At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive media engagement and elevate our brand presence in open-access research.
- Company: Join MDPI, a leader in open-access publishing with a dynamic team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, mentorship opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of research.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the world of science and innovation through strategic media relations.
- Qualifications: 5-8 years in PR or journalism with a strong media network.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
MDPI seeks an experienced Public Relations Lead to drive media engagement, elevate our brand presence, and amplify our mission of open-access research. The candidate will play a leading role in MDPI’s External Affairs team and broader strategy, working closely with internal stakeholders to manage media relations, enhance response quality, and mentor junior team members.
The ideal candidate will be a media-savvy professional with 5–8 years of experience in journalism, agency, or in-house PR. A keen eye for detail, proactive attitude, and adaptive approach to daily tasks are crucial. You will own MDPI’s media relations programme across the European media, craft compelling narratives, and ensure our voice stands out in global conversations about science, publishing, and innovation.
Key Responsibilities
- Proactively identify and pursue media opportunities to showcase MDPI’s leadership in open-access and the broader publishing landscape.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and influencers across publishing, science, academia, and education.
- Support reactive PR efforts, ensuring timely and authoritative responses to media inquiries and industry developments.
- Develop media materials: press releases, op-eds, positions statements, and spokesperson talking points.
- Support the External Affairs to integrate media engagement into broader advocacy, policy, and brand campaigns.
- Own media measurement and reporting.
- Train and mentor junior team members in media writing, pitching, and relationship management.
- Streamline processes to improve responsiveness and alignment with organizational goals.
- Manage the media component of the MDPI website.
- Support with agency management and content dissemination across appropriate regions.
Experience and Skills
- 5–8 years in media relations, journalism, or PR (agency, in-house, or newsroom).
- Proven track record of securing positive coverage in quality publications.
- Experience of managing media enquiries from tier 1 media.
- Network of media contacts in science academia, publishing, or policy.
- Native English; secondary European language is desirable.
- Proactive attitude and good team working skills.
- A keen eye for detail.
- Crisis management desirable.
Public Relations Lead in Manchester employer: MDPI UK
MDPI is an excellent employer for recent PhD and Master's graduates looking to kickstart their careers in academic publishing. With a vibrant office located in the heart of Manchester, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that promotes professional growth through comprehensive training, flexible working hours, and unique perks like special days off for personal milestones. Join a dynamic international team dedicated to fostering open scientific exchange while enjoying competitive salaries and a range of employee benefits.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Relations Lead in Manchester
✨Get Involved in PR Events
Dive into local PR meetups and workshops. Events like these are perfect for getting your face out there, chatting with industry pros, and spotting potential job openings at companies like MDPI UK. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to learn about trends and make lasting connections.
✨Showcase Your PR Skills
Start building your personal brand as a PR ace. Use platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to share your thoughts on current events or PR campaigns you admire. Tagging companies you want to work for, like MDPI UK, can catch their eye—especially if your insights resonate!
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Reach out to friends, family, or connections in the PR field. Even a casual chat can lead to opportunities. If you've got mutual contacts, ask for introductions when applying. Personal recommendations can give your application a nice little boost!
✨Tailor Your Approach
When applying for a full-time PR role, make sure to research MDPI UK inside and out. Understanding their campaigns, values, and style allows us to directly align our application and impress during interviews. Don't hesitate to apply through our website—going direct can make a real difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Public Relations Lead in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Story Straight:In public relations, storytelling is everything! Make sure your CV highlights your experience in crafting compelling narratives and managing media relations. Share specific examples of campaigns you've worked on, and don’t forget to include any press coverage you've generated—it's impressive proof of your skills!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since PR is all about communication, we want to see your best writing samples. Include pieces like press releases, blog posts, or social media content that you've created. This gives us a taste of your voice and your ability to convey messages clearly and effectively, which is crucial for a role in this field.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a recap of your CV; it’s your chance to shine! Emphasise why PR excites you and how your background fits with the mission of MDPI UK. Show us that you’ve done your homework and speak to why you’re passionate about the work we do.
Connect the Dots:When you’re writing your application, think about how your past experiences link to the responsibilities of the role. Mention any internships, volunteer work, or projects that involved public speaking, event planning, or strategic communication. This will help us see how you can seamlessly bring your skills into a full-time position at MDPI UK.
How to prepare for a job interview at MDPI UK
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
In public relations, storytelling is key. We should prepare compelling narratives about past campaigns or projects we’ve worked on. Think about how we can illustrate our impact and creativity in those stories—be ready to discuss specific examples that showcase our skills in managing media relationships and crafting messages.
✨Know Your PR Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with PR tools like Cision or Meltwater is crucial. We need to be able to discuss how we’ve used these tools in past roles or projects. If we've worked on media lists, press releases, or analytics reports, let’s have those experiences ready to share along with metrics we’ve achieved to back up our claims.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
We’ve got to stay sharp on the latest trends and events impacting the public relations field. Having a few insights ready about recent campaigns or shifts in media landscapes can show that we’re engaged and knowledgeable. This will also help us make connections between our experiences and the current state of the industry.
✨Showcase Our Versatility
As full-time PR professionals, we need to demonstrate our adaptability. Be ready to talk about how we've handled challenging situations, managed crises, or adapted strategies on the fly. Employers will appreciate our ability to pivot and find solutions under pressure, so let’s have those scenarios at our fingertips to discuss.
