I'm Hiring - Communications Officer

Application Information:

Role: Communications Officer

Salary: £25,000-30,000 per year

Hours: Full Time (37.5)

Applications Close: Sunday 15th February, 20:00

First Round Interviews: Week Commencing 23rd February, via Teams

Second Round Interviews: Thursday 5th March, In Person (Tiverton)

To apply, send your CV, and a Covering Letter detailing how you meet the Person Specification, as well as how you would meet the Key Responsibilities, to rachel.gilmour.mp@parliament.uk with the Subject Line “Application - Communications Officer”. 

For an informal conversation with your prospective line manager, please email rhys.wallis@parliament.uk 

Key Responsibilities:

· Monitor media coverage, liaise with media, prepare press releases as required (on constituency, non-party-political matters).

· Establish, monitor and update a social media and online presence in the constituency. Produce online graphics and video content, as well as publicising surgeries and news alerts etc.

· Produce press releases, liaise with the media, meeting deadlines as appropriate.

· Respond promptly to media enquiries and assist on crisis communications when/ if necessary.

· Manage and monitor social media enquiries, dealing with cases that do not need to be transferred to a higher level. Ensure all enquiries are dealt with in a timely manner.

· Follow up on social media queries and comments.

· Ensure cohesive messaging across all functions of the Office of Rachel Gilmour MP through liaising with staff members and teams as appropriate.

· Assist surgeries and other meetings and follow up as appropriate.

· Critically analyse patterns of enquiries and articulate the findings in reports and communication with the MP and other staff members.

· Deal with large numbers of standard queries, as well as assisting on more complex cases from members of the public by phone, email, social media or face to face. Ongoing communication may be required.

· Attend constituency meetings as appropriate.

· Manage the arrangement and support of constituency visits and engagements, along with the Chief of Staff, and others as appropriate.

Additional Responsibilities:

· Generate and run innovative and impactful media campaigns on behalf of Rachel Gilmour MP on constituency, non-party-political matters.

· Ensure records are kept and information managed confidentially in line with data protection legislation.

· Retain records and information confidentially, and in line with the Data Protection Act.

· There will be a requirement for the role holder to work outside of the normal working hours, as part of an on call system for communications, and occasionally travel for work, including around the constituency, and to London. Expenses will be paid in line with IPSA regulations.

Person Specification for Communications Officer:

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

· Experience in a communications, public relations, or journalism role.

· Demonstrable experience managing social media channels in a professional context, including creating content, monitoring engagement, and responding to enquiries.

· Experience producing digital content such as graphics or short videos.

· Experience producing written communications such as press releases, reports, briefings, or newsletters.

· Experience handling public enquiries via phone, email, social media, or in person.

· Experience working with confidential or sensitive information in line with data protection requirements.

Desirable

· Experience working in a political, parliamentary, public sector, or community-focused environment.

· Experience supporting events, visits, or public engagements.

· Experience analysing data or enquiry trends and presenting findings clearly.

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

· Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to draft clear, accurate, and engaging content for a range of audiences.

· Strong verbal communication skills, including the ability to engage confidently with members of the public, stakeholders, and media representatives.

· Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet tight deadlines.

· Proficiency with social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, BlueSky) and an understanding of best practice for online engagement.

· Ability to use digital tools for content creation (e.g., Canva, Capcut, or similar).

· High level of attention to detail, particularly in record-keeping and data handling.

· Ability to work independently and as part of a small, fast-paced team.

· Sound judgement and the ability to handle sensitive issues with discretion.

Desirable

· Understanding of constituency issues and the role of a Member of Parliament.

· Knowledge of media handling and local press landscapes.

· Familiarity with casework management systems or CRM tools.

· Ability to analyse patterns in casework or enquiries and summarise findings effectively.

· Ability to create, curate and maintain an up to date gallery of photo and video materials.

· Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of media activities, in traditional and social media markets.

Personal Attributes

Essential

· A proactive and self-motivated approach, with the ability to take initiative and anticipate communication needs.

· Calm and professional manner when dealing with high volumes of enquiries or challenging situations.

· Commitment to providing excellent service to constituents.

· Flexibility and willingness to attend meetings or events outside normal working hours when required.

· Creativity and enthusiasm for developing engaging and impactful communication campaigns.

· Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and upholding data protection standards.

· Ability to represent the MP and their office in a professional, non-partisan manner at all times.

Other Requirements

Essential

· Willingness to travel within the constituency as required, and occasional travel to London if required.

· Eligibility to work in the UK.

· The role holder will be required to pass a House of Commons Security Screening (BPSS), therefore a record of living in the UK for at least 3 out of the most recent 5 years is essential.