Media & Communications Lead

Transport for London; Greater London; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

Season ticket loan

Bicycle loan

Pension scheme

Job summary

The Mayor of London Media Team at the Greater London Authority is seeking a senior communications lead to shape policy and drive media coverage for city-wide issues. You will advise senior figures, manage media relations, and respond quickly to enquiries in a fast-paced environment.

You must have proven experience in delivering media services in high-profile settings, and strong writing and collaboration skills to engage diverse audiences across London.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering media and public relations in a busy press office or as a qualified journalist.
• Knowledge of London and issues facing a major world city.
• Excellent writing and stakeholder management skills; ability to engage diverse groups.

Responsibilities

• Help shape communications policy and deliver media coverage for city-wide issues.
• Advise senior figures, handle a wide range of media, and respond quickly to enquiries.
• Accompany the Mayor to events and operate on a 24/7 on-call rota.

Skills

Media relations

Public relations

Writing

Job description

Key information

Organisation: Greater London Authority

Job title: Mayor of London Media & Communications Lead

Salary: £52,305 plus £8,955.31 on-call allowance

Grade: 8

Contract type: Permanent

Reference: 5398

Team: Mayor's Media Team

Directorate: Strategy & Communications

Interview date: TBC w/c 12 October 2026

Location: City Hall

Application closing date: Wednesday 23 September 2026 at 23:59

Strategy and Communications

Strategy and Communications sits at the centre of the organisation, bringing together several teams with organisation-wide remits and mutual collaboration opportunities. The work of the directorate's teams includes delivery of major events, designing and leading public affairs or marketing campaigns, providing data, evidence and analysis, leading cross-organisational programmes, to making sure we plan for and can respond to emerging events or emergencies in our city.

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity to be part of the Mayor of London's busy Media Team, working on the issues that matter to Londoners, where no two days are the same.

Providing the expertise that helps shape our communications policy, you will be a strong communicator with a significant track record of success in delivering media and public relations services in a high-profile organisation, a political or highly complex environment.

You'll need excellent writing and people skills, proven experience dealing with a wide range of different media and advising senior figures in a fast-paced, demanding environment.

You must have the ability to think on your feet, respond quickly to media enquiries from across the globe, generate great digital and traditional media coverage through creative ideas and demonstrate sound knowledge of PR techniques - including use of digital and social media.

This is an active role that will involve accompanying the Mayor to events, as well as being part of a 24-hour, seven day a week on-call rota.

Skills, knowledge and experience

To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:

• Experience and a proven track record of success in delivering media and public relations services in a busy press office, or as a qualified journalist.
• Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of London and the issues facing a major world city.
• Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of traditional and digital media and experience of using effective media management techniques.
• Evidence of excellent communication skills, including the ability to write concisely and fluently and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a diverse range of people and groups.

You must also demonstrate skills in the following behavioural competencies:

behavioural competencies:

• Building & Managing relationships
• Communicating & influencing
• Decision making
• Planning & organising
• Organisational awareness
• Responding to pressure & change

This is a politically restricted role under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

The GLA Competency Framework Guidelines further detailing each competency and the different level indicators can be found here: GLA Competency Framework

As part of GLA's continuing commitment to be an inclusive and equal opportunity employer we will be removing personal identifiable information from CVs and Personal Statements that could cause discrimination.

We may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

If you have questions about the role

If you wish to talk to someone about the role, the hiring manager Sam Hart would be happy to speak to you. Please contact them at [e-mail]

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, contact the [e-mail] who support the GLA with recruitment.

Is this role eligible for sponsorship?

This role DOES NOT meet the criteria for sponsorship for external candidates.

Assessment process

Once you have submitted an application, your details will be reviewed by a panel.

If shortlisted, you'll be invited to an interview/assessment.

The interview/assessment date is: To be confirmed

Equality, diversity and inclusion

London's diversity is its biggest asset, and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London's diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.

We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements.

Please note we are a Disability Confident Employer so for candidates who wish to be considered under the scheme and meet the essential criteria, they will automatically be invited to interview. Please note, should you require any adjustments through the process, we will accommodate as much as possible. Please contact the recruitment team for further information if required.

Benefits

GLA staff are hybrid working in our offices and remotely depending on their role. As part of this, you will need to split your time between home working and coming into the office.

In addition to a good salary package, you will be paid every four weeks, providing frequent salary payments. We also offer an attractive range of benefits including 30 days' annual leave, interest free season ticket loan, interest free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme.

Additional Information

Please note, all candidates will need to confirm that the information provided in this application form is true and correct. Should a candidate deliberately give false information, including the use of AI software, they understand that this would disqualify them from consideration.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record (DBS) check but some roles may require additional security screening.

Find out which DBS check is right for your employee - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

More Support

If you have a disability which makes submitting an online application form difficult, please contact [e-mail].