Senior Media and Communications Manager

at  UK Research and Innovation

JOB SUMMARY

Shape the narrative of UK innovation – lead media engagement and champion groundbreaking research at UKRI.
As a senior media and communications manager at UKRI you will deliver on our news and media engagement strategy, positioning the organisation as a key driver of innovation and research excellence. You will be part of a team responsible for generating high-quality media coverage, leading UKRI’s reputation and shaping how our ground-breaking research and innovation efforts are communicated to the public, media and key partners.
You will work closely with colleagues in our external communications team, as well as our Head of News, the Executive team, senior researchers and partners across a wide range of sectors, to ensure consistent and compelling narratives that enhance the visibility of UKRI’s contributions to science, technology and societal advancement.
You will be an experienced media operator and professional communicator, ambitious to find new and proactive ways to connect UKRI with our audiences and to create impact through storytelling.

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Develop, and ‘own’ relationships with journalists at national, sector and regional media outlets to develop understanding of UKRI
• Maintain close working and strategic relationships with communications and policy colleagues in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and other government departments such as DHSC, DCMS as necessary.
• Maintain excellent links and contacts within senior management and programme managers across UKRI’s councils.
• Work closely with the UKRI planning team (gridding and delivering on short term activities), and content team to support interactions with the press.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Experience of working with a range of stakeholders including government, the media and academia with an understanding of the political and policy environment we operate in.
• A good understanding of the issues around communicating science and research and how these need to be managed to ensure they do not create reputational risks for UKRI. This combined with an ability to absorb, evaluate and communicate complex information appropriate to the audience.
• Be able to demonstrate credibility with relevant communities, based on experience from government, industry, education or the third sector.
• Strong understanding of the latest developments in communications best practice including campaign methodologies, modern media relations, and digital technologies and tactics needed to reach a wide range of target audiences.
  To view the full job description please click ‘apply’ to visit our careers site.
  Benefits
  Alongside your salary of £45,272, UK Research and Innovation contributes £13,115 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package! We are committed to supporting employees’ development and promote a culture of continuous learning! A list of benefits below.

• An excellent defined benefit pension scheme
• 30 days’ annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent)
• Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.
• Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice.
• Flexible working options

Please click here for more details on the Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
Things you need to know

NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Communications / Marketing