Press Officer

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional government authority in Sheffield is seeking a Press Officer to manage media relations and enhance the profile of the Mayor and local initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a degree in PR or journalism and experience in fast-paced environments. Responsibilities include writing press releases, building media relationships, and crafting engaging content. This role offers competitive pay and a supportive work culture with hybrid working options.

Benefits

Enhanced Holiday Entitlement

Annual Leave Purchase Scheme

Flexible Hours Scheme

Training on the job

Professional Membership Fees reimbursement

Qualifications

• Experience in a busy press office, agency, or news environment.
• Ability to turn complex information into clear, engaging content.
• Confidence in juggling multiple priorities and meeting tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Deliver proactive and reactive press and media activity.
• Build strong relationships with journalists and media outlets.
• Write and monitor media content to promote the Mayor and MCA.
• Organize interviews and manage media presence at events.

Skills

Excellent writing skills

Experience in PR or journalism

Understanding of media agenda

Social media expertise

Education

Degree in PR, journalism, media or related field

Job description

Press Officer

Application Deadline: 30 November 2025

Department: Communications and Marketing

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Sheffield Head Office

Reporting To: Press and Communications Manager

Compensation: £41,511 - £44,711 / year

Description

• Hours: 37 Hours per week (full time)
• Contract: Permanent
• Salary: £41,511 - £44,711
• Location: Sheffield (This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office)

Are you a creative communicator with a passion for public service and a flair for storytelling? Do you thrive in a fast‑paced environment where no two days are the same? If so, we want to hear from you.

We’re looking for a talented Press Officer to join our busy and dynamic Communications & Marketing team at South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).

This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in shaping the daily news agenda, raising the profile of South Yorkshire’s Mayor and the MCA, and telling the story of how we’re working to improve lives across the region.

Applications must be accompanied by a cover letter to detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role (please see role profile attached). Please note, all applications should be made directly via our careers portal. Please note South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority does not hold a sponsorship licence and cannot provide Skilled Worker sponsorship for any roles advertised.

About the role

As Press Officer, you’ll be at the heart of our mission to improve lives across South Yorkshire. You’ll work closely with senior leaders, partners, and colleagues to plan and deliver impactful media relations that support our strategic priorities and enhance our reputation. You’ll respond to media enquiries, pitch stories to local, regional and national outlets, and create compelling content that informs and inspires. From press releases and social media copy to managing interviews and press conferences, you’ll be at the centre of our communications activity.

This is a politically restricted post and a varied role that will suit someone who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, can manage multiple priorities, and is confident working with senior stakeholders and journalists.

What you’ll be doing

• Deliver proactive and reactive press and media activity for SYMCA and South Yorkshire’s Mayor.
• Build strong relationships with journalists and secure coverage across local, regional and national media.
• Write press releases, social media content and op‑eds to promote the work and successes of the Mayor and MCA.
• Monitor the media and political landscape, providing timely advice and spotting opportunities.
• Pitch stories and organise interviews, ensuring the Mayor and senior colleagues are fully briefed.
• Attend events and manage media presence, including press conferences.
• Provide out‑of‑hours media support on a rota basis.

About you

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has a degree or equivalent experience in PR, journalism, media or a related field.
• Brings experience from a busy press office, agency or news environment, with excellent news judgment.
• Has outstanding writing skills and the ability to turn complex information into clear, engaging content.
• Is passionate about news and understands the 24/7 media agenda.
• Can juggle multiple priorities and work to tight deadlines with confidence and creativity.
• Is experienced working with social media and digital content.

Please see the full list of essential and desirable criteria for this role within the attached role profile.

Benefits

• Enhanced Holiday Entitlement – From 28 to 36 days annual leave entitlement (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays. Pro‑rata for part‑time colleagues.
• Annual Leave Purchase Scheme – The ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in addition to your normal annual leave.
• Hybrid working – Our offices are a space where we come together and collaborate. Most of our roles are offered on a hybrid basis with the exception of some support roles being onsite full time. Please note, unless specified within the job advert, we cannot accommodate remote working contracts.
• Flexible Hours Scheme – Most roles within SYMCA work under the Flexi‑Scheme which allows office‑based employees flexibility and discretion over their working hours. Employees can accrue a defined amount of credit or debit of working hours, and take time‑off in the form of Flexi‑Leave or banked Annual Leave.
• Rewarding You – Reducing everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more with Reward Gateway and Cycle‑to‑Work schemes.
• Training on the job – Support with upskilling skills through on‑the‑job training and qualifications.
• Professional Membership Fees – Where membership to Professional bodies is applicable to your role, SYMCA will reimburse your membership fees where applicable and following approval by Line Management.

Diversity at South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority

Our workforce is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio‑economic background, religion and/or belief.

All employees are eligible to request Flexible Working arrangements from day one of employment; all requests will be considered subject to operation requirements.

Where candidates share disabilities within the application process, if they demonstrate that they meet all essential criteria from the Role Profile within their application, they will automatically be invited to interview.

If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the process, please contact [e-mail] or include within your application form detailing the adjustment and how it will assist in managing any barriers.