Chief Media Officer – Senior Communications Leader

About the role

The Department for Education is seeking a senior communications professional to lead its media team as Chief Media Officer. You will shape and deliver the department’s media strategy across digital, broadcast and print channels, ensuring the education agenda reaches a wide audience.

Key responsibilities

• Lead a high‑performing media team, setting standards and driving creative output.
• Develop and execute audience‑focused media campaigns for the Secretary of State, ministers and policy teams.
• Manage breaking news, front‑page stories and broadcast coverage, ensuring timely and accurate messaging.
• Integrate social and digital channels to amplify key messages and innovate communication approaches.
• Provide strategic advice and constructive challenge to senior officials on the communication impact of policy.
• Collaborate with the Government Communications Service and other departments to align media activity.
• Participate in out‑of‑hours senior management support rota.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in PR and communications within a fast‑paced, high‑visibility environment.
• Proven leadership of media teams and ability to develop staff potential.
• Strong news sense with the ability to anticipate issues and seize opportunities.
• Comfortable working directly with senior ministers, permanent secretaries and advisers.
• Creative, audience‑first mindset and ability to thrive under pressure.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to influence national education policy through strategic media engagement.
• Collaborative senior management environment within a leading government department.
• Professional development and leadership growth in a high‑impact role.