Media Officer

As a Media Officer, you will be welcomed into a dynamic and inclusive Communications and Media team dealing with a number of high profile cases which often make the headlines so the environment can be fast paced and requires a quick-thinking, problem-solving approach. The IOPC is on a journey to develop its culture, perspectives and ethos to support the organisation’s core outcomes and this is your opportunity to enter into the varied world of IOPC Communications, allowing you to develop your mindset and approaches to contribute to improving the police complaints system in England and Wales.
The post holder reports to a Senior Media Officer and is responsible for providing advice on media and communications to IOPC senior managers and staff, implementing both proactive and reactive media plans. The post holder will be security cleared to at least BS level and the post is politically restricted.
You will have direct and frequent contact with operational, policy, stakeholder engagement teams and senior management, and with the media and various police force press offices. You will take part in the out-of-hours duty press officer rota.

Main duties and responsibilities
• To provide a high quality proactive and reactive media relations service on IOPC investigations, including writing and distributing press releases, monitoring national and specialist media, taking the initiative to rebut inaccuracies and leading on relevant statements and briefings.
• To arrange interviews, press conferences and briefings, often at short notice
• To write and implement media handling plans for the publication of IOPC investigation and corporate reports.
• To liaise with Stakeholder Engagement colleagues to develop and implement communications and engagement plans for controversial or significant issues as outlined in our communications and engagement strategy.
• To provide a media relations service on investigations and corporate issues, working closely with senior managers and other colleagues to support our work, including on national policy areas such as firearms, custody, stop and search.
• To contribute to the strategic diary and forward planning for the communications team
• To be a committed member of the national media team and support colleagues working in other regions
• To liaise with colleagues across regions and nationally to ensure accurate, consistent and coordinated messages are disseminated to IOPC staff, stakeholders and to the public
• To contribute to the IOPC’s social media strategy by making day to day use of social media platforms to engage new and existing audiences
• To take part in the national out-of-hours duty press office rota
• To undertake any other duties as may be assigned from time to time commensurate with the level and responsibilities of the post.
Person specification

Essential
• Considerable experience in media relations, including dealing, on a regular basis, with controversial issues and crisis management or commensurate experience as a journalist
• High level understanding of national and local media and their priorities
• Experience of working in a busy press office or news room
• Experience of being able to handle emotionally sensitive subjects within a press context • Excellent communication, interpersonal and writing skills • Proven ability to translate complex issues into clear, simple narratives
• Experience providing robust and appropriate advice to senior managers
• Good knowledge of current affairs

Skills and Abilities
• Ability to build strong working relationships with a variety of stakeholders
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Strong customer and audience focus
• Strong communication skills – both written and oral
• Good negotiation and influencing skills
• Positive attitude and flexibility of approach