Media Relations Manager (0828)

Transport for Wales; Pontypridd; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Transport for Wales is seeking a Media Relations Manager to lead engagement with journalists across online and offline channels and to be the first point of contact for journalist enquiries related to TfW.

You will develop both reactive and proactive media statements, build relationships with key journalists, monitor coverage, plan media events and drive seasonal communications and forward-looking PR plans in collaboration with the wider TfW team.

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification in Journalism, English or Marketing, or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of print and digital media, events and media relations.
• Experience handling press and delivering under deadlines.
• Ability to develop media engagement plans.

Responsibilities

• Produce reactive media statements by collating and checking information before release to respond quickly to media queries.
• Produce proactive press releases by identifying and creating media stories to raise TfW's profile.
• Develop relationships with journalists by providing regular updates and opportunities for positive coverage.
• Monitor media coverage and produce regular reports on TfW's media engagement.
• Plan and deliver media events in collaboration with TfW to enhance coverage.
• Plan and implement annual seasonal communications plans with wider transport industry partners.
• Plan, own and update the TfW PR Planner for forward-looking releases.

Skills

Journalism

Media relations

Copywriting

Stakeholder management

Event planning

Education

Degree in Journalism/English/Marketing or equivalent

Job description

The Role

To lead on Transport for Wales' engagement with journalists through a range of online and offline channels. The Media Relations Manager will also be the first point of contact for all journalist enquiries related to Transport for Wales.

Role Responsibilities

• Produce reactive media statements by collating and checking the accuracy of information drafting responses and following protocols before releasing to provide a timely response to media queries.
• Produce proactive press releases by working across TfW to identify, develop and create potential media stories to raise the profile of TfW in the media.
• Work and develop relationships with key journalists through providing them with regular updates and opportunities to expand our media influence and generate positive coverage opportunities.
• Monitor all media coverage/output and produce regular reports that indicate TfWs media engagement to provide review/evaluation reports of all media activity.
• Plan, organise and deliver key media events by working collaboratively across TfW and ensuring media involvement to further enhance positive coverage in the media.
• Plan, produce and implement annual seasonal communications plans that cover risks and work in partnership with wider transport industry to ensure we have collaborative media planning.
• Plan, own and implement the TfW PR Planner by updating and managing all potential press releases to provide a clear forward planning media plan.
• Plan and own social media channels in partnership with the wider media team.

Who We're Looking For

• Degree level qualification such Journalism, English, Marketing or similar, or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrable knowledge of a variety of communication and engagement channels, including print and digital, media relations and events.
• Experience of working with the press with a clear understanding of the importance of media engagement and how it can be delivered effectively.
• Experience of working in a fast paced, reactive press environment where there is a demand to produce accurate statements under pressure and to deadlines.
• Experience of forward planning and of creating and developing media engagement plans.
• Excellent creative, writing and editorial skills with the ability to develop and implement original ideas.
• Excellent influencing and communication skills and experience of establishing and maintaining effective relationships with the media as well as a wide range of colleagues, customers and stakeholders.

Welsh Language Skills

While not essential for this role, Welsh language skills would make a great addition to your application. TfW support anyone who wants to learn Welsh or improve their skills. We offer online learning, classroom courses and funding attendance at local community courses.

Equal Opportunities

We're changing the way the transport industry looks. By celebrating and embracing differences, we're building a workforce that represents Wales. We need talented people from all backgrounds and cultures to bring their perspectives and experiences. Diverse teams make better decisions and drive innovation. Join us in transforming the way Wales travels.

Who We Are

Transport for Wales is changing the way Wales travels, making sustainable transport the first choice. We're building a multimodal integrated transport network called the T Network, making it easier for people to travel by train, bus, walking, wheeling and cycling.

Next steps

We're a Disability Confident Leader. Let us know about any reasonable adjustments you may need in the recruitment process and as part of the role if you are successful.

This advert will close at 23:59 on the day of the application closing date stated above. However, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive enough applications. We encourage you to submit your application as early as possible.