Press Officer – Communications Directorate

About the role

The Home Office Communications Directorate is seeking a Press Officer to manage media enquiries, shape coverage and protect the department’s reputation. Working closely with policy and operational teams, you will craft responses, monitor news and ensure accurate reporting of the Home Office’s work.

Key responsibilities

• Respond to enquiries from national, international, regional and digital media outlets, ensuring the Department’s position is accurately reported.
• Provide proactive communications plans to announce policies or successes and produce high‑quality press releases.
• Monitor breaking news, analyse coverage, identify inaccuracies and rebut false reporting.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key journalists and support colleagues across regional media teams.

Required profile

• Experience in a fast‑paced, media‑facing role, handling competing priorities and staying calm under pressure.
• Strong news sense with understanding of current affairs, political and media landscapes, and ability to mitigate reputational risks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of distilling complex information into clear messages.
• Creative use of digital channels and insight‑driven communication strategies.

What we offer

• Salary £41,750 – £44,250 per annum plus a £2,300 recruitment and retention allowance.
• Civil Service pension with 28.97% employer contribution.
• Annual leave starting at 25 days, increasing to 30 days with service, plus eight public holidays and an additional privilege day.
• Potential hybrid working arrangement, with a minimum of 60 % office presence.