Location
City of Westminster

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£77,137 per annum

About the Role
Our communications team is seeking an experienced Press Secretary to the Secretary of State for Education. This senior leadership role requires a dynamic communicator with experience working in complex environments subject to significant public, political, and media scrutiny. You will lead media advice and delivery for the Education Secretary, overseeing all press activity to ensure her priorities and agenda are clearly communicated to parents, pupils, teachers, the education sector, and the wider public through both traditional and non-traditional media channels.

You will collaborate closely with all parts of the communications team, including social media, to ensure consistent messaging across all channels and to identify opportunities to amplify announcements, visits, and stories. As part of the media senior leadership team, you will contribute to delivering the communications strategy and work directly with a high-profile cabinet minister, influencing how policy is communicated within a prominent government department.

The role involves providing strategic media advice, managing media requests, building strong journalist relationships, briefing on major education policies, and attending high-level meetings to shape decision making. You will support the Deputy Director, Head of Media Relations, and work closely with the Deputy Head of News. The role includes participation in a senior out-of-hours rota and requires travel as part of the duties.

Experience
- Proven media-related experience with the ability to quickly identify newsworthy issues in a fast-paced 24/7 communications environment.
- Track record of building effective relationships and confidently briefing at all levels to ensure accurate and informed reporting.
- Experience working closely with social media or digital teams, understanding how to develop and amplify stories consistently across traditional and social channels.
- Experience handling high-profile, complex issues and influencing senior stakeholders.
- Highly developed written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to rapidly brief on complex issues, presenting clear and concise key messages.
- Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to inspire, empower teams, and build capability.

About you
Energetic, experienced, and dynamic communicator with the confidence to work closely with senior officials, special advisers, and the Secretary of State. You are able to provide trusted media advice daily and thrive in a high-pressure environment requiring strategic thinking and rapid response.

Qualifications
No specific qualifications are mandated; however, extensive relevant experience and proven communication expertise are essential.