Head of Media (maternity cover)

Are you an experienced and impactful media professional? If so, we’d love to hear from you!

About the Team

The Communications Team is responsible for all communications conducted by HM Treasury (HMT) and its Ministers. We work closely with Ministers, special advisors and policy teams to communicate the Treasury’s work, through traditional and new media channels. 

We operate in a dynamic, fast-paced, supportive and fun environment. We foster collaboration  across the different aspects of communications (press, digital, events) in high-profile roles where individuals are given ownership for their areas.   

About the Job

This is a pivotal role at the heart of HMTs Communication Teams, leading one of the highest profile media offices in Government, communicating agenda-setting issues daily, managing a high profile media service, and creating original media moments.

In this role, you will be:

• Working closely with, and advising, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, special advisers, and senior officials to ensure HMT business is communicated in a clear and compelling manner.
• Overseeing HMT’s successful media relations operation, ensuring all communications are clear, timely, and accurate.
• Leading a 35-40 strong team as part of a senior management team with the Chancellor’s Press Secretary and the Head of Strategic and Economic Communications. You will also play a leading role in the Group and across HMT as a whole, and be expected to contribute to the corporate agenda of the Department, as well as leading on the communications expertise strand of the team’s development programme.
• Accountable for the design and efficiency of the Communication team’s systems and processes and ensuring that standard methodology and latest industry innovations are considered and incorporated.
• Direct line management of 5-6 Range E/Grade 7 equivalents across press office and digital communications, with wider responsibility for the effective management and development of HMT’s Communications team and oversight of the wider team’s media output.
• Deputising for the Chancellor’s Press Secretary and Head of Communications.
• The role includes providing backup cover for HMT’s out-of-hours media operation, as part of a rota system with other members of SMT.

About You

You need to possess strong leadership and management skills, along with clear strategic and quick tactical thinking. Additionally, having excellent political antennae, first class news judgement and an ability to clearly communicate complex ideas is essential.

Some of the Benefits our people love!

• 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 after 5 years), plus 8 public holidays and the King’s birthday (unless you have a legacy arrangement as an existing Civil Servant). Additionally, we operate flexitime systems, allowing employees to take up to an additional 2 days off each month
• Flexible working patterns (part-time, job-share, condensed hours)
• Generous parental and adoption leave packages
• Access to a generous Defined Benefit pension scheme with employer contributions of 28.97%
• Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme and season ticket advances
• A range of active staff networks, based around interests (e.g. analysts, music society, sports and social club) and diversity

For more information about the role and how to apply, please follow the apply link.

If you need any reasonable adjustments to take part in the selection process, please tell us about this in your online application form, or speak to the recruitment team.