Head of Media and PR

Michael Page (UK); City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A health research charity is seeking a Media Relations Manager to lead the media strategy and manage press activities. Responsibilities include building relationships with journalists, overseeing crisis communication, and evaluating media strategies in a fast-paced environment. The role offers a hybrid working model and extensive benefits, including private health insurance and a generous holiday allowance.

Benefits

31 days PLUS bank holidays

Hybrid working model - 3 days in office

Pension scheme with employer contributions

Private Health Insurance

Qualifications

• Extensive senior press office experience with proven ability to generate high-impact media coverage.
• Strong background in crisis communications and reputation management under pressure.
• Comfortable working with high-profile stakeholders in media engagements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the media strategy.
• Act as the main point of contact for journalists.
• Manage external PR agencies and ensure delivery of media activities.

Skills

Senior press office experience

Crisis communications

Relationship building with journalists

Media strategy development

Life sciences sector knowledge

Managing external agencies

Media training

Job description

Overview

Health Research Charity

Permanent Position

Job Description

• Lead the development and execution of the media strategy, managing the organisation's media function and all press activity
• Act as the main point of contact for journalists, cultivating strong relationships across national, trade, broadcast, and online media
• Prepare messaging, media briefings, and press materials to support external storytelling and organisational visibility
• Identify and shape compelling narratives by collaborating with internal teams and senior leaders across the organisation
• Oversee interviews and media opportunities involving spokespeople, ensuring consistency and alignment with strategic goals
• Manage external PR agencies and ensure delivery of media activity in line with agreed objectives and tone of voice
• Lead on crisis communication plans and responses to protect and strengthen the organisation's reputation
• Develop and maintain external communications templates, policies, and processes to support consistent, high-quality outputs

The Successful Applicant

• Extensive senior press office experience, with a proven ability to build strong relationships with key journalists and generate high-impact proactive media coverage
• Strong background in crisis communications and reputation management, with sound judgement under pressure
• Confident working with high-profile stakeholders and leading external-facing media engagements
• Proven track record of developing and evaluating media strategies that drive audience engagement across a range of channels
• Deep understanding of the life sciences sector, underpinned by experience in science, healthcare or innovation-focused organisations
• Skilled in managing external agencies and project budgets to deliver communications outcomes to brief and on time
• Experience in providing media training to senior spokespeople or overseeing this through external partners
• Comfortable operating within fast-paced creative teams, managing competing priorities with a flexible and solution-focused approach

What's on Offer

• 31 days PLUS bank holidays.
• Hybrid working model - 3 days in the office
• Pension scheme offers employer contributions of up to 12%
• Private Health Insurance