Chief Media & Communications Leader

Sussex Police; Lewes; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career progression

LGPS pension

Generous annual leave

On-site gyms

Parental leave

Job summary

Sussex Police invites applications for Head of Media to lead the Media Team, delivering a 24/7, 365-day service to local, national and international press. You will build relationships with journalists and broadcasters, shape the Sussex Police story, and guide risk communications to protect the public and maintain trust.

As a key member of the senior leadership team, you will advise Chief Officers, manage a high-performing team, ensure lawful and cost-effective communications, and develop

Qualifications

• Degree and NCTJ qualification or equivalent professional experience in journalism, media relations or PR.
• Significant experience in managing a news media or media relations function in a high profile and fast paced environment.
• Detailed knowledge of media law as applied across offline and online communications.
• Demonstrable experience of delivering effective organisation-wide and localised corporate communications strategies.
• Experienced line manager with strong evidence of nurturing the professional and personal development of teams.

Responsibilities

• Build, develop and maximise the performance of the Media Team, delivering against strategic objectives.
• Maintain and nurture relationships with media organisations and stakeholders.
• Direct and manage the media team’s processes and people for 24/7 coverage.
• Oversee media training and provide expert communications advice to senior levels.
• Act as Silver Communications in major incidents and oversee crisis communications.

Skills

Degree & NCTJ qualification

Media relations leadership

Media law knowledge

Corporate communications strategy

People management

Problem solving

Verbal & written communication

Negotiation skills

MS Office (Word/Excel/SharePoint)

Education

Degree in journalism or related field

NCTJ qualification

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

SharePoint

Job description

Sussex Police invites applications for Head of Media to lead the Media Team, delivering a 24/7, 365-day service to local, national and international press. You will build relationships with journalists and broadcasters, shape the Sussex Police story, and guide risk communications to protect the public and maintain trust.

As a key member of the senior leadership team, you will advise Chief Officers, manage a high-performing team, ensure lawful and cost-effective communications, and develop