Communications Officer

Would you like to work on exciting issues that really make a difference to people's lives? As the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) plays a pivotal role in people's day-to-day life, from the food we eat, the water we drink, to the air we breathe. Within the Defra Communications Directorate you will be welcomed into a collaborative, professional network and supported to build a fulfilling and impactful career. We provide a communications service to the department and other Defra group bodies, such as the Environment Agency, the Rural Payments Agency (RPA), Natural England and the Animal Plant and Health Agency (APHA). Successful candidates will be placed in one of the following teams within the Defra Communications Directorate: External Affairs, Media, or Operational and Local Communications.

• Taking the lead on creating and delivering multi-channel communications plans across media, stakeholders and multiple channels, working with policy and external delivery colleagues.
• Excellent knowledge of the national news agenda and drafting communications handling; strong news judgment and political awareness; exceptional writing skills; and the ability to confidently present and evaluate their work.
• Leading on evaluating the success of our communications to help us continually improve how we communicate with our target audiences, gathering insight and data to help design and evaluate communications and apply lessons learnt.
• Working with teams to create accurate and engaging content - news articles, op-eds, blogs and social media content such as graphics, videos, imagery - and repurposing this across a variety of channels.
• Using digital tools to provide issue monitoring, reporting and rebuttal advice to Defra and the ALBs group communications supports.
• Building strong working relationships with peers and clients and being able to deliver work at pace to short timescales, as well as proactively seeking opportunities to expand our reach by engaging with new groups, including journalists and stakeholders.
• Maintaining a forward planner to support planning for key communications milestones.
• Protecting and enhancing the reputation of Defra group through horizon scanning, issues management and internal communications.