Media and PR Manager - Maternity Cover

StepChange Debt Charity; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

StepChange Debt Charity is seeking an experienced media and PR professional to lead our press office and shape our voice on debt across UK media. You will support senior spokespeople, develop compelling stories and work with policy and digital teams to influence perceptions and drive reform.

You’ll manage two team members, oversee media operations, and deploy proactive and reactive communications to raise awareness of our services and campaigning work. Hybrid working is available.

Qualifications

• Experience leading press offices and shaping organisational voice in traditional and social media.
• Ability to develop and execute media strategies across multiple channels.
• Proven track record of building relationships with journalists and senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day running of StepChange’s press office, including strategic planning and out-of-hours cover.
• Manage and develop the Media and PR Officer and Stories Officer to deliver high-quality work.
• Develop and deliver media strategies across traditional and social media with cross-team collaboration.
• Spot opportunities and reputational risks and respond quickly and effectively.
• Build strong relationships with journalists, senior editors and other media contacts.
• Develop client stories, case studies and opinion pieces that highlight StepChange’s work on debt.
• Support and prepare senior spokespeople for media activity, including briefings and media training.
• Work with policy and public affairs to ensure consistent messaging around research and events.
• Engage external stakeholders and represent StepChange at senior-level meetings when needed.
• Oversee press office processes, suppliers and media reporting, ensuring FCA compliance.

Skills

Media relations

PR strategy

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Spokesperson preparation

Journalist relationship building

Written and verbal communication

Crisis management

Job description

Are you an experienced media and PR professional with a strong track record of securing influential coverage across traditional and social media?

Do you enjoy building trusted relationships with journalists, supporting senior spokespeople and turning complex issues into compelling stories?

Could you play a lead role in our media operation and help shape our voice on debt, influencing policy and raising awareness of our work across the UK?

You’ll lead the day-to-day running of StepChange’s press office, helping us raise awareness of our charity and services and making sure the voices of people affected by problem debt are heard. You’ll bring your media expertise and strategic thinking to spot opportunities, build great relationships with journalists and manage our reputation across a fast-moving media landscape.

This is a maternity cover role where you’ll lead and support two members of our media team, working closely with colleagues across policy, public affairs, marketing and digital. Together, you’ll deliver engaging communications that support our campaigning and influencing work and help drive meaningful change for people affected by problem debt.

Your role

You’ll take ownership of StepChange’s media operation, leading our media strategy and ensuring our press activity supports our wider organisational objectives.

• Lead the day-to-day running of the press office, including strategic planning and out-of-hours cover.
• Manage and develop the Media and PR Officer and Stories Officer, supporting them to deliver great work and develop their skills.
• Develop and deliver media strategies across traditional and social media, working closely with teams across StepChange.
• Spot new media opportunities and potential reputational risks, helping StepChange respond quickly and effectively.
• Build strong relationships with journalists, senior commissioning editors and other key media contacts.
• Develop compelling client stories, case studies and opinion pieces that bring our work to life and position StepChange as a leading voice on debt.
• Support and prepare senior spokespeople for media activity, including briefings, feedback and media training where appropriate.
• Work with policy, public affairs and other teams to develop clear messaging around research, reports and external events, ensuring a consistent voice.
• Build relationships with key external stakeholders, including government departments and regulators, and represent StepChange at senior-level meetings when required.
• Oversee press office processes, suppliers and media reporting, using insight and performance data to improve our work while ensuring activity remains compliant with FCA requirements.

The role has significant reach across StepChange. You’ll need to be confident moving between strategic planning, hands-on media work and team leadership, while working with colleagues across the charity to deliver clear, consistent and impactful communications.

About You

You’ll be an experienced media and PR professional who knows how to spot a good story, build strong relationships with journalists and turn complex or sensitive issues into engaging media coverage. You’ll be a confident communicator and people leader, with the judgement to work under pressure, influence stakeholders and keep things moving when priorities change. You’ll be organised, creative and proactive, with a genuine interest in using media to tell stories, shape conversations and make a difference.

You'll Thrive In This Role If You're Motivated By

Purpose: Helping our Executive Team operate effectively so the charity can deliver better outcomes for people experiencing problem debt.

Growth: Broadening your experience across Executive governance, organisational coordination and leadership while working closely with our Executive Team.

Balance: Hybrid and flexible ways of working that support collaboration, wellbeing and high performance.

Belonging: Leading a collaborative Executive Office where trust, teamwork, professionalism and continuous improvement are valued.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Belonging is central to who we are. We're committed to building a workforce that reflects the people we support and creating a culture where everyone feels valued, respected and able to be themselves.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. If you need a reasonable adjustment during the recruitment process so you can perform at your best, just let us know—we're here to support you.