Deputy Head of Media

Department of Health and Social Care; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A government health department in the UK is seeking a Deputy Head of Media Relations to lead a senior media relations team. Your role includes overseeing strategic oversight and managing day-to-day media operations, while developing proactive communications strategies. Applicants should have extensive media relations management experience and strong communication skills. The position offers a competitive salary of £74,962 and various benefits, including a generous pension scheme and flexible working options.

Benefits

Contribution to pension scheme

Flexible working options

Paid annual leave

Qualifications

• Extensive experience managing media relations for large, complex organisations.
• A track record of building effective relationships and confidently briefing media at all levels.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead a senior media relations team, overseeing strategic oversight, leadership, and innovation.
• Respond to breaking news and deliver timely, accurate coverage.
• Develop proactive communications strategies that support DHSC objectives.

Skills

Media relations management

Communication skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Relationship building

Crisis management

Judgment

Job description

Job Summary

Our award‑winning communications directorate is seeking an exceptional Deputy Head of Media Relations to lead a team of professionals in promoting DHSC policies and priorities. You will manage the day‑to‑day operations of our 24‑hour media service, respond to breaking news, and design creative, proactive media announcements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a senior media relations team, overseeing strategic oversight, leadership and innovation.
• Maintain and enhance the media service, responding to breaking news and delivering timely, accurate coverage.
• Develop and execute proactive communications strategies that support DHSC objectives.
• Build and sustain relationships with media, government stakeholders, charities, science and business partners.
• Provide media expertise within a high‑profile, politically sensitive environment.
• Assess and brief on complex issues, identifying messages and using recognised insight and evaluation techniques.
• Lead, inspire and empower teams to meet objectives, fostering a culture of inclusion and continuous improvement.
• Support applicants’ scenario assessment and interview preparation.

Required Experience and Skills

• Extensive experience managing media relations for large, complex organisations.
• A track record of building effective relationships and confidently briefing media at all levels.
• Deep knowledge of digital, broadcast and print media, with the ability to spot rapidly emerging stories.
• Experience developing and delivering proactive communications strategies.
• Established credibility and authority in influencing senior stakeholders.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong leadership, decision‑making, and the ability to see the big picture.
• Capacity to deliver results at pace in a 24/7 communications environment.

Technical Skills

• Demonstrate exceptional writing ability, judgement and effective communication.

Diversity and Inclusion

We actively welcome applications from anyone who shares the communications directorate’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. The Civil Service is committed to attracting, retaining and investing in talent wherever it is found. All applicants are encouraged to apply through the Disability Confident Scheme if adjustments are required.

Travel & Security

Some travel may be required across the DHSC estate. Successful candidates must obtain BPSS clearance and complete baseline personnel security standard checks. Criminal record checks will be carried out on all applicants.

Nationality Requirements

• UK nationals
• Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• Nationals of Commonwealth countries with the right to work in the UK
• Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein (including settled/pre‑settled status) and their family members
• 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

Remuneration & Benefits

• Salary: £74,962
• Contribution to the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme (28.97%)
• Learning and development tailored to the role
• Flexible working options
• Cultural inclusion and diversity initiatives
• Paid annual leave: 25 days on entry, increasing by 1 day per year up to 30 days
• Privilege leave: 1 day for the King's birthday
• Hours of work: 37 hours net per week for full‑time staff
• Occupational sick pay: one month full pay/one month half pay on entry, increasing by one month per year up to five months full/half
• Mobility clause in contracts allows cross‑civil service movement
• Probation: 6 months

Additional Information

Applicants who are appointable but were not successful may be kept on a reserve list for up to 12 months. Those who complete a scenario assessment before the interview will share a brief on their writing, judgement, and communication skills at the interview start. If an applicant is unsuccessful, feedback will only be provided if an interview or assessment is attended.

Terms and Conditions

DHSC’s modernised terms and conditions apply from 1 October 2013. Existing civil servants transferring will adopt DHSC’s terms and conditions, with specific provisions for modernised and pre‑modernised conditions detailed in the full policy documents. Change requests for reasonable adjustments are accepted via the Government Recruitment Service prior to the closing date.