At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead NCT's external communications and manage media relations to enhance our charity's impact.
- Company: Join the National Childbirth Trust, a leading charity supporting parents across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, remote work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work remotely with occasional travel to London and be part of a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of parents while shaping impactful communications.
- Qualifications: Experience in PR, media relations, and a passion for supporting families.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 ÂŁ per year.
NCT, the National Childbirth Trust, is the UK’s charity for pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. For nearly 70 years, we’ve been alongside women and parents, offering trusted information, practical support and building communities. We’re here for every parent, to help them feel confident, connected and safe.
We are best known for our award-winning antenatal classes, but we also do much more. We campaign on issues that matter to parents, provide infant feeding support, and run thousands of free community events and activities led by our amazing volunteers. We also support families facing challenges like social isolation, feeding difficulties, and poor mental health. We offer support in communities, in hospitals and online. Last year we supported 250,000 parents on their unique journeys through pregnancy, birth, infant feeding, and early parenthood.
Role Purpose
To lead the day-to-day delivery of NCT’s external communications, including the operation of the press office, ensuring NCT’s voice is timely, clear and credible across media and public channels. The role is responsible for managing media relations, handling press enquiries and building strong relationships with journalists and key stakeholders to support the charity’s reputation, influence and impact.
Working closely with the Head of Communications and Campaigns, the role supports the delivery of proactive and reactive communications activity, ensuring NCT responds confidently and effectively in a fast-moving and often sensitive external environment. The role also contributes to the development and delivery of consumer-facing communications, working closely with the Head of Marketing to identify opportunities to reach and engage parents through a broader range of channels, including digital-first media, influencers and partnerships.
A key part of the role is identifying emerging issues and opportunities, using judgement and initiative to shape responses, propose approaches and ensure NCT is visible and relevant in external conversations. The role works closely with the Marketing & Growth Manager and Content Studio to ensure communications and content are aligned, coordinated and delivered effectively across channels.
Success in the role depends on strong judgement, responsiveness and a proactive, solutions-focused approach, operating with a “see it, own it, solve it” mindset, taking ownership of media handling and external communications activity, and ensuring issues, opportunities and responses are progressed confidently without unnecessary escalation.
About your experience
- Demonstrable experience in leading and delivering external communications strategies integrated across owned and earned channels.
- Experience in managing proactive and reactive PR - demonstrable success in reputation and crisis management, both reactive and proactive.
- Extensive experience pitching media, managing a press desk, and cultivating relationships with journalists and editors across news and consumer press.
- Knowledge of UK political processes and the policy environment and parliamentary procedure.
About you
- Able to work autonomously and use own initiative.
- Collaborative and supportive within a small team.
- Creative, proactive and enthusiastic, with a strong sense of ownership.
- Adaptable to changing priorities and able to work calmly under pressure.
- Willing to be responsive and flexible, including occasional out-of-hours or reactive support.
We value our team and offer fantastic benefits to support your well-being and professional growth: 30 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays).
PR & External Communications Manager in London employer: NCT Charity
Contact Detail:
NCT Charity Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PR & External Communications Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the PR and communications field, especially those connected to NCT. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about sliding into DMs on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work in external communications. Include case studies of successful campaigns, press releases, and any media coverage you've secured. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching NCT’s recent campaigns and media presence. Be ready to discuss how you can enhance their voice and visibility. Tailor your responses to show you understand their mission and how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little persistence can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace PR & External Communications Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the PR & External Communications Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in external communications and media relations, showing us how you can contribute to NCT's mission.
Showcase Your Creativity: We love a bit of creativity! Use your application to demonstrate your innovative ideas for engaging parents through various channels. Share examples of past campaigns or strategies that worked well for you.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your key achievements and skills stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at NCT Charity
✨Know NCT Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the National Childbirth Trust's mission, values, and recent campaigns. Understanding their work will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Media Savvy
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed media relations in the past. Be ready to discuss your experience with both proactive and reactive PR strategies, and how you've handled crises or reputation management. This will demonstrate your capability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaborative Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, be prepared to share examples of how you've collaborated effectively in previous positions. Highlight your ability to adapt and support others, especially in high-pressure situations, to show that you're a team player.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your judgement and problem-solving skills. Think about potential challenges NCT might face in external communications and how you would approach them. This will showcase your proactive mindset and readiness to take ownership of the role.