Deputy Head of Media

Government Recruitment Service; Greater London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental agency in the UK is seeking an experienced Deputy Head of Media Relations to lead a dynamic communications team in the health sector. The role requires strong leadership skills, an excellent news sense, and the ability to manage a 24-hour media service. You will engage with key partners and government stakeholders to promote health policies and ensure clear communication of vital public health messages. The position offers a competitive package and a supportive work environment focused on diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

Competitive package

Training and development opportunities

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Experience in media relations within the health sector.
• Capability to manage a 24-hour media service.
• Ability to provide strategic oversight and leadership in communications.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the media service.
• Respond to breaking news and design proactive media announcements.
• Engage with health sector partners and government stakeholders.

Skills

Strong news sense

Excellent judgment

Experience in complex environments

Excellent communication

Job description

Deputy Head of Media Relations – Department of Health and Social Care

Overview

In the Department of Health and Social Care, we are proud of our purpose – to enable everyone to live more independent, healthier lives for longer. To achieve this, and create a great place to work, we have four values: we are inclusive, we constantly improve, we challenge, and we are agile. If this sounds like an environment you would like to work in, we would love to hear from you.

The Department of Health and Social Care media team sits at the very heart of the health and social care debate, working to ensure the public understands the government's vision for a healthier nation.

From breaking news on NHS reforms to proactive activity on policy that will change lives, the team translates complex health policy into compelling stories that resonate with millions of people across the UK.

Our media experts work hand-in-hand with ministers, providing the communications support that ensures every hospital visit, every policy announcement, and every crisis response delivers maximum impact.

The team help shape how health stories are told, working across national, regional and specialist media to ensure the government's health priorities reach every corner of the country with clarity and conviction.

They thrive on collaboration, working seamlessly with NHS England, the UK Health Security Agency and other key partners to create powerful communications that drive real change.

The team actively shape the news agenda, using our deep relationships with journalists and understanding of the health landscape to ensure that vital public health messages reach the people who need them most.

Our award-winning communications directorate is now looking for exceptional Deputy Heads of Media Relations, with experience of working in a complex environment that is subject to significant public, and media scrutiny. You will be part of a leadership team overseeing communications professionals in promoting DHSC policies and priorities, while managing the day-to-day operations of our 24-hour media service, responding to breaking news as well as designing creative, original, and proactive media announcements.

You should be an experienced communicator with a strong news sense and excellent judgement who can hit the ground running. As part of the senior media relations leadership team you will provide media expertise in an area of significant public and political scrutiny.

You will understand the importance of choosing the right channel and tactics in delivering messages and ensuring your team engages with, and builds support from, partners across the health and social care sector, charities, science and business to support communications objectives, in addition to working closely with government stakeholders and the media.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work in an area demanding strategic oversight, leadership, and innovation.

We can offer you a competitive package, an excellent range of training and development opportunities, a friendly and supportive team and, above all, the chance to play a key role in communicating some of the most important issues in society today.

Once you become a member of our team, we are not only interested in what you can bring to communications, but also our culture and values, including commitments to staff health and wellbeing, and our diversity & inclusion working group.

We actively welcome applications from anyone who shares the communications directorate's and wider department's commitment to diversity and inclusion, while ensuring candidates who apply through the Disability Confident Scheme requiring adjustments are supported during our recruitment process.