Communications Officer (News)

We’re looking for a creative and experienced media professional to join our busy news team – to help respond to the thousands of regional and national media enquiries we receive every year and help tell the story of how Avon and Somerset Police is fighting and preventing crime and keeping communities safe.

You’ll have responsibility for managing sensitive and complex media issues, overseeing ground-breaking documentaries and leading on the communications for high-profile investigations, incidents and police operations.

Working with senior leaders, you’ll provide professional advice to officers and staff at all levels and generate media handling plans and key messages for specific cases and operations. You’ll be working on everything from murder enquiries and modern slavery investigations to serious and organised crime and exploitation cases.

Key responsibilities:

Prepare and implement detailed media handling plans for major cases and investigations and attend court hearings as appropriate.
Deliver a professional media relations service which maintains and improves public trust and confidence in policing.
Act as a spokesperson on matters of interest to the media and public, attending the scene of incidents or events where appropriate.
Identify, research and compile information for media releases, social media and the website.
Respond and proactively manage enquiries from national and local media.
Provide a rapid rebuttal service to correct misinformation about an incident, event or Avon and Somerset Police.
Identify proactive media opportunities to generate awareness and understanding of policing issues.
Provide advice, support and guidance on media law and communications to officers and staff.

Skills and experience:

Experience of working in a fast-paced newsroom or press office
You will be a confident written communicator, self-motivated, organised and able to work on your own and to tight deadlines.
Sound media law knowledge
A thorough understanding of how print, broadcast and digital media works
The ability to build networks and strong relationships with local, national and specialist media
Excellent prioritisation skills
A relevant industry degree or National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) qualification or have an equivalent level of experience gained in a large and complex organisation.

The Role

Playing a key part in providing round-the-clock cover, you will be required to work shifts between 8am and 5.30pm, Monday-Friday to facilitate the core opening hours of the press office. All press officers are on the on-call rota, to provide out-of-hours cover on weekday evenings and on weekends, for which a stand-by allowance and overtime for any hours worked are paid (approx. £4,000 per year).

This is a blended/hybrid working role and after your initial training period you will be required to work 2-3 days per week from the office. You may also be required to travel around the Avon and Somerset Policing area when required. Specific working arrangements will be agreed with your line manager.

To be eligible to apply for this role you must have a 3 year ‘checkable history’ in the UK – ideally this means that you would have been resident in the UK for the last 3 years.

This permanent position is well suited to an individual that is looking to advance their career in a thriving and supportive workplace.

How to apply

In addition to your completed application form (click 'Apply' below) this role requires you to e-mail your C.V. (curriculum vitae), which will form part of the blind shortlisting process. Please make sure your C.V. includes any degree or qualification in journalism or communications, like one from the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and any relevant experience of working in a newsroom, press office, or communications role.

Please email your C.V. to TalentPoliceStaff@avonandsomerset.police.uk quoting job reference 6121, after please complete our online application form (click 'Apply' below)

Further Information

Shortlisting is planned to take place week commencing 25th November 2024.

Applications successful at shortlisting will be invited to attend interview week commencing 2nd December 2024.

The application window may close early if we feel we have enough successful applications submitted. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. We look forward to receiving your application.

About us

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