Media Policy Adviser

Media Policy Adviser (2 Roles) – Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)

Salary: £36,734 – £40,344 per year
Location: Manchester, North West England (M2 3AW)
Contract Type: Fixed-term, Loan or Secondment
Contract Duration: 2 years
Working Pattern: Full-time, Flexible Working and Job Share (alternative working patterns may be considered)
Job Grade: Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Department: Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)
Business Area: Media and International
Vacancies: 2
Reference Number: 488714
Closing Date: 15 November 2026 at 11:55 pm
Visa Sponsorship: Not stated in the job advert.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is recruiting two Media Policy Advisers to join its TV and Press policy teams in Manchester.

This is an opportunity to work on high-profile media policy issues, contribute to government strategy and engage with major stakeholders across the UK’s broadcasting, television, radio, advertising and press sectors.

The successful candidates will join the Media and International Directorate, which also leads the department’s international work.

Available Positions and Responsibilities

There are two positions available across the TV and Press policy teams.

1. TV Policy Adviser

The successful candidate will support the development of policies covering broadcasting and television production.

Responsibilities include:

• Helping the UK broadcasting sector adapt to changes in the media environment.
• Managing relationships with major television stakeholders, including public service broadcasters and global technology platforms.
• Supporting engagement with international broadcasters and on-demand providers.
• Contributing to policy work involving television production and broadcasting.
• Supporting the department’s sponsorship responsibilities for Channel 4.

2. Press Policy and Strategy Adviser

The successful candidate will support important press policy and strategy work.

Responsibilities include:

• Contributing to press policy development and strategy.
• Supporting project governance and delivery.
• Preparing ministerial briefings and correspondence.
• Supporting parliamentary business and briefings for senior officials.
• Responding to changing priorities and emerging issues.
• Helping deliver the department’s work on press accountability, sustainability, media freedom and journalist safety.

Important: Some of the content handled in these roles may be adult in nature or otherwise distressing.

Essential Requirements

Applicants should demonstrate the following skills and experience:

• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex issues clearly to different audiences.
• Delivering at Pace: Ability to produce high-quality work within deadlines, even under pressure or when priorities change.
• Problem-Solving: Experience analysing complex issues and evaluating evidence from different sources to support effective decisions.
• Stakeholder Management: Ability to engage with stakeholders, build relationships and support shared objectives.
• Seeing the Bigger Picture: Understanding how individual responsibilities contribute to wider organisational and strategic priorities, alongside the ability to identify emerging issues and develop knowledge in new areas.

Desirable Skills

The following experience would be advantageous but is not essential:

• Experience working in policy development.
• Knowledge of the media sector and media regulation, or experience in another regulated sector.

Candidates without direct policy experience may still be considered if they can demonstrate the essential requirements.

Information Session for Prospective Applicants

DCMS will host an online information session for people interested in the vacancies.

Date: 11 November 2026
Time: 11:00 am
Hosts: Siân Sinnott and Aimee Bell

The session will provide an opportunity to learn more about the roles, the teams and the wider directorate, as well as ask questions.

Interested applicants should register through the official Information Session Registration Form.

Invitations will be sent after the registration deadline. The session will not be recorded and will not cover the recruitment process.

Salary and Employee Benefits

Successful candidates will receive a salary of £36,734 to £40,344 per year, alongside a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
• 26.5 days of annual leave on entry, increasing to 31.5 days after five years of service.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements, with time spent working from the office and home.
• Three days of paid volunteering leave.
• Generous maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
• Occupational sick pay.
• Employee Assistance Programme offering confidential support.
• Staff reward and recognition bonuses.
• Access to staff networks and professional development opportunities.
• Season ticket loans and cycle-to-work scheme.
• Retail discounts through the Edenred employee benefits system.

The department also offers learning and development opportunities to support career progression.

Application and Selection Process

Applications will be assessed using the Civil Service Success Profiles framework, focusing on behaviours, strengths and experience.

Applicants must submit the following:

1. Behaviour Statement

A 250-word statement demonstrating the behaviour Making Effective Decisions.

2. CV

A CV outlining career history, key responsibilities and achievements.

• Maximum length: Two A4 pages.
• Include relevant employment history that demonstrates the essential and desirable criteria.
• Explain any gaps in employment during the last two years.
• Enter the CV in the Job History section of the Civil Service Jobs application form.

3. Statement of Suitability

A statement of no more than 500 words explaining how your skills, experience and personal qualities demonstrate your suitability for the position.

Your statement should address the essential requirements in the person specification.

Desirable skills may also be mentioned, although they will only be considered in the event of a tie.

Assessment and Interview

The selection process will assess the following behaviours:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing

If there is a high volume of applications, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead behaviour, Making Effective Decisions.

Successful applicants will progress to further assessment.

Interviews will be conducted remotely through Microsoft Teams and will assess behaviours and strengths.

Candidates will also be required to prepare a presentation. Details of the presentation topic, duration and whether visual aids are required will be provided before the interview.

Behaviour questions will be sent to candidates in advance, but the strengths being assessed will not be disclosed beforehand.

Important Information for Applicants

• The appointment is for a two-year period.
• New entrants are normally appointed at the minimum of the relevant pay band.
• DCMS operates London and National pay scales. Applicants should consult the Candidate Information Pack for details.
• Existing civil servants applying for a loan or secondment arrangement must obtain the necessary approval from their current department.
• Although alternative working patterns may be considered, the advert states that the role is full-time and preferred arrangements may not be available.
• A reserve list may be maintained for up to 12 months.
• Successful candidates must undergo the required criminal record and security checks.

Nationality and Eligibility: The vacancy is broadly open to eligible UK nationals, Irish nationals, Commonwealth citizens with the right to work in the UK, and other specified nationalities and immigration-status categories under Civil Service nationality rules. Applicants should check the official eligibility requirements before applying.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official Civil Service Jobs website before the closing date.

Closing Date: 15 November 2026 at 11:55 pm.

Job Reference: 488714
Department: Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)