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- Tasks: Create engaging news stories and pitch them to various media outlets.
- Company: Join the British Academy, the UK's leading body for humanities and social sciences.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, 34 days annual leave, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Be part of exciting public events and work with top intellectuals in a vibrant setting.
- Qualifications: A passion for writing, creativity, and a proactive approach to media storytelling.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence public awareness and engage with diverse communities.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences – is seeking a Media & PR Officer to join the Communications and Marketing department to increase exposure and generate media coverage about the British Academy’s public events, policy programmes, funded research and subject advocacy.
The Media & PR Officer will be responsible for collaborating with colleagues from across the Academy to generate engaging and concise news stories and pitch them to national, regional, broadcast and higher education sector media. On a weekly basis, you’ll be planning, writing and editing stories about our public events programme, higher education or public policy work, Fellowship, and social sciences and humanities research findings.
The role holder will lead on media stories from start to finish, from spotting newsworthy stories to writing integrated comms plans, to delivery of media coverage and social media content. Your main objective will be to build the Academy’s profile and increase public awareness of the humanities and social sciences. Working closely with the Media & PR Manager, and the wider Media and Public Affairs team, you will identify opportunities, respond quickly to incoming reactive queries from journalists, academics and press offices, using your judgement to respond clearly on a variety of topics. You will also be responsible for sourcing and coaching media spokespeople when needed.
As someone who loves to write and edit, you should consume a variety of news daily, think creatively, and proactively take the initiative to suggest story angles to the team and look at improvements to ways of working. You will be joining at an exciting time, with a new President starting in July 2025, and a new themed programme of public events seasons held at our home in the heart of St James’s, London, transformed last year after a £10 million redevelopment. You will be part of a friendly and supportive team. You will also have the chance to work with some of the top intellectual minds from across the humanities and social sciences.
The British Academy is the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences, established by Royal Charter in 1902. We mobilise these disciplines to understand the world and shape a brighter future. Today’s complex challenges can only be resolved by deepening our insight into people, culture, and societies. With a Fellowship of around 1,700 leading national and international academics, the Academy invests in researchers and projects across the UK and overseas; engages the public with fresh thinking and debates; and brings together scholars, government, business, and civil society to influence policy.
The Academy currently has five directorates: Communications & Marketing; Development; Policy; Research; and Resources, plus a small Governance & Fellowship Team. We have increased staffing in the last 12 months and expect to continue to grow this year.
Our senior management team have worked with staff to foster a culture of collaboration, respect, and empathy, in which all contributions are recognised as we work towards our common goals. Our people strategy and working practices focus on building strengths and sharing insights, with learning & development, wellbeing, and equality, diversity & inclusion at the centre of how we operate as an organisation. Investing in our staff and encouraging a healthy work/life balance is central to our success, as we move forward and continue to grow.
The British Academy is based at 10-11, Carlton House Terrace, London SW1, a Grade 1 listed building. We offer a competitive benefits package including a 35-hour working week, with hours and location worked flexibly under our hybrid-working policy; 34 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays; a subsidised canteen and an excellent occupational pension.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, in line with our commitment to create a diverse and inclusive working environment, promote equal opportunity, and address under-representation. We will make reasonable adjustments to support disabled job applicants and offer an interview to those meeting the minimum selection criteria.
To apply, and to see the full job description and our workplace values, please follow the link to access the Applied recruitment platform. Applications must be received no later than 1200 noon on Monday 19 May.
Media & PR Officer employer: The British Academy
Contact Detail:
The British Academy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Media & PR Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the British Academy's recent events and publications. This will not only help you understand their current focus but also allow you to suggest relevant story angles during your discussions with the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the media and PR sectors, especially those who have experience working with academic institutions. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on trends in humanities and social sciences by following key publications and thought leaders. This knowledge will enable you to craft compelling narratives that resonate with both the media and the public.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to demonstrate your writing and editing skills through examples of previous work. Being able to showcase your ability to create engaging content will be crucial in standing out during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Media & PR Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Media & PR Officer. Familiarise yourself with the British Academy's mission and recent activities to tailor your application accordingly.
Craft a Compelling CV: Highlight relevant experience in media relations, writing, and public relations. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to generate engaging stories and manage media coverage effectively.
Write a Tailored Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the humanities and social sciences. Discuss how your skills align with the role and provide examples of how you've successfully handled similar tasks in the past.
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since the role involves a lot of writing, consider including samples of your previous work or links to published articles. This will give the hiring team a clear idea of your writing style and capabilities.
How to prepare for a job interview at The British Academy
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research the British Academy and its recent media coverage. Understand their mission and values, as well as the current events they are involved in. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Writing Skills
As a Media & PR Officer, strong writing skills are essential. Prepare samples of your previous work that highlight your ability to create engaging news stories. Be ready to discuss your writing process and how you approach different types of content.
✨Be Proactive with Ideas
During the interview, don't hesitate to suggest potential story angles or media strategies that could benefit the British Academy. This shows your initiative and creativity, which are key traits for this role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle media inquiries. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed a media crisis or generated positive coverage, and be ready to share these stories.
