Senior Communications Officer

London Assembly and Secretariat

The London Assembly scrutinises the Mayor's activities by questioning the Mayor about their decisions. The Assembly also investigates issues of importance to London.

There are 25 Assembly Members, elected every four years at the same time as the Mayor. The Secretariat works for the Assembly to support its activities.

Communications Team support services to promote the work of the Assembly through press office, social media, publicity and events.

We are a team of 12 officers who support Conservative London Assembly Members in scrutinising the work of the Greater London Authority and Mayor of London.

This is a chance to take on a unique role as a Senior Communications Officer for the City Hall Conservative Members of the London Assembly, specialising in managing communications support.

You will be responsible for generating digital and traditional media coverage for the assigned Assembly Member(s) in relation to the range of their GLA roles and functions and to respond to media enquiries effectively, accurately and quickly, ensuring that responses properly reflect the particular Member’s views.

Organised, collaborative and diplomatic, you will bring to the role a talent for communicating and influencing, both in person and in writing.

Experience of working in a similar role or sector is essential.

Generating media coverage for the assigned Assembly Member(s) in relation to the range of their GLA roles and functions and to respond to media enquiries effectively, accurately and quickly, ensuring that responses properly reflect the particular Member’s views.

Developing and implementing media-based tasks, including but not limited to, producing digital, video and newsletter content. For example, clipping Assembly Member contributions in the London Assembly chamber.

Effectively monitoring relevant media activity, and providing effective and timely advice to relevant Assembly Members, including early warning of potential issues, in relation to media management.

Developing and implementing comprehensive, proactive and effective communications strategies for assigned Assembly Members, working in close coordination with other staff in the Group at all times.

Supporting Assembly Members with event coordination, speech and article drafting, website updating, etc.

To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:

• Evidence of working successfully, in a similar role in a high-profile organisation.
• Understanding and experience of media handling techniques, including strategies, designing and delivering effective communications plans for elected politicians.
• Ability to utilise the latest information and communication technologies in relation to media issues, including designing or commissioning leaflets, newsletters and other documents.
• Experience of working with video editing software is essential.

... is presenting information and arguments clearly and convincingly so that others see us as credible, articulate and engage with us.

... is developing rapport and working effectively with a diverse range of people, sharing knowledge and skills to deliver shared goals.

... is understanding and being sensitive to organisational dynamics, culture and politics across and beyond the GLA and shaping our approach accordingly.

... is being flexible and adapting positively, to sustain performance when the situation changes, workload increases, tensions rise or priorities shift.

... is thinking ahead, managing time, priorities and risk, and developing structured and efficient approaches to deliver work on time and to a high standard.

... is gathering intelligence (information, opinion and data) from varied sources, making sense of it, testing its validity and drawing conclusions that can lead to practical benefits.