At a Glance
- Tasks: Promote the Museum's reputation and manage media relations for exciting campaigns.
- Company: Join a world-class visitor attraction and leading science research centre.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with diverse projects and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to inspire millions about the natural world.
- Qualifications: 2-3 years of press experience and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About Us
We are a world-class visitor attraction and leading science research centre. We use the Museum's unique collections and our unrivalled expertise to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world today. We care for more than 80 million objects spanning billions of years and welcome more than five million visitors annually and 16 million visits to our website. Today the Museum is more relevant and influential than ever. By attracting people from a range of backgrounds to work for us, we can continue to look at the world with fresh eyes and find new ways of doing things. We employ 1100 staff in a variety of roles, all united by our vision of a future where people and planet thrive. We need everyone to have the passion and drive to help us with our mission to create advocates for our planet and inspire millions to care about the natural world.
Diversity and inclusion matter to us. Our vision is of a future where both people and the planet thrive. Diversity is one of our core values and we strive to build a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging. All new staff who join us learn about the importance of diversity and inclusion to the Museum and how to contribute to creating an inclusive environment. We know we have more to do, but we are committed to ensuring that everyone who works at the Museum feels they can thrive and feel valued and respected.
About the role
The Communications team is responsible for protecting and promoting the reputation of the Natural History Museum as the UK’s most popular visitor attraction and a world leading scientific research centre. The team is primarily responsible for all the Natural History Museum’s editorial dealings with media, and the role of Communications Officer is varied – no day is the same!
It’s an exciting time to join the press team, as you will support on comms activity promoting the Museum’s flagship campaigns and strategic projects including temporary exhibitions and new galleries as part of NHM150. Alongside proactively generating coverage for the Museum’s world-leading scientific research, you will support the work of the Commercial Communications Manager, Internal Communications Manager and Wildlife Photographer of the Year Communications Manager. Representing your campaigns across the Museum, including developing and presenting communications plans and working closely with the Marketing, Digital and Social Media teams also forms a key part of your role. You will develop and maintain excellent relationships with both internal stakeholders and media contacts and provide out-of-hours cover as part of the 24/7 Press Office duty rota.
The role requires you to draft quality press releases, press packs, lines against enquiry, Q&A and statements, often to tight deadlines. You will triage and respond to day-to-day reactive press enquiries, support on issues management when needed and supervise filming with our experts both on and off site.
About you
A minimum of 2-3 years’ experience of press work in a busy press office is essential. You’ll have demonstrable experience of organising and supervising journalist visits, interviews, photocalls and filming for a high-profile organisation. You’ll have proven experience of identifying and managing both reputational risks and opportunities to secure positive media coverage. Experience of working with influencers is desirable. You’ll be able to work well under pressure, prioritise effectively, respond to deadlines and maintain multiple simultaneous projects. You’ll have a flexible and positive attitude, with the desire to create new opportunities and think creatively about challenges.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, including the ability to write attention-grabbing press releases and social media copy that positively influences, is essential. You will be able to accurately communicate complex ideas to non-specialists, ideally gained through working with academics, scientists or technical specialists in a PR capacity.
Thriving at the Museum: the way we work
We are proud to work at the Museum and have identified the qualities we all need to embody to reach our shared ambition. This sits alongside the Museum’s values and forms the framework for the way we work.
What we offer
27.5 days holiday plus 8
Communications Officer (Media & PR) in London employer: National History Museum
The Natural History Museum is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions diversity and inclusion while inspiring staff to advocate for the planet. With a commitment to employee growth, the Museum provides opportunities to engage in meaningful projects that impact millions, all within a world-class visitor attraction and scientific research centre located in the heart of London. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to making a difference in the world through innovative communication strategies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Communications Officer (Media & PR) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out to current employees at the Museum. A friendly chat can open doors you didn’t even know existed!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance, create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing your best press releases, campaigns, or any media work you've done. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview like it’s the big game! Research the Museum’s recent campaigns and think about how you can contribute. Be ready to discuss your ideas and how you can help promote their mission. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our amazing team at the Museum.
We think you need these skills to ace Communications Officer (Media & PR) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the Natural History Museum shine through. We want to see how much you care about our mission and how you can contribute to inspiring others about the natural world.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in press work and communications. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills in managing media relations and creating compelling content, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:In your written application, clarity is key. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the point. Remember, you’ll be drafting press releases, so show us you can communicate effectively right from the start!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at National History Museum
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the Museum's mission and recent campaigns. Familiarise yourself with their flagship projects and how they communicate with the public. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your responses to align with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous press work in detail. Prepare specific examples of how you've managed media relations, organised journalist visits, or handled reputational risks. Highlighting your hands-on experience will demonstrate that you can hit the ground running.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since excellent verbal and written communication is key for this role, practice drafting a press release or a social media post related to the Museum. This will not only sharpen your skills but also give you a chance to showcase your creativity during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the Communications team and their current challenges. This shows that you're not just interested in the role but are also thinking about how you can contribute to their success and help them tackle their goals.
