Public Relations Lead

MDPI AG; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

MDPI AG in Manchester seeks an experienced Public Relations Lead to drive media engagement, elevate our brand, and amplify open-access publishing and science communication.

You will lead the External Affairs media program across Europe, craft compelling narratives, manage inquiries, and mentor junior staff while collaborating with internal stakeholders to align with MDPI's strategy.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years in media relations, journalism, or PR.
• Proven track record of securing coverage in quality publications.
• Experience handling media inquiries from tier 1 outlets.
• Native English with additional European language desirable.

Responsibilities

• Pursue media opportunities to showcase MDPI's leadership in open-access publishing.
• Build relationships with journalists, editors, and influencers across science, academia, and publishing.
• Manage reactive PR, respond to media inquiries promptly.
• Develop press materials: releases, op-eds, talking points.
• Lead media measurement and reporting.
• Mentor junior team members in media writing and pitching.
• Coordinate with External Affairs to integrate media into campaigns.
• Oversee MDPI's media content on the website.
• Assist with agency management and regional content dissemination.

Skills

Media relations

Crisis management

Stakeholder mgmt

English (Native)

Job description

Role Overview

MDPI seeks an experienced Public Relations Lead to drive media engagement, elevate our brand presence, and amplify our mission of open-access research. The candidate will play a leading role in MDPI's External Affairs team and broader strategy, working closely with internal stakeholder to manage media relations, enhance response quality, mentor junior team members.

The ideal candidate will be a media-savvy professional with 5–8 years of experience in journalism, agency, or in-house PR. A keen eye for detail, proactive attitude, and adaptive approach to daily tasks are crucial. You will own MDPI's media relations programme across the European media, craft compelling narratives, and ensure our voice stands out in global conversations about science, publishing, and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Proactively identify and pursue media opportunities to showcase MDPI's leadership in open-access and the broader publishing landscape.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and influencers across publishing, science, academia, and education.
• Support reactive PR efforts, ensuring timely and authoritative responses to media inquiries and industry developments.
• Develop media materials: press releases, op-eds, positions statements, and spokesperson talking points.
• Support the External Affairs to integrate media engagement into broader advocacy, policy, and brand campaigns.
• Own media measurement and reporting
• Train and mentor junior team members in media writing, pitching, and relationship management.
• Streamline processes to improve responsiveness and alignment with organizational goals.
• Manage the media component of the MDPI website
• Support with agency management and content dissemination across appropriate regions

Experience and Skills

• 5–8 years in media relations, journalism, or PR (agency, in-house, or newsroom). Prior experience at a publishing house is preferred.
• Proven track record of securing positive coverage in quality publications
• Experience of managing media enquiries from tier 1 media
• Network of media contacts in science academia, publishing, or policy
• Native English; secondary European language is desirable
• Proactive attitude and good team working skills
• A keen eye for detail
• Crisis management desirable

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