The Communications team is responsible for informing, inspiring and engaging the public by showcasing Alzheimer’s Research UK’s work, impact and mission across all channels. We lead the charity’s media and strategic communications activity—ensuring consistent, accurate and compelling storytelling that supports research, fundraising and organisational priorities.
The Media & PR Manager leads Alzheimer’s Research UK’s press office, driving proactive and reactive media activity that strengthens the charity’s reputation. The role provides strategic direction, manages day‑to‑day press office activity and ensures high‑quality communication of research, policy and organisational priorities. They line manage a team of five and are a vital part of ability to promote and explain the charity’s research, advocacy and impact.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Planning
* Lead the planning and delivery of proactive press activity around research announcements, policy interventions, organisational milestones and major campaigns.
* Monitor the media landscape and conduct short‑term horizon scanning to inform reactive content and up‑to‑date comment.
* Guide and support colleagues across the organisation to determine how to achieve the greatest impact and results from communications activities.
Delivery & Oversight
* Oversee reactive media handling, including high‑risk or complex enquiries, ensuring clear messaging, timely escalation and consistent advice.
* Manage the day‑to‑day press office function, ensuring efficient workflows, high‑quality output, and effective management of breaking news cycles, Daily News Summaries and Friday roundups.
* Oversee and coordinate the out‑of‑hours press office rota and response processes.
* Work with the Metrics & Insights function to track media performance and use insights to refine media approaches.
* A high‑performing press office with strong systems and high‑quality output.
* Increased visibility of ARUK research and impact across national and specialist media.
* Effective handling of sensitive or high‑profile media moments.
* Strong spokespeople and external relationships.
* Integrated communications across ARUK strategic priorities.
Cross-Team & Stakeholder Collaboration
* Build and maintain strong relationships with national, broadcast, regional and specialist journalists.
* Guide and support spokespeople — including scientists, clinicians and senior leaders — ensuring they are well briefed for media interviews.
* Work with the social media Team to identify and support newsjacking opportunities and ensure aligned messaging across ARUK channels.
* Collaborate with Content, Research Communications, Corporate Communications, Policy, Fundraising and Marketing teams to ensure an integrated and coherent cross‑channel communications approach.
* Embed best practice when working with Media and Communications Volunteers to share the stories of people affected by dementia.
* Line manage Senior Media & PR Officers / Media Officers, overseeing workload, development and performance.
* Contribute to crisis and issues preparedness, advising on reputational risks and leading media responses when required.
Knowledge, skills and experience needed
* Significant experience in a press office or PR role, ideally covering science, health or research.
* Strong track record of delivering national or broadcast media coverage.
* Experience leading or line‑managing team members.
* Experience managing complex media issues or crisis situations.
* Understanding of research landscape and policy environment.
* Understanding of celebrity and influencers media opportunities.
* Ability to translate complex scientific and policy information into compelling media content.
* Knowledge of safeguarding and working with vulnerable individuals
* Excellent news judgement and media instincts.
* Outstanding writing, editing and messaging skills.
* Confident leadership and team guidance abilities.
* Strong stakeholder and journalist relationship‑building skills.
* Ability to manage multiple priorities and high‑pressure scenarios.
* Sound decision‑making and collaborative working style.
Additional Information
Ways of Working
As part of our Agile ways of working, you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.
Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals. This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.
Our Office
Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD.
The closing date for applications is the 31st May 2026, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.
We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, particularly from those in the global majority, those with disabilities, men and those from the LGBTQIA+ community. Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.
As part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer and ensuring fairness and consistency in our selection process, we will handle your CV and application with the utmost confidentiality. Should you require any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via our website.
About Alzheimer’s Research UK
Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure. Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope.
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