NHS fit for the future.
Above all, we focus on improving people’s lives. Whether it’s researching new treatments for disease, developing better batteries, reducing burdens through better public services, keeping children safe online, and much more, outcomes for citizens are at the heart of what we do.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This is a fantastic opportunity to work with decision makers in the heart of Whitehall as the government seeks to harness technology and innovation to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow, from growing the economy to improving healthcare.
We are responsible for promoting the latest technologies and scientific advances with the ability to improve lives, so we often see our work make the front pages and airwaves. As part of the team, you will help shape stories to bring government announcements to life, from implementing world leading online safety legislation protecting children online to unleashing the potential of AI, to name but two key policy areas.
Our creative, committed and professional Communications function is looking for a Senior Press Officer to join our busy media team. Some out of hours work will be required as part of the role, for which overtime can be paid.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives under pressure, with experience working in a fast-paced and news-focused comms team used to dealing with complex policies, in either the public or private sector.
About the role:
As a Senior Press Officer within Government Communications, you’ll be at the forefront of shaping public understanding of government policy and initiatives. You will be operating at the very heart of government, helping to shape news coverage on important issues that affect everyday lives.
This role requires someone who can build strong relationships with journalists and stakeholders, work effectively with ministers and senior officials, and lead teams through challenging situations.
Combining strategic thinking with hands-on media engagement, you will craft and deliver communication strategies that bring government policies to life. Working in a fast paced environment, you’ll translate complex policy decisions into clear, compelling stories that resonate with diverse audiences across traditional and digital media channels. Curiosity about how people consume and share news across different platforms will be key.
You will take responsibility for communications on one of our busy media desks, with the expectation of line-managing either one or two direct reports. As a result, you will need to be able to be able to manage both your own and others’ workloads, juggling competing priorities to tight deadlines.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Ideas
• Implementation

NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Lead on major proactive policy announcements and coordinate communications for high-level engagements.
• Create clear, engaging content that translates complex government policies for public understanding.
• Provide expert communications advice to ministers, special advisers, and senior officials on policy matters.
• Respond swiftly and accurately to breaking news stories and manage crisis communications.
• Monitor media coverage, rebut inaccurate stories, and protect departmental reputations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, stakeholders, and across government departments.
• Work closely with our digital communications teams to develop and deliver integrated media strategies that maximise reach and engagement.
• Manage and develop junior team members, providing leadership and supporting their growth.

With the support of an experienced network of peers and a strong focus on professional development, you will develop skills in line with these areas.