Job Title: Communications Officer

Working For: Kate Osborne MP (Jarrow and Gateshead East)

Location: Jarrow and Gateshead East constituency

Salary: In line with IPSA Pay scales £23810 – £37846  

Length of Contract: Permanent

Job Details

Kate Osborne MP is looking to recruit a creative, proactive and highly organised Communications Officer to join her constituency team.

This is an exciting opportunity to support the work of an active local MP, communicating Kate’s parliamentary, and constituency work clearly and effectively to residents, community organisations, media and other stakeholders.

The postholder will produce engaging digital, press and written content across a range of platforms. They will help develop and deliver a proactive communications strategy that reflects local priorities, promotes community and ensures that constituents are kept informed about Kate’s work.

The role will be based in the constituency and will involve accompanying Kate on visits, meetings, community events and other engagements across Jarrow and Gateshead East. 

Key responsibilities:

Establish, monitor and update a social media and online presence in the constituency. Produce online graphics and video content, as well as publicising surgeries and news alerts etc.

Follow up on social media queries and comments

Manage and monitor social media enquiries, dealing with cases that do not need to be transferred to a higher level. Ensure all enquiries are dealt with in a timely manner

Monitor media coverage, liaise with media, prepare press releases as required (on constituency, non-party-political matters)

Produce press releases, liaise with the media, meeting deadlines as appropriate

Analyse patterns of enquiries and produce reports

Attend constituency meetings as appropriate

Critically analyse patterns of enquiries and articulate the findings in reports and communication with the MP and other staff members

Retain records and information confidentially and in line with the Data Protection Act

There may be a requirement for the role holder to work outside of the normal working hours and travel for work occasionally

Additional responsibilities:

• Organise and attend constituency outreach events and surgeries.
• Provide briefings, research and speechwriting support where required.
• Carry out other reasonable duties in support of the MP and the wider office.

Essential Skills and Experience

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience of communications: journalism, public relations, digital content creation, political campaigning or a related field.
• Strong skills in creating engaging content for social media and digital platforms.
• The ability to write accurate and accessible copy for different audiences and formats.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Confidence engaging with community organisations and stakeholders.
• The ability to work independently, use initiative and contribute effectively as part of a small team.
• Sympathy with the aims and values of the trade union and Labour movement, and a commitment to improving outcomes for people across Jarrow and Gateshead East.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience working in politics, Parliament, local government, the trade union movement or a campaigning organisation.
• Experience of producing graphics and other visual content using Canva or similar software.
• Experience of video filming and editing
• Experience of managing websites, newsletters or mailing platforms.
• Knowledge of Jarrow and Gateshead East and the wider North East.
• Experience of media relations and securing local or regional press coverage.
• A full driving licence is welcome but is not required for the role.
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Upon appointment, the successful candidate will be required to comply with the Baseline Personnel Security Standard undertaken by the Members’ Staff Verification Office.

MPs generally employ staff in accordance with Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority guidelines.

Closing Date: 31st July 2026

Interview and Start Dates

Interviews will take place the week commencing 10th August

Expected Start Date: September

Application Details

Please submit a CV and covering letter explaining your interest in the position and the skills and experience you would bring to the role.

Applicants are also encouraged to provide 2-5 examples of relevant written, digital, photographic or video content they have produced. This can be as simple as a Facebook post, or a press release or video content.

Applications should be sent to: [email protected]