Senior Press Officer

Society of Chemical Industry (SCI); Greater London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Market leading pension plan

Opportunities for career growth

Job summary

The Society of Chemical Industry (SCI) is seeking a Senior Press Officer to develop and execute its media and social media engagement strategy. This role involves overseeing SCI’s press office while managing media contacts and delivering KPIs to enhance the organization's public profile.

Candidate should have a minimum of 5 years in mainstream media, a strong understanding of UK policies, and a proven ability to influence through effective communication. The position offers a competitive salary and a dynamic hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of professional experience in media or as a press officer.
• Strong background in UK political and industrial policy.
• Proven ability to influence public opinion.

Responsibilities

• Monitor news agenda and seek opportunities for media commentary.
• Pitch news stories and respond to journalist inquiries.
• Develop national media contacts and host journalists.

Skills

Mainstream media experience

Knowledge of UK political environment

Excellent written communication skills

Interpersonal and communication skills

Time management skills

Ability to work autonomously

Job description

12-month Fixed Term Contract, full time, Prime central London location – hybrid role.

SCI (The Society of Chemical Industry) is a registered charity and international forum where science meets business. Established in 1881 SCI’s main charitable objective is to accelerate science out of the laboratory to address the key societal challenges facing society today. SCI does this by facilitating open innovation, identifying and promoting emerging technologies in the areas of climate and planet and health and wellness, and by providing support for the next generation of scientists and engineers. Core to delivery of the Society’s mission is a growing portfolio of research journals that publish applied research across a broad range of sciences: from Agriculture to Energy and Material Science to Biotechnology.

The role

In 2023 SCI launched its manifesto for a science-based economy delivering for society and SCI is now looking for a highly motivated and experienced Senior Press Officer to lead on its media and social media engagement strategy to promote the 4 main pillars in the Manifesto.

You will lead SCI’s engagement with media outlets – focussing on national papers, trade publications and broadcast – to increase our public profile, promote our work and build support for our campaign to accelerate the creation of a science-led economy.

You will manage SCI’s press office on a day-to-day basis – scanning the media and political landscape to find opportunities for SCI to leverage its unique expertise and perspective as an organisation at the intersection of science and business. Part of the role will include public affairs (20%) where you will also support SCI’s Head of External Affairs with political engagement as required – coordinating and facilitating SCI’s engagement with key politicians and political contacts.

This role is suited to someone with at least 5 years of professional experience in mainstream media and press, with an excellent news sense and a solid contact book of journalist contacts.

Responsibilities

• Monitor daily the news agenda, seeking out opportunities for SCI to comment on fast-moving events and raise the profile of our policy positions and significant research into the potential of the UK’s science base.
• Develop and pitch news stories and comment pieces, and respond swiftly to journalist requests for comment.
• Develop and build national and trade media contacts, hosting journalists at SCI offices in Belgravia.
• Deliver KPIs for SCI’s media engagement and demonstrate progress in meeting them.
• Support colleagues to develop and draft content related to our policy priorities for our social media channels.

Knowledge, skills and experience required for this position

• A background in mainstream media/press either as a journalist or as a press officer (minimum 5 years).
• A strong knowledge of the UK political environment, specifically relating to industrial and energy policy, and a track record of influencing opinions through effective, integrated communications strategies.
• A demonstrable passion for and understanding of science, its purpose for the economy and society, and communicating that to public and political audiences.
• A record of framing complex, nuanced issues for varied media outlets and social media, and a hunger for achieving impactful coverage.
• Confident working in a fast-paced environment and ability to be quick and agile in responding to news opportunities as they arise.
• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills. Able to quickly establish rapport and build strong collaborative relationships.
• Excellent time management skills: ability to work to tight deadlines and prioritise workload.
• A strong team player who is also a self-starter who can work independently and confidently. An attitude that actively seeks continuous self-development and ways of doing things better.
• Excellent written communication skills and the ability to condense complicated subject matter into succinct, accessible copy.
• Competitive salary of £45-50,000 pa (FTE), 25 days holiday (FTE), plus bank holidays.
• Market leading pension plan.
• Opportunities for career growth and advancement.
• Dynamic and collaborative hybrid work environment (office days Tues-Thursday).