Communications Officer Locations: Salford, Sheffield, London Westminster Salary £34,350 - £41,035 National pay locations: Salford and Sheffield: £34,350 min - £36,755 max London Westminster: £38,350 min - £41,035 max Plus annual allowance of £2,300 A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%. As a member of the Communications Directorate, you will be supporting our mission to deliver outstanding public services that work for everyone. As a Communications Officer in the Home Office, you will work closely with colleagues including policy officials, operational teams, external stakeholders, Ministers and Downing Street to advise on the role communications can play in delivering on government priorities and raising awareness among the general public. There are a number of opportunities available: For roles on our News desk, you will be part of the department’s frontline, responding to calls from journalists and shaping news as it develops. You will be responsible for monitoring news and social media and protecting the Department’s reputation. You will provide Ministers and their Advisers with updates on news as it breaks; identify and rebut inaccurate reporting or criticism; and ensure the Department’s position is clearly reflected. For roles on our proactive teams, you will develop integrated communications plans to promote the vital work being delivered across the Home Office. Media roles will include producing plans to announce new policies or successes; providing media advice; drafting press releases on high profile issues; and facilitating interviews for Ministers. Campaigns roles will see you deliver impactful communications led by insight and evaluation, including direct, paid-for, low- and no-cost marketing, partnerships, media and digital communications. Essential criteria Experience working in a fast-paced communications role or similar, juggling competing priorities, exercising good judgement, and keeping calm under pressure. An ability to communicate effectively, and develop trusted and productive relationships with colleagues, external partners and stakeholders. Proven ability to distil large amounts of complex information into clear key messages suitable for specific audiences. Understanding of how audience insight and evaluation can be used to inform communications strategies and activity. Excellent written and speaking skills, with an ability to establish credibility and negotiate effectively. Strong news sense and understanding of current affairs, including how to identify and mitigate reputational risks. If you think you are a suitable match for this role, Please click ' Apply ' for further information and details of the full job description. “Every day, Home Office civil servants do brilliant work to develop and deliver policies and services that affect the lives of people across the country and beyond. To do this effectively and fairly, the Home Office is committed to representing modern Britain in all its diversity, and creating a welcoming, inclusive workplace where all our people are able to bring their whole selves to work and perform at their best. We are flexible, skilled, professional and diverse. We work to recruit and retain disabled staff and are a Disability Confident Leader. We are proud to be one of the most ethnically diverse departments in the civil service. We are a Stonewall top 100 Workplace Equality Employer and a Social Mobility Foundation top 75 employer.”