An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Office of Matt Vickers MP as a Press Officer.

The role of Press Officer is a challenging role, but one that significantly contributes to Matt’s ability to be visible and maintain contact with constituents while helping to provide a first-class service to the constituency.

Working for an MP is no ordinary role. You will need to be comfortable working on your own initiatives, be confident at resolving issues, and be easily adaptable to changing priorities. Furthermore, you will be required to work closely with Matt’s parliamentary office, and therefore must be a team player.

Main duties include, but are not limited to:

• Monitor media coverage, liaise with media, prepare press releases as required on local and natiotional issues.
• Engage professionally, confidentially with care and integrity with members of the public, through telephone enquiries, social media, emails and face to face.
• Ensure online presence is meeting the demands of the constituents, the locality and the MP.
• Establish and develop appropriate strategies around social media and online presence in the constituency.
• Produce online graphics and video content, as well as publicising surgeries and news alerts.
• Manage the MP’s website contents.
• Provide briefings for the MP

• Exercise a high level of autonomy in reaching decisions on cases based on the evidence.
• There may be requirement for the role holder to work outside of normal hours and travel for work occasionally

Personal Specification

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent time management, able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Able to manage and prioritise own workload and excellent organisational skills.
• Experience in working and dealing with the press and public.
• Deal with issues in a confidential and sensitive manner.
• Work effectively in a small team.
• Sympathy to the aims and values of the Conservative Party and A keen interest in politics and current affairs and a committed campaigner.

• Hold a Full Clean UK Drivers Licence
• Local Knowledge of Stockton South (Desirable not Essential)