We are currently seeking an ambitious professional communicator to join our team as Senior Communications Officer (Media Relations), an important role central to the successful delivery of the Commission’s objectives.

The Electoral Commission is the independent body which oversees elections and regulates political finance in the UK. We work to promote public confidence in the democratic process and to ensure its integrity.

A modern regulator, operating within a unique and changing political environment, the Commission has a broad and challenging remit to improve fairness, transparency and efficiency in the UK’s democratic processes. In this context, the Senior Communications Officer (Media Relations) is responsible for leading and contributing to the delivery of communication projects and functions, ensuring the Commission engages its range of audiences in effective and innovative ways.

The successful candidate will work with the Media Relations Manager to develop and oversee the Commission’s media plans, balancing the need for competent and organised reactive news handling with innovative proactive approaches, and developing strong relationships with journalists.

Key responsibilities include:

• producing and executing comprehensive media handling plans and exercising expert judgment to take day-to-day media handling decisions.
• drafting to a high standard media statements and lines, as well as copy for press releases, comment pieces and features, adopting an appropriate style according to the circumstances.
• developing innovative and engaging social media content and strategies.
• briefing and supporting Commission spokespeople ahead of media engagements evaluating all activities effectively and ensuring lessons and areas for development are identified.
• working in close partnership with colleagues in the wider communications area, including those handling public enquiries, public affairs activity, marketing and campaigns.
• building the knowledge required to be an authoritative owner of work within their brief.
• being prepared to work flexibly including out of hours at times.

The role will be based in London but will require the development of a strong understanding of how devolution is changing politics across the UK.

For more information see full Job at 
https://careers.electoralcommission.org.uk/templates/electoral_commission/job_list.aspx.