Interim Chief Press Officer

TN United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 200,000 +; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in the financial services sector is seeking an experienced media relations specialist to enhance its Group Communications function. This engaging role involves managing press office activities, maintaining key journalist relationships, and ensuring effective communication of corporate messages aligned with business priorities. The successful candidate will be a proactive communicator with excellent writing skills, capable of navigating complex issues and collaborating with various teams. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment focused on reputation management and strategic communications.

Qualifications

• Experience in media relations within the financial services sector.
• Strong writing and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day press office activities and maintain journalist relationships.
• Draft news releases and briefing materials for internal stakeholders.

Skills

Awareness of financial services

Knowledge of financial media

Ability to identify corporate reputation priorities

Excellent writing skills

Strong communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Personal impact and influencing skills

Planning and implementation skills

Job description

Our client, one of the best-known brands at the heart of the financial services sector, is looking for an experienced media relations specialist to join its Group Communications function for a 12-month contract.

Reporting to the Group Communications Director and with the support of a Press Officer, you will manage the day-to-day press office activity including financial calendar work and broader corporate communications focused on business priorities.

This is a ‘hands on’ role and you will be required to maintain key journalist relationships; draft news releases, Q&As and briefing material; ensure that internal stakeholders are briefed on all relevant issues and activity; and work collaboratively with other communications colleagues to ensure that all activity is integrated with other comms efforts.

You will have the following skills/attributes:

• Awareness and understanding of financial services including the opportunities and challenges facing our client.
• A good knowledge of the financial media and the ability to establish and maintain a good range of journalistic contacts.
• Ability to identify corporate reputation priorities directly aligned to business objectives in the operating environment.
• Ability to grasp complex issues quickly and communicate those issues concisely, accurately and within timescales.
• Able to work across functions and business units to raise awareness of the agreed reputation drivers deliver the Group Communications strategy.
• Excellent writing skills, including different formats and for different audiences.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and team skills.
• Personal impact, influencing skills, planning and implementation.