At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape public perception through impactful media relations and stakeholder engagement.
- Company: Leading professional body for psychotherapists, committed to mental health and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for growth and learning.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public understanding of psychotherapy and support mental health initiatives.
- Qualifications: Experience in media relations and strong relationship-building skills.
We are seeking a media and public affairs officer to help shape external profile, reputation and influence through impactful communications and stakeholder engagement.
Salary: £35,224 per annum (pro-rated for part-time)
Location: Hybrid and flexible working with once per month in office
Hours: Full-time (part-time requests considered)
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: Monday 8 June at 12pm
Interview Dates: Provisionally week commencing 15 June
About the Role
This is a varied and impactful role where you will manage day-to-day media relations, support public affairs activity, and help deliver integrated campaigns that raise awareness of psychotherapy and the work of members. You will act as a trusted internal adviser on messaging and reputational risk, translating complex or sensitive issues into clear, balanced and engaging communications. Working closely with colleagues across policy and communications, you will contribute to campaign narratives, stakeholder engagement and media strategy.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing media enquiries and drafting press materials, briefings and statements
- Monitoring media coverage and identifying emerging risks and opportunities
- Building relationships with journalists and promoting the organisation and its members
- Supporting external communications on sensitive or regulatory issues
- Contributing to campaign development, messaging and public positioning
- Supporting stakeholder engagement, including parliamentary activity and events
- Providing guidance to colleagues on tone, messaging and reputational considerations
This is an exciting opportunity to help shape public understanding of psychotherapy and contribute to meaningful, mission-led work.
About You
You will bring experience in media relations, public affairs or communications, along with a strong understanding of the UK political and media landscape. You will also demonstrate:
- Experience supporting communications on reputational or complex issues
- Strong relationship-building skills with media and stakeholders
- The ability to identify emerging issues and respond effectively in fast-moving situations
- Good organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
- An understanding of how communications support influencing and public engagement
- A collaborative, flexible approach to working across teams
You will share a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and be motivated by contributing to a purpose-driven organisation that supports mental health and wellbeing. There will be scope for professional development and growth whilst working closely within a small team. In short, it is an opportunity to make a real difference.
About the Organisation
The organisation is a leading professional body representing psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors across a wide range of therapeutic approaches and modalities. Its charitable objectives include promoting the art and science of psychotherapy and psychotherapeutic counselling for the benefit of the public, supporting research and education, maintaining high standards of training and practice, and improving access to psychotherapy services for all sections of the public.
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Additional leave during December office closure
- Generous pension scheme with 8% employer contribution
- Occupational sick pay and enhanced maternity leave
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- Learning and development opportunities
- Employee assistance programme
- Flu vaccination and eyecare vouchers
- Interest-free season ticket loans
- Cycle to work scheme
Other roles you may have experience of could include: Media Officer, Public Affairs Officer, Communications Officer, PR Officer, External Affairs Officer, Campaigns Officer, Policy and Communications Officer, Stakeholder Engagement Officer, Press Officer, Corporate Communications Officer.
Media and Public Affairs Officer employer: Not For Profit People
Join a leading professional body dedicated to promoting psychotherapy and mental health, where you will have the opportunity to shape public understanding through impactful communications. With a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, our flexible working arrangements and generous benefits package, including 25 days of annual leave and a robust pension scheme, make us an excellent employer for those looking to grow in a meaningful role. Collaborate with a passionate team and contribute to mission-driven work that truly makes a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Media and Public Affairs Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the media and public affairs field, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that job applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its recent campaigns. Be ready to discuss how your skills can help shape their external profile and reputation. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly understands their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Whether it’s drafting press materials or engaging in stakeholder conversations, being articulate and clear is key. Consider mock interviews or role-playing scenarios to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Media and Public Affairs Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Media and Public Affairs Officer role. Highlight your experience in media relations and public affairs, and show us how you can contribute to our mission of promoting psychotherapy.
Showcase Your Skills:We want to see your strong relationship-building skills and your ability to handle complex issues. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you've successfully navigated similar challenges.
Be Clear and Concise:When drafting your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured communication, so make sure your key messages stand out and are easy to understand.
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 this exciting opportunity to make a difference in mental health.
How to prepare for a job interview at Not For Profit People
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the organisation’s mission and values, especially around psychotherapy. Familiarise yourself with their recent campaigns and media coverage. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and understanding of their work during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past experience that highlight your media relations and public affairs skills. Think about times when you successfully managed media enquiries or built relationships with journalists. Be ready to discuss how you handled complex issues and what strategies you used.
✨Engage with Current Affairs
Stay updated on current events, particularly those related to mental health and public affairs. Being able to discuss relevant news stories or emerging issues will show your awareness of the landscape and your ability to think critically about how these might impact the organisation.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the organisation's future campaigns, their approach to stakeholder engagement, or how they measure the success of their communications. It shows you’re engaged and thinking about how you can contribute.
