At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead media and PR projects to raise awareness and drive support for older people in need.
- Company: Join Independent Age, a charity dedicated to tackling financial hardship in later life.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by advocating for change and supporting vulnerable communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in media relations and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Independent Age is the national charity focused on improving the lives of people facing financial hardship in later life. We believe no one should face financial hardship in later life. The Senior Media and PR Officer will undertake communication projects to support all areas of the charity to raise awareness and understanding of Independent Age, to secure policy change to tackle poverty in later life, and to drive potential supporters to our activities.
Our Helpline and expert advisers offer free, practical support to older people without enough money to live on. Through our grants programme, we support hundreds of local organisations working with older people across the UK. We use the knowledge and insight gained from our support services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change. We would love to find individuals from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds to join us on this journey.
Responsibilities and Person Specification:
This role supports the charity's media and PR programme, helping to secure positive coverage and strengthen its reputation through proactive and reactive communications. It will contribute to the organisation's ambition by increasing awareness, influence, and engagement with key audiences across traditional and digital media channels. Working within the media communications team, the post-holder will lead on media planning and PR projects, identifying opportunities for both short-term campaigns (such as report launches) and longer-term storytelling by spotting future hooks and moments to promote key messages and calls to action. The role will also support wider team strategy development and contribute to a busy and responsive press office.
You should have experience in media relations and press office activity, including drafting high-quality media materials such as press releases, statements, op-eds and thought leadership content. You will also need strong judgement to respond to enquiries, manage reputational issues in real time, build relationships with journalists and outlets across the UK nations, and monitor, evaluate and report on media coverage.
If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all of the criteria in the person specification but you do meet most of them and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply anyway. This is a full-time role, 35 hours per week, which you can choose to work over five days or a 9 day fortnight.
What it’s like to work at Independent Age:
We celebrate diversity at Independent Age and champion the differences that make each of us unique. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We aim to attract and retain a wide range of talent and create an environment where everyone can feel safe, protected, welcome and included. We offer great benefits including 28 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme with life assurance, and fantastic learning and development opportunities. We also offer a number of enhanced leave provisions and benefits. We know that a good work-life balance helps us perform at our best and supports wellbeing. Flexible working hours and hybrid working is standard for all (those contracted to work in the office usually attend 1 day per week). But if you need a different form of flexibility, we are always happy to talk flexible working.
You can find out more about what it’s like to work at Independent Age on the careers page of our website.
Application Process:
To apply, please submit a CV and a Supporting Statement, detailing how your skills and experience meet the criteria within the Job Description and Person Specification, by visiting our jobs website. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have specific requirements and need support to apply in an alternative format. To support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion our hiring managers use anonymous shortlisting. Therefore, please do not include your name, photo, or information to indicate your gender or age in your CV and supporting statement. Please do not omit dates of employment. Please ensure the title of any uploads does not contain your name.
Independent Age is committed to safeguarding and follows Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding those we work with. We therefore ask that you supply your full work history with explanations for any gaps in the application documents you submit and, if offered the post, we will require two employment references including your current or most recent employer. A Basic DBS Certificate will be required for this role.
Closing Date: Monday 11 May 2026, 11:59pm
Interview Dates: Tuesday 19th and Wednesday 20th May via Microsoft Teams
Senior Media and PR Officer employer: Independent Age
Independent Age is an exceptional employer dedicated to improving the lives of older people facing financial hardship. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, we offer a supportive work culture that values unique perspectives and experiences. Employees benefit from generous leave provisions, a robust pension scheme, and flexible working arrangements, all while contributing to meaningful campaigns that drive social change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Media and PR Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the media and PR field, especially those who have worked with charities. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you that Senior Media and PR Officer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio of your best media materials, like press releases and op-eds. When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers, share these examples to demonstrate your expertise and creativity.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current affairs! Knowing what's happening in the world, especially regarding older people's issues, will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews. It shows you're passionate about the cause and ready to make an impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are excited about our mission. Plus, it makes it easier for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Media and PR Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Make sure to customise your supporting statement to highlight how your skills and experience align with the job description. We want to see your passion for improving lives and tackling poverty in later life, so let that shine through!
Show Off Your Media Skills:Since this role is all about media and PR, don’t hold back on showcasing your experience in drafting press releases and managing media relations. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so give us examples of your past successes!
Be Honest About Your Experience:If you don’t meet every single criterion but are excited about the role, go ahead and apply! We value enthusiasm and potential just as much as experience. Just be clear about what you bring to the table.
Follow Application Guidelines:Remember to follow the application guidelines closely. Avoid including your name or personal details in your CV and supporting statement, and make sure to provide a full work history. We want to keep things fair and transparent!
How to prepare for a job interview at Independent Age
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Independent Age's mission and recent campaigns. Familiarise yourself with their media presence and any recent news articles. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your responses to align with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare examples of your previous media relations work, especially any successful campaigns you've led. Be ready to discuss how you’ve crafted press releases or managed reputational issues in real-time. Specific anecdotes will make your experience more relatable and memorable.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
During the interview, don’t just answer questions—engage in a conversation. Ask insightful questions about their current projects or challenges they face in media relations. This demonstrates your proactive attitude and genuine interest in contributing to their mission.
✨Be Yourself
Independent Age values diversity and unique backgrounds, so let your personality shine through. Share your passion for tackling poverty in later life and how your experiences have shaped your perspective. Authenticity can set you apart from other candidates.
