Social Media Senior Press Officer

Caxton House, Westminster, LondonJob SummaryWe are recruiting a Social Media Senior Press Officer to be part of our high-performing press team. This role focuses primarily on operational social media delivery as an embedded member of the Press Office, with organic capability building through daily collaboration and informal knowledge sharing.As part of the Press Office, you will be responding to breaking news stories and planning media activity across broadcast, print, online and social. You will need to be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, engaging with journalists and reacting quickly and confidently to developing issues and breaking news.You will need excellent news judgement, the ability to think strategically, strong interpersonal skills and an aptitude for digesting complex information quickly which you can explain in plain English. Ideally, you will have a good understanding of the political landscape, Whitehall operations, parliamentary procedure, devolution and propriety.Job DescriptionResponsibilities will be:Core Press Office Work (80%) Respond immediately to breaking news across all social media platforms Create compelling, accessible social media content that explains complex government policies Monitor social media channels for emerging issues and public sentiment Develop proactive communications plans across social media channels for key announcements and Ministerial events, targeting key audiences with impactful content where they are, supporting the Department’s strategic priorities Support press officers with social media elements of media responses Participate in press office planning meetings and briefing preparation Engage with journalists and stakeholders through social media channels Maintain departmental social media accounts and ensure consistent messaging Participate in out-of-hours duty rota covering evenings and weekends (with allowance)Capability Building (20%) Share social media expertise informally through team meetings and daily collaboration Provide coaching to colleagues on social media best practices during live situations Develop simple templates and guidance for common social media scenarios Create practical guidance documents and style guides for team use Liaise with GCS Digital team for formal training opportunities and resources Mentor colleagues organically through collaborative working on social media responses Responsibilities Will BeCore Press Office Work (80%) Respond immediately to breaking news across all social media platforms Create compelling, accessible social media content that explains complex government policies Monitor social media channels for emerging issues and public sentiment Develop proactive communications plans across social media channels for key announcements and Ministerial events, targeting key audiences with impactful content where they are, supporting the Department’s strategic priorities Support press officers with social media elements of media responses Participate in press office planning meetings and briefing preparation Engage with journalists and stakeholders through social media channels Maintain departmental social media accounts and ensure consistent messaging Participate in out-of-hours duty rota covering evenings and weekends (with allowance)Capability Building (20%) Share social media expertise informally through team meetings and daily collaboration Provide coaching to colleagues on social media best practices during live situations Develop simple templates and guidance for common social media scenarios Create practical guidance documents and style guides for team use Liaise with GCS Digital team for formal training opportunities and resources Mentor colleagues organically through collaborative working on social media responses Person specificationEssential Criteria For The RoleExtensive social media management experience, preferably in government or in a news environmentStrong understanding of how news cycles interact with social media platforms and ability to identify opportunities across social, online, print and broadcast channels Excellent writing skills with ability to adapt tone and style for different audiences, working at paceExperience briefing senior officials or working with high-profile stakeholders Comfortable working collaboratively and sharing knowledge informally Knowledge of accessibility requirements and inclusive communication principles Understanding of government communication guidelines and propriety requirements Please note – If there are a high number of applications received, an initial sift may be undertaken based on the first four essential criteria listed above. Candidates who pass the initial sift may progress to a full sift or may go straight to interviewDCS Criteria Additional InformationIf high application volumes are received, the benchmark for candidates to proceed to the next stage may also be raised. In line with our commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme (DCS), we aim to advance all candidates applying under the DCS who meet the minimum standard. However, we may only progress those candidates who best meet the required standardsHybrid Working This role may be suitable for hybrid working, which is where an employee works part of the week in their DWP office and part of the week from home. This is a voluntary, non-contractual arrangement and your office will be your contractual place of work. If a hybrid working arrangement is suitable for the role and for you, you will normally be required to spend a minimum of 60% of your contracted working hours from your DWP office. If you have a disability, caring responsibilities, or other circumstances that may affect your ability to meet the minimum office attendance requirement, please discuss this with us using the contact details in this advertRegular time in the office is essential when you work as part of the wider DWP Press Office. Being in the office is essential at times, with the need to work closely with key stakeholders that include, Ministers, No. 10, Press, colleagues, etc., often via in-person meetings. This blended working approach allows you to work collaboratively, meet stakeholders in-person, support others and promotes a healthy work life balance. As stated, If you are successful, any opportunities for hybrid working, including whether a hybrid working arrangement is suitable for you, will be discussed with you prior to you taking up your post.Visa InformationWe strongly recommend that applicants consult with an immigration specialist or qualified advisor to assess their eligibility for Visa Sponsorship before deciding to apply. Please note that while we consider sponsorship requests in accordance with current DWP guidance and Home Office policy, sponsorship cannot be guaranteed.Due to legal considerations in this area, if you have questions about visas, please contact the VISA Sponsorship Team for assistance at visa.sponsorship@dwp.gov.uk.BehavioursWe'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:LeadershipCommunicating and InfluencingDelivering at PaceTechnical skillsWe'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:InsightIdeasImplementationImpactAlongside your salary of £55,807, Department for Work and Pensions contributes £16,167 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.DWP have a broad benefits package built around your work-life balance which includes:Working patterns to support work/life balance such as job sharing, term-time working, flexi-time and compressed hours.Generous annual leave – at least 23 days on entry, increasing up to 30 days over time (pro–rata for part time employees), plus 9 days public and privilege leave.Support for financial wellbeing, including interest-free season ticket loans for travel, a cycle to work scheme and an employee discount scheme.Health and wellbeing support including our Employee Assistance Programme for specialist advice and counselling and the opportunity to join HASSRA a first-class programme of competitions, activities and benefits for its members (subscription payable monthly).Family friendly policies including enhanced maternity and shared parental leave pay after 1 year’s continuous service.Funded learning and development to support progress in your role and career. This includes industry recognised qualifications and accreditations, coaching, mentoring and talent development programmes.An inclusive and diverse environment with opportunities to join professional and interpersonal networks including Women’s Network, National Race Network, National Disability Network (THRIVE) and many more.Selection process detailsThis vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.Selection will be by a written sift, followed by an interview (face-to-face)The Civil Service uses a Success Profiles to assess candidates’, knowledge and skills.You will be assessed against experience, behaviours, strengths and Government Communications Service (GCS) technical skills.We’ll assess both what candidates are good at, as well as what they enjoy, to help us measure candidates’ behaviours, strengths and their potential. The assessment process comprises of a written application and for shortlisted candidates, a short scenario-based exercise and interview.Written applicationYou’ll need to complete a CV and Personal Statement when you apply. Your CV should set out your career history with key responsibilities and achievements. Your Personal Statement (max 750 words) should explain how your personal skills and qualities make you a suitable candidate for this role. Your CV and personal statement will both be assessed against the essential criteria set out on slide 5.InterviewA ‘blended’ interview lasting around 45 minutes to 1 hour will test a mix of behaviours, technical skills and strengths:It may help to use the WHO or STAR model to explain:What the task/ work was, How you approached the task/work/situation and what the Outcomes were, what did you achieve? Or What was the Situation? What were the Tasks? What Action did you take? What were the Results of your actions?Please see next page for more details on the selection process.Written ApplicationThe written sift will be conducted using evidence from your CV and Personal Statement and will be assessed against the Essential Criteria within the advert.Please note – If there are a high number of applications received, an initial sift may be undertaken based on the first four essential criteria listed on slide 5. Candidates who pass the initial sift may progress to a full sift or may go straight to interview.InterviewShortlisted Candidates Will Be Invited To Attend An Interview. This Will Be a Face-to-face Interview . The Interview Panel Will Be a Minimum Of Two People. The Interview Will Assessa. We’ll assess candidates against the following Civil Service Behaviours at SEO level:LeadershipCommunicating and InfluencingDelivering at Pace b. For this professional communications role, you’ll also be tested against the following Government Communications Service (GCS) technical skills at SIO level InsightIdeasImplementationImpactc. You’ll also be assessed against two Civil Service Strengths relevant to the role. These aren’t defined by graded. Shortlisted candidates will be expected to carry out a short scenario-based exercise at the start of the interview. You do not need to prepare in advance for this. This exercise will be assessed against Civil Service behaviour Delivering at Pace and GCS technical skill ImplementationSift And Interview DatesOur anticipated timetable - which may be subject to change - is as follows:Shortlisting will take place commencing W/C10th November 2025Interviews will commence W/C 01/12/2025Interviews will be held in person. Further details will be provided if you are successful and shortlisted. To apply for this post please follow the instructions in this candidate pack or the job advert on Civil Service Jobs.Please submit your application no later than 23:55 10th November If you’re an existing Civil Servant and want to know more about transferring to another Department, refer to your current department’s guidance on transfers within the Civil Service.Candidates should not resign from their current job until all appropriate checks have been successfully completed.If you have questions about the role, DWP or the application process, please contact mark.mudie@dwp.gov.ukFurther InformationAt the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) we value diversity and inclusion and actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including those that are underrepresented in our workforce.Find out more about working for DWP on the DWP Careers Hub.Reserve ListA reserve list may be held for a period of 6 months from which further appointments can be made.If you are placed on a reserve list but we cannot immediately offer you a post, please note:If you are later offered the role you applied for, in a location you have expressed a preference for, and you decline the offer or are unable to take up the post within a reasonable timeframe you will be withdrawn from the campaign and removed from the reserve list, other than in exceptional circumstances (e.g. a contractual Part Time Working Pattern cannot be accommodated in the initial role offered or in cases of serious ill health). If DWP makes an offer of an alternative role or location to that which you originally applied for, and you decline that offer, you will be able to remain on the reserve list.Disability Confident SchemeIf high application volumes are received, the benchmark for candidates to proceed to the next stage may be raised. In line with our commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme (DCS), we aim to advance all candidates applying under the DCS who meet the minimum standard. However, we may only progress those candidates who best meet the required standards.Reasonable AdjustmentsWe consider visible and non-visible disabilities, neurodiversity or learning differences, chronic medical conditions, or mental ill health. Examples include dyslexia, epilepsy, autism, chronic fatigue, or schizophrenia.If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should contact the Government Recruitment Service via DWPRecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.Complete the “Reasonable Adjustments” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.Integrity, plagiarism, Civil Service Principles and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)The Civil Service values honesty and integrity and expects all candidates to abide by these principles.Please ensure that all examples provided in your application are taken directly from your own experience and that you describe the examples in your own words.Examples Of Plagiarism Can IncludePresenting the work, ideas and experience of others as your ownCopying content or answers from an online or published source that is not your ownArtificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.Disclosure and Barring Service and Internal Fraud Database ChecksIn order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf.However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check will be carried out.Important New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.Before applying for this vacancy, current employees of DWP should check whether a successful application would result in changes to their terms & conditions of employment, e.g. mobility, pay, allowances. If you are a current employee and are successful you must be able to be released from your current post within four weeks.Those on protected TUPE/ COSoP terms and conditions applying on promotion or voluntary permanent level move will adopt DWP’s Terms and Conditions and this may have a different impact on pay and allowances. Please review this prior to acceptance of a role.Civil Servants that would transfer into DWP from other government organisations, following successful application, will assume DWP's terms & conditions of employment current on the day they are posted, unless DWP has stated otherwise in writing. Accepting a post will be taken to mean acceptance of revised terms & conditions.Civil Servants applying on promotion will usually be appointed to the salary minimum or within 10% of existing salary.Any move to DWP from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may, however, be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at the Childcare Choices Website.FeedbackFeedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.SecuritySuccessful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.Nationality requirementsThis Job Is Broadly Open To The Following GroupsUK nationalsnationals of the Republic of Irelandnationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UKnationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil ServiceFurther information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)Working for the Civil ServiceThe Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.Diversity and InclusionThe Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.Contact point for applicantsJob ContactName : Mark MudieEmail : mark.mudie@dwp.gov.ukRecruitment teamEmail : dwprecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.ukFurther informationAppointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact DWP by email: HR.BUSINESSASSURANCE@DWP.GOV.UK.If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission. Click here to visit the Civil Service Commission.