Head of Media (maternity cover)

About the GroupThe Ministerial and Communications Group sits at the heart of the Treasury. If you are interested in the inner workings of the Government, meeting Ministers, Senior Officials and liaising with the Press then this could be the place for you! We are a friendly and inclusive Group working on some of the most exciting issues of the day, bringing together work from across the rest of the department and engaging closely with partners across Whitehall and beyond.We provide support to Ministers, through Ministerial offices. We act as Treasury's external face, through the Press Office and Communications team. We are responsible for managing the department, through our support for the Permanent Secretary, the Second Permanent Secretaries, the Treasury Board, and the Executive Management Board (EMB), and our ownership of Treasury governance structures. The Group is led by the Permanent Secretary.About the Team The Communications Team is responsible for all communications conducted by HM Treasury and its Ministers. It works closely with Ministers, special advisors and policy teams to communicate the Treasurys work, through traditional and new media channels. The team is fast-paced, supportive and fun. We work collaboratively across the different aspects of communications (press, digital, events) in high-profile roles where post-holders are given ownership for their areas. About the JobThis is a key role at the heart of the HM Treasurys (HMT) Communication Teams leading one of the highest profile media offices in Government communicating agenda-setting issues on a daily basis, managing a high profile media service, and creating original media moments.The role requires you to have strong leadership and management skills, clear strategic and quick tactical thinking, excellent political antennae, first class news judgement and an ability to clearly communicate complex ideas.In addition to managing the press desks, you will work closely with the Chancellor and her senior team, briefing the Chancellor ahead of media appearances, and accompanying her on official visits.Key Accountabilities for this role include: Working closely with, and advising, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, special advisers, and senior officials to ensure HMT business is communicated in a clear and compelling manner.Overseeing HMTs successful media relations operation, ensuring all communications are clear, timely, and accurate.Leadership of 35-40 strong team as part of a senior management team (SMT) with the Chancellors Press Secretary and the Head of Strategic and Economic Communications. You will also play a leading role in the Group (Directorate) and across HMT as a whole and be expected to contribute to the corporate agenda of the Department, as well as leading on the communications expertise strand of the teams development programme.Accountability for the design and efficiency of the Communication teams systems and processes and ensuring that best practice and latest industry innovations are considered and incorporated.Direct line management of 5-6 Range E/Grade 7 equivalents across press office and digital communications, with wider responsibility for the effective management and development of HMTs Communications team and oversight of the wider teams media output.Deputising for the Chancellors Press Secretary and Head of Communications.The role includes providing backup cover for HMTs out-of-hours media operation, as part of a rota system with other members of SMT.This role is for up to 12 months maternity cover. If you would like to speak to the hiring manager informally prior to the closing date for applications to find out more about the job, please contact [email protected].