Head of Media Relations in London

Our client, a highly respected not-for-profit trade association within the financial services sector, is seeking a Head of Media Relations to join their External Affairs function and lead media relations and communications campaigns that raise the profile of both the organisation and its members.

If you have experience in media relations, communications, campaigns or public affairs—ideally gained within a trade association, membership body, financial services organisation, regulator, professional body or public affairs environment—we would be keen to hear from you.

The Role of Head of Media Relations

Reporting to the Head of External Affairs, the Head of Media Relations will lead media engagement and integrated communications campaigns, helping to promote the organisation's strategic priorities and enhance the visibility of the sector it represents.

Principal Tasks & Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day media relations activity, including responding to media enquiries and managing relationships with journalists.
• Develop and deliver integrated communications and campaigns that support organisational objectives.
• Draft compelling media materials, press releases, briefings, articles and digital content.
• Work collaboratively with senior colleagues, members and external stakeholders to identify communications opportunities.
• Manage and coordinate communications activity across media, digital, policy and events channels.
• Support social media activity and digital communications, monitoring performance and engagement.
• Provide communications advice and support to senior stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to raise the profile of the organisation and its members through proactive media engagement.
• Monitor media coverage, sector developments and emerging issues to inform communications planning.
• Contribute to wider external affairs and organisational objectives as required.

Person Specification

• Significant experience within a media relations, communications, press office or campaigns role.
• Experience managing media enquiries, pitching stories and securing media coverage.
• Excellent written communication skills with the ability to produce clear, concise and engaging content for a variety of audiences.
• Strong understanding of communications planning and campaign delivery.
• Experience developing digital content and supporting social media channels.
• Knowledge of social media performance monitoring and analytics.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to build relationships at all levels.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Sound judgement and the ability to handle sensitive issues professionally.
• Experience within financial services, a regulated environment, trade association or membership organisation would be advantageous.
• Professional communications qualifications (such as CIPR) would be beneficial but are not essential.

To apply please submit your CV for consideration. Due to the volume of applications, only successful candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard from us within 10 working days, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Membership Bespoke is acting as a recruitment business in relation to this role and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

Membership Bespoke is the UK's most experienced membership-focused recruitment firm, delivering permanent, temporary, interim and executive search recruitment solutions to trade associations, professional bodies, membership organisations and regulatory bodies.