Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead PR and media strategy for a life sciences organisation, enhancing its reputation.
- Company: Join a prominent life sciences organisation making waves in healthcare and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days holiday, hybrid working, pension contributions up to 12%, and private health insurance.
- Why this job: Shape narratives and engage with media while working in a dynamic, impactful environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive press office experience, strong crisis communication skills, and a background in life sciences required.
- Other info: Manage external agencies and lead high-profile media engagements in a fast-paced team.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Overview
Health Research Charity
Permanent Position
Job Description
- Lead the development and execution of the media strategy, managing the organisation\’s media function and all press activity
- Act as the main point of contact for journalists, cultivating strong relationships across national, trade, broadcast, and online media
- Prepare messaging, media briefings, and press materials to support external storytelling and organisational visibility
- Identify and shape compelling narratives by collaborating with internal teams and senior leaders across the organisation
- Oversee interviews and media opportunities involving spokespeople, ensuring consistency and alignment with strategic goals
- Manage external PR agencies and ensure delivery of media activity in line with agreed objectives and tone of voice
- Lead on crisis communication plans and responses to protect and strengthen the organisation\’s reputation
- Develop and maintain external communications templates, policies, and processes to support consistent, high-quality outputs
The Successful Applicant
- Extensive senior press office experience, with a proven ability to build strong relationships with key journalists and generate high-impact proactive media coverage
- Strong background in crisis communications and reputation management, with sound judgement under pressure
- Confident working with high-profile stakeholders and leading external-facing media engagements
- Proven track record of developing and evaluating media strategies that drive audience engagement across a range of channels
- Deep understanding of the life sciences sector, underpinned by experience in science, healthcare or innovation-focused organisations
- Skilled in managing external agencies and project budgets to deliver communications outcomes to brief and on time
- Experience in providing media training to senior spokespeople or overseeing this through external partners
- Comfortable operating within fast-paced creative teams, managing competing priorities with a flexible and solution-focused approach
What\’s on Offer
- 31 days PLUS bank holidays.
- Hybrid working model – 3 days in the office
- Pension scheme offers employer contributions of up to 12%
- Private Health Insurance
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Media and PR employer: Michael Page (UK)
Contact Detail:
Michael Page (UK) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Media and PR
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the life sciences sector. Attend industry events, webinars, and conferences to meet key players and learn about the latest trends. Building these connections can give you insights into the role and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on current affairs and media coverage related to life sciences. Understanding the media landscape will help you identify opportunities for strategic engagement and demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with crisis communications. Think of specific examples where you've successfully managed a crisis or enhanced an organisation's reputation, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the organisation's current media presence and public perception. This will allow you to tailor your approach and suggest innovative strategies that align with their goals when you get the chance to speak with them.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Media and PR
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of the Head of Media and PR. Tailor your application to highlight your experience in public relations, media strategy, and crisis communications.
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV should reflect your extensive senior press office experience and your ability to build relationships with journalists. Include specific examples of high-impact media coverage you've generated and any relevant achievements in crisis management.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, emphasise your understanding of the life sciences sector and your experience in managing external communications. Use this opportunity to showcase your storytelling skills and how you can enhance the organisation's visibility.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Make sure to highlight your skills in developing media strategies, managing external agencies, and providing media training. Mention any experience you have with high-profile stakeholders and how you’ve successfully navigated fast-paced environments.
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page (UK)
✨Know Your Audience
Understand the life sciences sector and the specific organisation's mission. Tailor your responses to demonstrate how your experience aligns with their goals and values, showcasing your knowledge of current trends in the industry.
✨Prepare for Crisis Scenarios
Given the emphasis on crisis communications, be ready to discuss past experiences where you've successfully managed a crisis. Highlight your strategic thinking and ability to maintain composure under pressure.
✨Showcase Your Media Relationships
Be prepared to talk about your existing relationships with journalists and media outlets. Provide examples of how these connections have led to successful media coverage in the past, emphasising your proactive approach to media engagement.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Discuss your experience in developing and executing media strategies. Be specific about how you measure success and adapt strategies based on audience engagement, showing that you can think critically and strategically about communications.
