Press Officer

Harris Hill Charity Recruitment Specialists; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 46,000 - 65,000; Part time

Job summary

Harris Hill Charity Recruitment Specialists is seeking a Press Officer/Manager for a 3–6 month contract with 3–5 days per week, including 1 day in the London office. You will lead day-to-day press office activity, craft press materials, and manage journalist inquiries to shape media perception.

The role requires proven press experience, strong writing, media monitoring, and the ability to brief spokespeople under tight deadlines. Hybrid working with office presence in London is expected.

Qualifications

• Proven press officer/manager experience in busy environments.
• Strong relationships with journalists and media outlets.
• Ability to draft press releases and Q&As under tight deadlines.
• Experience in monitoring media coverage and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Manage the daily press office function, handling media enquiries and coordinating timely responses.
• Draft, edit and distribute press releases, statements, Q&As and briefing materials.
• Identify media opportunities, pitch stories, and build journalist relationships.
• Monitor media coverage and produce concise reports for internal stakeholders.
• Brief spokespeople for media interviews with key messages and FAQs.
• Coordinate press activity around campaigns, events and announcements.
• Maintain media lists and press assets to ensure accuracy.
• Collaborate with internal teams to align with organisational objectives.

Skills

Press relations

Media monitoring

Strong writing

Crisis management

Spokesperson briefing

Tools

Media databases

Job description

Harris Hill is seeking a Press Officer/Manager for 3 to 6 months, on a 3 to 5 day per week basis, with 1 day per week in the London office, starting immediately.

About the Role

You will lead and manage all day-to-day press office activity, ensuring timely, accurate and consistent communication with the media. Acting as a key point of contact for journalists, you will craft compelling press materials, manage incoming media enquiries, and support senior spokespeople. Your work will directly influence how the organisation is perceived, helping to manage reputation and ensure key messages land clearly and effectively.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the daily press office function, including handling media enquiries, responding to requests, and coordinating timely responses.
• Draft, edit and distribute press releases, statements, Q&As and briefing materials aligned to organisational priorities.
• Proactively identify media opportunities, pitch stories, and build relationships with key journalists and outlets.
• Monitor media coverage, track sentiment and themes, and produce concise media reports and insights for internal stakeholders.
• Brief and prepare spokespeople for media interviews, including developing key messages and anticipated questions.
• Coordinate and support press activity around campaigns, announcements and events, ensuring consistent messaging and delivery.
• Maintain and update media lists, press materials and related assets to ensure they are current and accurate.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure media activity is aligned with wider communications and organisational objectives.

Key Requirements

• Proven experience in a press officer or press manager role within a busy press office or agency environment.
• Strong media relations skills with a track record of securing coverage and managing journalist relationships.
• Excellent writing skills with the ability to produce clear, accurate and engaging press materials under tight deadlines.
• Demonstrable experience in media monitoring and reporting, including interpreting coverage and providing insight.
• Confident in briefing and supporting spokespeople for interviews and media engagements.
• Ability to manage multiple media requests and priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfortable working in a hybrid model, including a minimum of 1 day per week in the London office.
• Availability to work on a temporary basis for 3 to 6 months, between 3 and 5 days per week.

Desirable Skills

• Experience working in or with complex organisations, such as public sector, not-for-profit or regulated industries.
• Familiarity with media monitoring and distribution tools.
• Crisis or issues management experience.
• Knowledge of digital and social media channels as part of wider communications activity.