At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead crisis communications and enhance King's reputation through compelling storytelling.
- Company: King's College London, a prestigious university with an award-winning Communications Team.
- Benefits: Indefinite contract, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in higher education communications and engage diverse audiences.
- Qualifications: Degree level education or equivalent experience in media and communications.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
King’s College London is one of the world’s leading universities, supported by an award-winning Communications Team. With an ambitious vision for the future, clear and effective communications with our key audiences — including the media — are essential.
About The Role
As Senior PR and Communications Manager, you will play a pivotal role in protecting and enhancing King’s reputation. You will lead the university’s crisis communications response, providing expert advice and clear guidance to senior colleagues on messaging and lines to take. You will also build strong relationships with journalists and media outlets, ensuring that King’s strengths, research breakthroughs, and successes are communicated widely and effectively.
As a core member of the team, you will develop and deliver compelling content across a wide range of channels — from traditional print and broadcast media to digital platforms and social media. You will lead communications campaigns that engage staff, students and external stakeholders, and contribute to flagship events that showcase King’s and generate positive visibility nationally and internationally.
The role requires someone who can work confidently and constructively with colleagues across the university as well as with journalists and external stakeholders. They will need to communicate effectively across a wide range of channels — from traditional print and broadcast media to digital platforms and social media — ensuring our messages reach diverse audiences. The successful candidate will bring the maturity and expertise to offer sound advice under pressure, including in times of crisis, and the judgement to support senior colleagues in navigating sensitive or high-profile issues.
This is a full time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered an indefinite contract.
About You
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
- Educated to degree level or with equivalent professional experience.
- Strong track record of working with the media, either in communications or journalism, with experience spanning print, broadcast and digital.
- Proven experience of managing crisis communications and safeguarding organisational reputation.
- Excellent editorial judgement, news sense and the ability to craft, brief and pitch compelling stories to journalists.
- Skilled at building strong relationships and networks, with a collaborative approach to working across teams and with senior stakeholders.
- Proactive and adaptable: able to work independently with initiative, while also contributing effectively as part of a team.
- Enthusiastic self-starter with a positive and determined outlook.
- Experience of using data and evaluation tools to measure impact and drive continuous improvement.
- Knowledge and experience of working in the higher education sector.
- International experience including demonstrable cultural competence.
- A professional qualification in journalism, communications or PR.
Downloading a copy of our Job Description
Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.
Further Information
We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community.
We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King\’s.
As part of this commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and through this appointment process, it is our aim to develop candidate pools that include applicants from all backgrounds and communities.
We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.
To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘How we Recruit’ pages.
Seniority level
- Mid-Senior level
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Management, Public Relations, and Project Management
Industries
- Public Relations and Communications Services and Higher Education
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Senior PR and Communications Manager employer: King's College London
Contact Detail:
King's College London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior PR and Communications Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at King’s College London. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about sliding into DMs. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can’t.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing your best work in PR and communications. Include case studies of successful campaigns or crisis management examples. This gives you a chance to shine beyond your CV.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching King’s College London thoroughly. Understand their recent news, challenges, and successes. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in crisis communications.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the King’s community. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little persistence goes a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior PR and Communications Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your relevant experience in PR and communications, especially any crisis management roles. Tailor it to showcase how your skills align with what we’re looking for at King’s College London.
Nail the Supporting Statement: This is your chance to shine! Use your supporting statement to detail how you meet the essential criteria. Be specific about your achievements and experiences that relate to the role, and don’t forget to show your passion for communications!
Showcase Your Media Savvy: Since building relationships with journalists is key, mention any relevant media contacts or successful campaigns you've led. We want to see your ability to engage diverse audiences and communicate effectively across various channels.
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, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at King's College London
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research King’s College London and its Communications Team. Understand their recent campaigns, media presence, and any current issues they might be facing. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Crisis Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've handled crisis communications in the past. Highlight your ability to remain calm under pressure and provide sound advice to senior colleagues. This is crucial for the role, so make sure your experiences reflect this.
✨Demonstrate Your Media Savvy
Since the role involves building relationships with journalists, come equipped with examples of how you've successfully pitched stories or collaborated with media outlets. Discuss your understanding of different media channels and how you can leverage them for effective communication.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Adaptability
The job requires working across teams and with various stakeholders. Share instances where you've successfully collaborated with others, especially in a fast-paced environment. Highlight your proactive approach and adaptability to changing situations, which are key traits for this position.