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- Tasks: Lead media relations strategies and create engaging content for UCL's diverse audiences.
- Company: UCL is a top global university, known for its inclusive history and innovative research.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days of annual leave, a pension scheme, and wellness perks like an on-site gym.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team that shapes UCL's public image and engages with influential media.
- Qualifications: Experience in a press office or communications team is essential; strong media understanding required.
- Other info: We encourage applications from underrepresented groups to foster diversity and creativity.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
UCL is a radically different university. Founded in 1826 in the heart of London, we were the first university in England to welcome students of any religion and the first to welcome women to university education. Today UCL has over 40,000 students and 13,000 staff and is one of the world's top 10 universities.
The Vice-President External Engagement (VPEE) team delivers communications and marketing activity for UCL, working to ensure UCL's public prominence, reputation and influence reflects the university's excellence in knowledge creation, education, and innovation. The department coordinates UCL's engagement with a range of audiences, raising the university's profile and influence, and managing its reputation. It promotes the public value of UCL's research and partnerships to the future of Britain and globally.
UCL Media Relations Managers are responsible for planning and implementing media relations strategies on a diverse range of issues, working to deliver positive coverage of the university. To achieve this, the post holders will work with the appropriate national, international, regional and local media to ensure that UCL's key messages are delivered to its range of audiences. They respond to a variety of calls on a daily basis, write and edit news releases and press statements, update web pages, organise media briefings and develop and maintain excellent relationships with the media and the UCL community, using expertise and creativity to advise on appropriate media handling whenever necessary.
They are also responsible for all media activity for an appropriate number of UCL Faculties, to be determined in discussion with the Executive Director of Media and Public Affairs and Head of Media Relations. Holders of the role are required to build strong internal networks with academic and professional staff - mainly focused around their areas of responsibility - as well as external networks with journalists and external stakeholders such as partner institution media teams. They will also be required to provide strategic advice to academics on media engagement and profile raising - including delivering developmental media training within their faculties and areas of responsibility.
The successful candidate will have significant experience of working within a busy news environment, for instance a press office, or as part of a communications team. Excellent understanding of the workings of the external media (print, broadcast, online, social), demonstrable evidence of having taken a strategic approach to communications activity as part of wider strategy to secure high-profile coverage and deliver organisational objectives and editorial experience of conveying subject matter concisely and compellingly to audiences with wide-ranging degrees of interest and expertise are all essential.
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits:
- 41 Days Annual Leave (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays and 6 closure days)
- Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- Relocation scheme for certain posts
- On-site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
- Discounted medical insurance
Our commitment to EDI: As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.
Media Relations Manager x2 Posts employer: JobFlurry
Contact Detail:
JobFlurry Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Media Relations Manager x2 Posts
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with UCL's recent media coverage and key messages. Understanding their current narrative will help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the media relations field, especially those who have experience working with educational institutions. Attend relevant events or webinars to build connections that could provide insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific strategies you've implemented in previous roles that led to successful media coverage. Highlight your ability to adapt to different media environments and your understanding of various platforms.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your communication skills by engaging with UCL's social media channels. Comment on their posts or share relevant content, demonstrating your enthusiasm for the role and your proactive approach to media engagement.
We think you need these skills to ace Media Relations Manager x2 Posts
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in media relations and communications. Focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to secure high-profile coverage and manage media relationships effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your understanding of UCL's mission and values. Discuss how your background aligns with the role and provide examples of your strategic approach to media relations.
Showcase Your Media Knowledge: In your application, emphasise your understanding of various media platforms (print, broadcast, online, social). Mention any previous experience working with journalists or managing media campaigns.
Highlight Team Collaboration Skills: Since the role involves building strong internal networks, include examples of how you've successfully collaborated with teams or stakeholders in previous positions. This will demonstrate your ability to work within UCL's diverse environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at JobFlurry
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research UCL's media relations and understand their key messages. Familiarise yourself with their recent press releases and media coverage to demonstrate your knowledge and interest in the university's work.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous roles in media relations or communications. Highlight specific examples where you successfully managed media strategies or secured positive coverage, as this will show your capability for the role.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
During the interview, articulate how you would approach media relations at UCL. Discuss your strategic thinking process and how you would align media activities with the university's broader objectives to enhance its reputation.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in a media context. Think of potential challenges you might face in the role and prepare thoughtful responses that showcase your ability to handle them effectively.