public relations jobs

Senior Communications and Media Officer

Salary: £34,434-£38,220
Closing date: Sunday 11th January 2026, 11.59pm
Interviews will take place during week beginning 19 January
Department: CA Communications & Engagement (News and Media)
Location: GMCA, Tootal Buildings, Manchester city centre (hybrid)
Division: News & Media
Hours Per Week: 36.25

Your role:

This is one of the most exciting roles in public sector media relations and will put you at the heart of an organisation at the cutting edge of English devolution.
Over the past decade, Greater Manchester has become the UK's fastest growing city region, with annual growth and productivity outpacing the national average.
Now we're ready to deliver a new model of economic growth, where every part of the city region is growing and no one and no place is left behind.
You'll play an important role as part of a talented team making headlines in regional, national and international media.
An average week in the News and Media Team is fast-paced and varied from organising press conferences for the Mayor and responding to media enquiries, to securing high-impact coverage for our pioneering policies and providing sound media advice on complex reputational issues.
You’ll also provide media support to Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, one of the UK’s largest and busiest fire services.
You'll join a high-performing team with a wide range of backgrounds and experience. Working closely with the Media Manager and colleagues across the organisation, you’ll help to uncover and tell stories about the work we’re doing to create a thriving city region where everyone can live a good life.

About you:

You'll have excellent writing and storytelling skills, and experience of communicating complex policy issues in clear and compelling English.
You'll have great judgment and attention to detail, with an eye for opportunities and reputational risks. You'll also know how to tailor a story to different outlets and platforms, understanding what works for print, online, broadcast, and social media.
You'll have a good understanding of how the local, regional and national media work, with experience gained in a press office or newsroom.
You’ll understand what Greater Manchester Combined Authority does and the role of the Mayor, and how we work with partners and stakeholders at both a local and national level.
You'll be able to manage competing priorities, working on both short-term reactive tasks and longer-term proactive projects.

See the role profile for more information about the role.

If you have any questions, or would like to discuss the role further, please email laura.harmes@greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk.

About us:

As an employer, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is made up of a number of key Greater Manchester strategic functions and service providers including; Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS); Waste and Resources; Environment; Work and Skills; Research; Public Sector Reform; Police, Crime and Criminal Justice; Homelessness; the Greater Manchester Ageing Hub and the Commissioning Hub.

We value the diversity of our employees, and aim to recruit a workforce which reflects our diverse communities across Greater Manchester. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified individuals, irrespective of people's age, disability, Trans status and Non-binary identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We have guidance in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability.

To find out more about working for us please click here: https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/

Our offer:

In return for your hard work, we offer our employees a competitive package as part of our offer that you can find out more about here:

Greater Manchester Combined Authority - Home | greater.jobs

Mandatory Information:

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We embrace AI to enhance our operations and to innovate our services. However, we value human talent and are looking for passionate individuals to join our organisation. Please ensure you personally complete your application and read all the instructions carefully to maximise your chances of success.

Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting, however we understand that AI may be used as a reasonable adjustment, if using AI to support your application, please give a brief explanation why to help ensure fair selection process.

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Employees on the redeployment register will be given priority for any vacancies in the first instance. If employees are identified as a match from the register then the vacancy may be withdrawn or put on hold pending an outcome.

For this opportunity, you must be able to prove you have the right to work in the UK - if in doubt please visit the following link Employers' right to work checklist - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Please note we are not a licenced sponsor.

Hybrid working

This role is part of GMCA’s hybrid working scheme. As part of our commitment to ‘Build Back Fairer’ in Greater Manchester following the Covid-19 pandemic, we have evolved our management methods by trusting and empowering staff to deliver their work in the best way that suits the business and their individual needs, and supports health and wellbeing. Our hybrid working policy sets out a flexible approach, combining attendance at our [Manchester city centre office / Fire and Rescue service HQ in Swinton / other location] with remote working, typically from home; the location of work is primarily dictated by the needs of the business: ‘Do what is right for you and the business on that day’. If appointed to the role you will work with your manager to agree and regularly review the best working pattern for you, your team and your work.