Senior Media Officer (Maternity Cover) Contract Type: 1 Year fixed term, Part-time Hours: A minimum of 22.5 hours per week (exclusive of breaks), totalling a 3 day working week between Monday to Friday. Occasional weekend and evening work will be required, for which time will be taken in lieu. This is an office-based role with some opportunity to work remotely in line with our hybrid working policy. The Role: This role offers an opportunity to apply a range of media expertise promoting Waddesdon’s fascinating mix of heritage, art, gardens and aviary. This position offers enormous potential and tremendous variety across all areas of communication. The SMO will plan, implement and evaluate campaigns through first-class proactive and media relations and social media networking. This role will from time to time need to prepare reactive communications too for the avoidance of publicity and ensure clear lines to take are established in advance. The focus should be in coverage across all platforms including print, broadcast and online to raise awareness of Waddesdon, enhance the reputation and visibility of the house and grounds, and drive visitors—in particular new paying visitors—to the Manor. The role will suit a media-savvy, creative individual with experience in a communications or digital marketing environment and an interest in history, gardens and generating content and news stories. Key responsibilities include but not limited to: Act as the first point of contact for telephone, email (both own and Press Office inbox) and other incoming media enquiries Write press releases for many of the local pitches to press and various stories that sit outside the remit of third party Be responsible for the Influencer programme at Waddesdon ensuring this maximises the necessary messaging and promotes on-site activities, driving new audiences to our channels and to the grounds Liaise with colleagues across the organisation to identify news stories relating to Waddesdon’s history, collections, gardens and event programme and pitch these to media to support cultural, commercial and travel trade marketing Work with the Head of Public Events & Filming to promote Waddesdon as a commercial film/photographic location. Updating the website and promoting films on the site. Ensuring location agreements include PR and social media commitments from the outset Research new and update existing media contact records, and compile and distribute monthly media updates with information about exhibitions and events. E-newsletters to local press, listicles pitches too Supervise shoots in the house and grounds, and other buildings as necessary for editorial purposes Ensure correct captions and credits are stored with images and people meeting the necessary privacy standards for GDPR purposes. Manipulating images for optimal web, social media and press use, and maintain our shared image bank (currently Dropbox). Liaising with collections and archives team Supervise interns and arrange mailings and other office duties, as necessary. You will be a great fit if: You have a passion for media and communications, a preparedness to try new things and an aptitude for developing relationships to promote our diverse programme. It is a busy and fast-paced environment so you will need to be extremely well organised and flexible, quick to learn new skills, able to think on your feet, prioritise your own work, and act with the team. You’ll be a good writer, creative thinker, an excellent relationship-builder and communicator. You will combine news and media awareness, marketing drive, thoroughness in event and campaign planning and implementation. Your areas of knowledge and expertise that matter for this role: Around two years’ experience working in a press office or digital marketing environment Demonstrate good news sense, and be up to date with current affairs and emerging media trends Be creative and happy to contribute ideas, and confident developing relationships with colleagues, journalists, programme makers, photographers etc Be articulate and confident editing content across a range of media for different audiences Be proficient handling stills and video, uploading to a range of platforms and content management systems Demonstrate good judgement and sensitivity; you'll be calm and diplomatic yet assertive when necessary Demonstrate flawless attention to detail Excellent written and verbal communication skills, IT, social media and office skills. Rewards for working with us: Waddesdon Discounts – 50% discount in the food-to-go outlets at the Manor. 20% in the Manor gift shop and restaurant, Stables Café, Five Arrows Hotel, and The Bow Pub. 20% discount on special event tickets made available to staff. Staff Card - A National Trust staff card Annual Leave - On starting with us, you will receive 25 days annual leave per year plus 8 public holidays pro-rata. Stay with us for 3 years and this rises to 28 days, 30 days after five years and 32 days after 10 years. Sick pay Pension - We will top up your pension by matching any contribution you make, up to 10% of your basic salary. Mental Health and Wellbeing Support – access to a wellbeing platform and fully funded 1:1 counselling service. Enhanced Maternity Pay – after 12 months of continuous service, you can choose 13 weeks of maternity leave at full pay followed by 26 weeks statutory pay. Enhanced Paternity Pay – after 12 months of continuous service, you may take 3 months of paternity leave at full pay. Please see the attachment for the full job description. To apply, please submit a current CV and covering letter explaining how your experience and skills match those outlined above. Closing date: midnight, 5 November 2025.