Media and Communications Officer in London

The Institute for Fiscal Studies is the UK’s leading independent economics research institute and an award-winning think tank. We are independent of political influence and have a strong reputation for producing high-quality, far-reaching and policy-relevant analysis and commentary. Our goal at IFS is to promote well-designed and effective economic and social policies through research that helps us better understand how such policies affect individuals, families, businesses and the government's finances.

We communicate our research widely, providing independent advice and evidence to policymakers; collaborating with renowned academics; and disseminating our findings through the press, media, social media and online. Our remit and expertise cover important topics such as taxation, public finances, education, healthcare, pensions, benefits, consumer behaviour, the environment, development, wealth, inequality, and poverty.

Responsibilities

We are looking for a hard-working and engaged individual to join us as Media Officer, helping to manage our busy and renowned press office and social media output at the IFS. This role includes:

• Running a busy press office, sending agenda-setting work to media contacts, fielding journalist queries, and connecting them to our world-leading experts.
• Monitoring and reporting on the impact work of the IFS and preparing colleagues for media appearances.
• Producing content for and monitoring social media channels to promote the IFS.
• Tracking the IFS’s presence in public debate and monitoring UK policy developments across the press, social media, and Parliament.

The successful candidate will be part of a team that values and achieves high impact across media, policy and social media.

Qualifications and requirements

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a very good understanding of and interest in the current media landscape.
• Possesses political sensitivity and judgement and a keen interest in public policy.
• Can communicate complex ideas and information carefully to non-specialist audiences.
• Is a people-person, motivated to build relationships and engage with world-leading economists and journalists.
• Can work to a high level of accuracy and under pressure.
• Has a willingness to learn and pitch in ideas to promote the work of the IFS.

This role involves:

• Handling day-to-day press office queries and arranging interviews.
• Maintaining and developing strong relationships with local, national, international and specialist media.
• Monitoring the national news, social media and policy agenda closely.
• Issuing IFS press releases and following up with media outlets.
• Contributing to forward planning and identifying opportunities to promote research.
• Preparing content for use across social media platforms.
• Participating in an on-call (out-of-hours) rota.

Our criteria for this role

• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Significant interest in public policy and media landscape.
• Experience working in a communications or press team.
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage time effectively.
• Great interpersonal skills and ability to engage with people at all levels.
• Excellent attention to detail and consistent accuracy.
• Competency in Microsoft Office.
• Willingness to get stuck in and eagerness to learn.
• Some experience working with digital formats including social media.
• Experience writing for an external audience.

What you can expect from us

• A salary of £31,600-£34,600, with opportunities for salary progression.
• The chance to make a real difference by promoting rigorous and independent research.
• Support from an experienced communications team and a collaborative organisation.
• Internal and external training opportunities.
• Some out-of-hours working will be required.

The successful candidate will be expected to spend the majority of their contracted hours in the London office, with up to one day a week working from home by negotiation. IFS has an active social calendar with weekly teatimes, sports groups and after-work activities for various interests.

Interviews will be held in person at our London office. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK, as this role is not eligible for a Skilled Worker visa.