At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape media narratives and enhance British Airways' reputation through strategic communications.
- Company: Join the iconic British Airways team, a leader in the airline industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy staff travel perks, competitive salary, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a dynamic, inclusive culture.
- Why this job: Influence national conversations and safeguard a globally recognised brand.
- Qualifications: Experience in media relations and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
As a Media Relations Executive at British Airways, you’ll sit at the very heart of our airline, helping to protect and enhance one of the most recognised brands in the world. Working within our Corporate Affairs & Sustainability directorate, you’ll be part of a fast‑paced, high‑profile team that operates around the clock, shaping how British Airways is seen by the media, our customers and the wider public. This role is pivotal in ensuring the smooth operation of our 24/7 press office, delivering industry‑leading crisis communications and breaking down complex issues into clear and concise communications. From handling breaking news and operational challenges to securing positive coverage and telling our story, this role offers the opportunity to influence the national conversation and play a vital role in safeguarding our reputation in a dynamic and ever‑changing media landscape.
What You’ll Do
- Build and maintain strong relationships with media, challenging inaccuracies, mitigating damaging allegations, and identifying opportunities for positive coverage aligned with business strategy.
- Monitor, scrutinise, and analyse media coverage, building reports, escalating and sharing insights with stakeholders as appropriate.
- Manage the smooth running of the media centre, databases, distribution lists, log systems, and media monitoring and analysis.
- Draft and distribute press releases, media statements, key messaging materials, and briefing documents.
- Break down complex issues into simple and clear communications.
- Take part in the 24/7 on‑call roster, demonstrating a strong understanding of crisis communications procedures and participating in regular crisis response exercises.
Hybrid Working Model & Weekend Cover Requirements
This role is based on a hybrid working model, requiring a minimum of four days a week in the Waterside (WTS) HQ office based adjacent to Heathrow’s terminal 5. To ensure robust media coverage and operational support, you will also participate in a shared team rota for phone cover across some weekends.
What You’ll Bring To British Airways
- You will bring a collaborative and proactive approach, demonstrating strong initiative, curiosity, and sound judgement in all that you do.
- Your excellent planning and organisational skills will enable you to manage competing priorities and deliver to tight deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
- With strong interpersonal and relationship‑building abilities, you will work effectively with both internal and external stakeholders.
- Your positive and flexible mindset, combined with resilience under pressure, creativity, and a passion for storytelling, will help drive strategic impact.
- Attention to detail, accuracy, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are essential qualities you will contribute to British Airways.
Your Experience
- Demonstrable experience in corporate media relations, news, issues or crisis communications.
- Established relationships with UK media, with evidence of securing positive coverage.
- Experience handling consumer PR issues and delivering proactive media activity.
- Strong understanding of working in fast‑paced, high‑profile or 24/7 operational environments.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex issues.
- Experience managing multiple priorities and delivering to tight deadlines.
What We Offer
We believe that all the people who work with us should feel valued for the part they play. From the day you join us, you’ll get access to staff travel benefits including unlimited basic and premium standby tickets on British Airways flights and up to 30 discounted ‘Hotline’ airfares per year for yourself, friends, and family. We encourage you to take on new challenges and move forward in ways that feel right for you, and offer opportunities across our business to support your development and progress.
Inclusion & Diversity
At British Airways we all have a part to play in creating an inclusive place to work. Diverse representation among our people is important to us and we recognise that all our colleagues are uniquely different and bring their own originality, creativity and identity to work. We are committed to creating a culture where everyone can be themselves and look forward to welcoming people from all backgrounds and cultures to join our journey.
Media Relations Executive employer: hackajob
At British Airways, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Waterside HQ near Heathrow. As a Media Relations Executive, you'll enjoy unparalleled staff travel benefits, a commitment to your professional growth, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, ensuring you feel valued and empowered in your role. Join us to be part of a high-profile team that shapes the narrative of one of the world's most recognised brands while enjoying the unique advantages of working in the heart of the aviation industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Media Relations Executive
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the media relations field, especially those who have worked with British Airways. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on current events and trends in the airline industry. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your passion for the role. Plus, it gives you great talking points when connecting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Whether it's drafting press releases or handling crisis situations, being articulate is key. Try mock interviews or even write sample press releases to sharpen your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Media Relations Executive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Media Relations Executive role. Highlight your experience in corporate media relations and any established relationships with UK media that align with what British Airways is looking for.
Showcase Your Storytelling Skills:Since this role involves breaking down complex issues into clear communications, don’t forget to include examples of how you've done this in the past. We want to see your creativity and ability to engage audiences through storytelling.
Highlight Your Crisis Management Experience:Given the fast-paced nature of this role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of crisis communications. Share specific instances where you’ve successfully managed media relations during challenging situations.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the British Airways team!
How to prepare for a job interview at hackajob
✨Know Your Media Landscape
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding British Airways' media presence. Familiarise yourself with their recent press releases, media coverage, and any current issues they might be facing. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how you can contribute to enhancing their media relations.
✨Showcase Your Crisis Communication Skills
Given the role's focus on crisis communications, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed a media crisis or handled challenging situations. Be ready to explain your thought process and the strategies you employed to mitigate damage and secure positive coverage.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Abilities
Highlight your established relationships with UK media during the interview. Share specific instances where these connections led to positive outcomes for previous employers. This will illustrate your capability to build and maintain strong media relationships, which is crucial for the role.
✨Simplify Complex Issues
Practice breaking down complex topics into clear, concise messages. During the interview, you might be asked to explain a complicated issue related to the airline industry. Show your ability to communicate effectively by simplifying the information without losing its essence, demonstrating your strong written and verbal communication skills.
