Senior Media and Communications Manager

UKRI; Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization seeks a Senior Media and Communications Manager to enhance its media engagement strategy. The role involves generating media coverage, managing reputational risks, and collaborating with various stakeholders to communicate research effectively. Candidates should possess strong media relations skills and experience in stakeholder engagement.

Benefits

Pension Scheme

Generous Holiday Entitlement

Employee Discounts

Cycle-to-Work Schemes

Qualifications

• Experience with government, media, and academia.
• Knowledge of science communication and reputational risk management.

Responsibilities

• Develop relationships with journalists to promote UKRI.
• Manage media relations and protect UKRI's reputation.
• Collaborate with external communications and senior management.

Skills

Stakeholder Engagement

Media Relations

Communication

Adaptability

Judgment

Job description

Senior Media and Communications Manager

Salary: £45,272 per annum

Contract type: Fixed Term (12 months)

Location: Polaris House, Swindon (Hybrid working available)

Hours: Full time (Flexible working patterns available)

Closing date: Sunday 1st June 2025

Employees applying for opportunities involving temporary role changes should refer to the Recruitment Policy for guidance. If offered a position, liaise with your Line Manager and HR to clarify implications before transitioning.

About us

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is the UK's largest public funder of research and innovation, investing £8 billion annually across disciplines and sectors. We comprise nine councils, working with government and stakeholders to enhance lives through research, innovation, and employment opportunities.

Job summary

As a senior media and communications manager at UKRI, you will implement our news and media engagement strategy, positioning UKRI as a leader in innovation and research excellence. You will generate media coverage, manage UKRI’s reputation, and communicate our research and innovation efforts effectively to the public, media, and stakeholders.

You will collaborate with the external communications team, the Head of News, senior researchers, and partners across sectors to craft compelling narratives that highlight UKRI’s contributions to science, technology, and society.

You will be an experienced media operator and professional communicator, eager to find innovative ways to connect UKRI with audiences and create impact through storytelling.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with journalists across national, sector, and regional media to promote UKRI.
• Build strategic links with communications and policy colleagues in DSIT and other government departments like DHSC, DCMS.
• Maintain strong contacts within UKRI’s senior management and program managers.
• Collaborate with the planning and content teams to support media interactions.
• Manage relationships with UKRI’s leadership, UKRI CEO’s office, ExCo, Board, and councils, as well as external partners like DSIT and the UK press.
• Support responsive media relations to protect UKRI’s reputation and handle issues effectively.

Key skills and experience

(S) – Assessed at shortlisting

(I) – Assessed at interview

(S&I) – Assessed at both stages

Essential

• Experience working with stakeholders including government, media, and academia, with understanding of the political and policy environment. (I)
• Knowledge of communicating science and research, managing reputational risks, and conveying complex information appropriately. (I)
• Credibility with relevant communities from government, industry, education, or the third sector. (S)
• Understanding of modern communication practices, campaign methodologies, media relations, and digital tactics. (S&I)
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and stakeholders. (S)
• Strong prioritization, multitasking, and adaptability skills. (I)
• Emotional intelligence and tolerance for ambiguity. (I)
• Sound judgment in decision-making. (I)

Desirable

• Understanding of UKRI’s strategic priorities and stakeholder needs. (S&I)
• Experience in life sciences media communications. (S&I)

About UKRI

UKRI, launched in April 2018, is a non-departmental public body sponsored by DSIT. It consolidates seven research councils, Research England, and Innovate UK, to support UK’s research and innovation leadership. More info at www.ukri.org.

Benefits include a pension scheme, generous holiday entitlement, employee discounts, and cycle-to-work schemes. Details at Benefits of working for UKRI.

The role requires security vetting, which UKRI may re-run during employment.

Supporting EDI

UKRI promotes dignity, respect, and equal opportunity, valuing diversity and inclusion. More info at How we support EDI in the workforce.

Disability Confident Employer

We guarantee interviews for disabled applicants meeting minimum criteria and provide reasonable accommodations. Contact us to request support.

How to apply

Apply online with a CV and cover letter explaining your fit and motivation. Include the job reference number in filenames. Incomplete applications may not be considered. Selection is based on your submitted documents.

UKRI values openness, fairness, and inclusion, fostering a collaborative environment accessible to all interested in joining us.