Media Relations Manager – Contract role – likely 3 to 6 months long
Exclusive opportunity for an experienced Media Relations Manager to lead proactive and reactive media engagement for a nationally significant organisation operating in a highly regulated, high-profile environment, on a day rate contract basis.
You will be responsible for safeguarding and enhancing organisational reputation, delivering impactful media activity aligned to strategic priorities, and acting as a trusted adviser to senior leaders. The role plays a critical part in issues management and crisis response.
£400 - £450 per day, contract role – likely 3 to 6 months long – Inside IR35
West Sussex based, hybrid working: 3 days in office, 2 from home
Key Responsibilities:
* Develop and deliver a proactive media relations strategy aligned to organisational objectives
* Build and maintain strong relationships with national, regional and trade media
* Lead on press office activity, handling enquiries, issues and reactive media requests
* Draft and approve press releases, statements, briefing materials and Q&A documents
* Provide strategic media advice and coaching to senior leaders and spokespeople
* Manage reputational issues and support crisis communications activity when required
* Identify and secure positive media opportunities that support corporate priorities
* Monitor media coverage and sentiment, providing insight and evaluation reports
* Work closely with internal communications, marketing and policy teams to ensure consistency of messaging
* Ensure all media activity aligns with organisational values, governance and risk frameworks
Skills & Experience:
* Proven experience in a media relations or press office role, in-house or agency
* Strong understanding of the UK media landscape and news agenda
* Demonstrable experience handling reputational issues and sensitive media situations
* Excellent writing skills, with the ability to produce clear, compelling media materials
* Confidence advising and briefing senior stakeholders and spokespeople
* Strong judgement, resilience and ability to operate under pressure
* Experience of media monitoring and evaluation tools
* Ability to work collaboratively across complex, matrixed organisations
* Alignment with leadership behaviours and values outlined in the organisational leadership framework
If you have the experience and are interested in discussing further, please get in touch ASAP with your current CV: gcharles@vmagroup.com
Due to a high volume of applicants, we are unable to respond to everyone. We will get in touch if you are successful in your application.