Publicity Lead, Unscripted

Reports to: Head of Communications, Unscripted

Department: Content Communications

Locations: Glasgow or Manchester

Job Grade: P1

We’re looking for an outstanding Publicity Lead to join Channel 4’s busy Content Communications team. The role can be based in any of the following Channel 4 offices outside London: Manchester or Glasgow. Channel 4 is committed to diversity and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.

The Channel 4 Reality Entertainment, Lifestyle and Digital departments are responsible for some of the most iconic and noisy shows on television and digital platforms. From The Great British Bake Off and Married At First Sight to Minor Issues, Location Location Location and Countdown, this role will work across a varied slate of brilliant programmes.

The Content Communications department is responsible for generating and shaping media coverage and driving buzz around Channel 4’s programmes, content, vision, services, and talent. The department proactively publicises Channel 4's programmes and content across all newspapers, digital, TV and radio, magazines, trade publications, podcasts and with influencers - with a view to driving audiences and amplifying its brand and reputation. The department is responsible for communicating the effectiveness of Channel 4's delivery against its public service remit and protecting the reputation of the organisation, its individuals and programming. The Content Communications department handles all media requests for programme information, talent and executive interviews, clips, and pictures.

The role of Publicity Lead is to devise, implement and manage creative, targeted, noisy publicity campaigns that create discussion and debate and drive tune-in as well as effectively communicating Channel 4’s unique remit and brand values. The role will manage campaigns for a range of programmes, with particular focus on promoting unscripted content across our reality entertainment, lifestyle, and digital slates. The Publicity Lead will work as part of the wider Content Communications team overseen by the Head of Content Communications and will have the opportunity to work across multiple programming genres and with different members of the department.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Devise and implement stand out and measurable publicity strategies for key priority reality entertainment, lifestyle, and digital shows, and generate innovative ideas for creating noise around key projects across all broadcast channels and streaming.
• Lead the proactive promotion of assigned programmes to all target media – print, broadcast, digital and influencers.
• Work with the Head of Communications, Unscripted, to deliver a corporate communications strategy identifying opportunities to communicate Channel 4’s success and delivery of the remit.
• Develop a network of excellent working relationships with journalists and influencers across a range of media.
• Identify and manage issues arising out of the Channel 4 unscripted slate – being on the front foot, preparing Q&As, drafting lines against enquiry and fielding/answering calls.
• Write and create press materials – including press releases, press information/billings, press packs, briefing notes, and social clips, to deadline.
• Organise and manage press and influencer events, junkets, set visits and screenings.
• Provide written reports and critical evaluation of priority programme campaigns, presenting to stakeholders internally as required.
• Work closely with picture publicity, marketing and social teams to deliver creative integrated PR campaigns.
• Develop excellent working relationships with Channel 4 commissioning teams, independent production companies, agents and personal publicists, acting as main point of contact on assigned programmes.
• Liaise with the press departments of production partners, brand partners or funders to maximise promotional opportunities for Channel 4.
• Work with Publicity Assistants and Publicists within team to mentor and develop their PR skills and share best practice.
• As a senior member of team, contribute to ideas, creative planning and networking.
• Participate in out of hours duty press officer rota.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

• Impressive track record of delivering original campaigns at a senior level in PR and communications.
• Creativity, flair, and independent critical thought.
• A track record of devising and implementing proactive, creative, and innovative consumer PR strategies and campaigns.
• A comprehensive understanding of PR and its place in the wider communications mix and experience of working within an integrated marketing communications environment.
• Experience of identifying, managing, and mitigating contentious issues and crisis comms, writing press lines, and managing press enquiries to deadline.
• Proven flair for creative and effective writing.
• Fluency in social media and a clear understanding of best practice in a PR context.
• Outstanding communication skills and an ability to form and maintain positive working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• An impressive network of contacts in the media and an interest in building and developing relationships with online influencers and digital media.
• Evidence of an ability to manage a heavy workload, deal with multiple projects and to handle a busy environment with tight deadlines.
• Demonstrable experience of delivering creative PR campaigns with limited budget.
• Ability to work with confidence and independence and as part of a team.
• Proven record of managing press, logistical and resource issues as well as managing conflicting priorities and demands.
• Ability to think strategically under pressure.
• A passion and interest in unscripted content.
• A love of reality shows is a huge plus.

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

• An interest in working for Channel 4 and an understanding of its core values and remit.
• Experience in a creative, content‑led sector – TV drama, film, the arts, theatre, literature.
• Understanding of the TV and media industry.
• Knowledge of and experience in incorporating digital and social/influencer innovation within press campaigns.

Please note this role may require travel to other Channel 4 hubs.