No10 Deputy Head Of News – Foreign And Home Affairs

The Prime Minister’s Press Office is looking to appoint a Deputy Head of News to lead the Foreign and Home Affairs desks.

Based at 10 Downing Street, this is one of the most exciting and challenging jobs in government communications, providing a unique opportunity to work at the heart of the Prime Minister’s office.

While the challenges of this role are significant, so are the rewards, with the successful post-holder having the chance to work within No.10; lead two brilliant and high-performing teams in delivering some of the PM’s top priorities at home and abroad, and working closely with colleagues across Government.

The post-holder will need to provide trusted advice to the Prime Minister and their wider political team; act at the Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Spokesperson at on the record briefings to international journalists; motivate and develop the talented No.10 Press Office and work in partnership with Whitehall counterparts while acting as an exemplar of professional standards.

This post will appeal to experienced and confident press operators, who enjoy working with senior ministers, political advisers, officials and journalists; who are equally confident that they can articulate the clear sense of direction necessary to motivate a high-performing team; and who want to play an active leadership role in the wider Prime Minister’s Office.

The main duties of the posts will be:

• Oversight of the Foreign and Home Affairs portfolios as a subject-matter expert on all related policy areas.
• Leading on all aspects of communications around international visits and relevant domestic visits, travelling with the PM where required.
• Maintaining and taking part in regular briefings to members of the foreign press.
• Building and maintaining excellent relations with key contacts within the Prime Minister’s Office and Government departments, specifically FCDO, Home Office, MOD, MOJ, DEFRA, DBT and intelligence agencies, in order to keep abreast of developing policies and offer communications advice accordingly. Maintain close working relations with political communications colleagues within the bounds of propriety.
• Drive professional standards across government and take responsibility for the output of relevant departments.
• Build relationships with the Head of News & Deputy Head of News from relevant departments and provide advice to them where required.
• Develop and advise on strategic media plans on lead areas of responsibility, guide and advise government departments on the presentation, planning and delivery of high profile news events to ensure they’re in line with the PM’s priorities.
• Seek and advise on opportunities for the PM’s involvement in major announcements and events; brief journalists on the PM and Downing Street’s behalf and lead a team in dealing with media enquiries.
• Assess communications risks and advise on media handling of breaking news stories leading on managing crisis communications as necessary and leading multi-Department activity.
• Deputise for the Head of News as required, including routinely hosting cross-Government conference calls and meetings.

Working at No.10 involves regularly delivering under pressure and to challenging deadlines. The role will also include routine out of hours work.