At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead 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, professional development, and opportunities to mentor others.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the world of science and innovation through media.
- Qualifications: 5-8 years in PR or journalism with strong media relations skills.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and creativity.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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, position 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
Contact Detail:
MDPI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Relations Lead in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with journalists, editors, and influencers in the publishing and science sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on social media. Building those relationships can open doors for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Craft your personal brand narrative. Think about what makes you unique in the PR landscape and how you can showcase that to potential employers. Use your online presence to share insights, articles, or even your thoughts on current trends in open-access research.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Whether it’s for a job interview or a media opportunity, being able to communicate your ideas clearly and confidently is key. Role-play with friends or colleagues to refine your delivery and get feedback.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who can elevate our mission. Make sure your application stands out by tailoring it to reflect your understanding of MDPI’s goals and how you can contribute.
We think you need these skills to ace Public Relations Lead in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Public Relations Lead role. Highlight your media relations experience and any successful campaigns you've led, as this will show us you're the right fit for MDPI.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about open-access research and how your background in PR can elevate our brand presence. Be sure to mention specific examples of your work that relate to the job description.
Show Off Your Media Savvy: Since we're looking for someone media-savvy, include links to articles or press releases you've worked on. This gives us a taste of your writing style and your ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re proactive and keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at MDPI
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into MDPI’s mission and recent projects. Familiarise yourself with their media presence and any recent news articles. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you craft relevant questions that demonstrate your understanding of their goals.
✨Showcase Your Network
Be ready to discuss your existing media contacts and how you’ve leveraged those relationships in the past. Highlight specific examples where your connections have led to successful media coverage. This will illustrate your ability to hit the ground running in the role.
✨Prepare Compelling Narratives
Think about how you would pitch MDPI’s story to different audiences. Prepare a few key messages or narratives that align with their brand and mission. This will showcase your creativity and strategic thinking, which are crucial for a Public Relations Lead.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since mentoring junior team members is part of the role, be prepared to discuss your experience in training or leading others. Share specific instances where you’ve guided a team through a project or helped someone improve their media skills. This will highlight your leadership potential.