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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive media campaigns and promote university research to local and global audiences.
- Company: Join Heriot-Watt University, a leader in higher education with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days of annual leave, flexible working options, and a competitive salary.
- Other info: Collaborate with a dynamic team and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact by shaping the university's reputation and engaging with diverse media outlets.
- Qualifications: Degree or relevant experience in media relations, with strong writing and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 31236 - 36636 ÂŁ per year.
Media Relations Officer
Join to apply for the Media Relations Officer role at Heriot‑Watt University.
Grade: 6, Salary: £31,236 – £36,636 per annum. FTE: 12 months fixed‑term, 1FTE, 35 hrs per week. Flexible working options available.
Holiday entitlement: 33 days annual leave plus 9 university‑closed days (including Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday).
Purpose of role
To implement and drive the Communications Team strategy and deliver operational plan outputs. The main purpose is to support and promote university research, education and partnerships to media outlets and external stakeholders locally, nationally, and internationally. The role holder is the port‑of‑call for journalist queries and staff communications advice, utilising best practice to maximise the university’s reputation.
Key duties and responsibilities
- Manage relationships with media and stakeholders to promote the university and safeguard its reputation.
- Develop content to maximise reach, influence and engagement with strategically important stories.
- Work with the Corporate Communications Manager and the wider team to plan and promote research, education and business activities to external stakeholders.
- Identify and promote stories on the university’s strategic priorities in collaboration with press, academics and professional services staff.
- Place university stories in regional, trade, national and international media, and support social media content and campaigns.
- Produce regular media, social media and external communication reports to develop and enhance the overall communications strategy.
- Build strong relationships with key journalists, social media contacts and external stakeholders relating to the university’s external communications strategy.
- Respond to incoming media calls and arrange media interviews for academics and staff.
- Log incoming media enquiries across diverse subjects.
- Collaborate with communications and marketing colleagues in the Dubai and Malaysia campuses.
- Contribute to other university public‑relations activities as required (e.g., events, speeches, publications, internal communications, website and social media content, video shoots, budget monitoring, administrative tasks).
- Perform other reasonable duties as requested by the university.
Education, qualifications and experience
- University degree or equivalent relevant experience.
- Prior experience in a press office, public affairs team or similar environment.
- Evidence of creating media strategies and communication campaign plans.
- Experience and passion for producing written content.
- Experience with content management systems.
- Ability to work independently and lead initiatives on own initiative.
- Knowledge of industry best practices.
Essential skills
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to translate key messages into compelling narratives.
- Capacity to work autonomously under pressure and to deadlines.
- Decision‑making and prioritisation skills.
- Creative thinking and idea communication.
- Attention to detail and quality of work.
- Team‑working skills.
- Positive attitude and problem‑solving ability.
- Influence colleagues upwards and laterally.
- Experience of digital platforms (web, social media).
- Experience using content management systems for web editing.
- Organisational skills.
- Proficiency in MS Office.
Desirable (not essential)
- Professional qualifications in media, public relations or public affairs.
- Knowledge of higher education.
- Experience writing stories for national and international media.
- Experience creating digital and social media content, including video.
About Heriot‑Watt University
Heriot‑Watt University is committed to equality of opportunity and to creating an inclusive environment. We welcome applications from all sectors, particularly from under‑represented groups. For more information, see our equality and diversity pages on the university website.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted by midnight on Monday 03 November 2025. Please submit your CV and covering letter via the Heriot‑Watt online recruitment portal. We welcome flexible working patterns, part‑time work and job‑share options.
We welcome applications from all sectors of society. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and our award‑winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/.
Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to view benefits.
Join us and thrive at Heriot‑Watt University.
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Media Relations Officer employer: Heriot-Watt University
Contact Detail:
Heriot-Watt University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Media Relations Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the media and communications field. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy to reach out for informational chats. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best work in media relations, whether it’s press releases, campaigns, or social media content. Having tangible examples of your expertise can really set you apart when you’re chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to organisations you admire, like Heriot-Watt University, and express your interest in working with them. A well-timed email can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website! When you find a role that excites you, apply through our site. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Media Relations Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Media Relations Officer role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in media strategies and communications campaigns. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention specific examples of your past work that relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since this role requires excellent written communication, include samples of your writing if possible. Whether it's articles, press releases, or social media posts, we want to see your style and ability to engage an audience.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heriot-Watt University
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Heriot-Watt University's recent media coverage and communications strategies. Familiarise yourself with their key research areas and any notable partnerships. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your responses to align with their objectives.
✨Craft Your Narrative
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in media relations and how it relates to the role. Think of specific examples where you've successfully managed media relationships or developed impactful communication campaigns. Being able to articulate these stories clearly will demonstrate your capability and creativity.
✨Engage with Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the Communications Team's current projects or challenges they face. This shows that you're not just interested in the role but also in contributing to their success and understanding their needs.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your proficiency with digital platforms and content management systems. Highlight any experience you have with social media campaigns or creating engaging content. Providing examples of how you've used these tools to amplify coverage will set you apart from other candidates.