Media Relations & External Affairs Lead | Hybrid Work

Student Loans Company; Tees Valley; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days annual leave

Flexi-time and enhanced flexible work

Civil Service pension scheme

Life insurance cover

Sick pay and family leave

Job summary

Student Loans Company is seeking an experienced communications professional to lead media engagement, manage journalist relationships, and provide trusted guidance on complex inquiries. You’ll shape responses to high-profile issues, collaborating with senior leaders across the business to protect and communicate SLC’s impact.

The role requires strong writing, strategic thinking and the ability to operate under tight deadlines in a busy public sector environment.

Qualifications

• Educated to Degree-level with significant experience in Communications, Public Affairs, Politics, Journalism, Business or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Demonstratable experience in communications and media relations, with evidence of shaping media coverage.
• Understanding of public affairs, external affairs or stakeholder engagement.
• Membership of, or willingness to work towards membership of, a relevant professional body such as CIPR or the Government Communications Service.
• High level of understanding of UK media landscape, and emerging trends in digital communication.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex policy into clear and accessible content.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills with the ability to develop professional relationships with media and stakeholders, including influencing and networking.
• Research, analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines, under pressure.
• High level of attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• An advanced understanding of the media landscape
• Work effectively under pressure and to tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead media engagement and manage journalist relationships across a wide range of issues.
• Respond to complex enquiries and provide trusted communications advice.
• Shape responses to emerging issues in a fast-moving environment.
• Support wider external affairs work and communicate SLC’s role and impact across stakeholders.

Skills

Public Affairs

Media relations

UK media landscape

Policy translation

Stakeholder engagement

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Working under pressure

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Communications/Politics/Journalism

Job description

Student Loans Company is seeking an experienced communications professional to lead media engagement, manage journalist relationships, and provide trusted guidance on complex inquiries. You’ll shape responses to high-profile issues, collaborating with senior leaders across the business to protect and communicate SLC’s impact.

The role requires strong writing, strategic thinking and the ability to operate under tight deadlines in a busy public sector environment.