At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead media relations and create impactful stories for universities across various platforms.
- Company: Universities UK, the voice of 142 universities in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, additional payment for on-call duties, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Join a fast-paced team with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in how higher education is perceived and engage with national media.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in media relations and strong storytelling skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
UUK is the collective voice for 142 universities in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. As world leaders in research, teaching and innovation, our universities have a fantastic story to tell and will continue to be vital in the government’s growth and opportunity missions.
Working with its members, Universities UK is undertaking a major programme of work to shift the dial on perceptions of higher education over the next four years. We’re looking for a Media Relations Manager to help us in this work by ensuring we make a big impression across print, online and broadcast media.
The media relations manager is a senior role in the team, overseeing the day-to-day function of the press office and leading on story creation, media relationship building and managing emerging issues. In a fast-paced, busy role, the post-holder will manage the Press Officer, dealing with national and sector media on a daily basis, meaning they will need to be a confident self-starter with a proven track record of managing news media and should be able to find creative, impactful ways to tell a story.
The ability to remain calm under pressure, to prioritise effectively, and excellent news judgement will be important. The post holder will be part of a busy and fast-paced team, which primarily works Monday – Friday office hours, but with a requirement to take part in an out-of-hours on-call rota, for which there is an additional payment.
Interviews are expected to take place on Tuesday 19 May 2026.
Media Relations Manager - Universities UK employer: Prmoment
Contact Detail:
Prmoment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Media Relations Manager - Universities UK
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to Universities UK. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about sliding into DMs. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing your best media relations work. Include case studies of successful campaigns or stories you've pitched. This will give you an edge and show that you’re ready to make a big impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview like it’s the final exam! Research Universities UK thoroughly, understand their mission, and think about how you can contribute to shifting perceptions of higher education. Be ready to discuss your ideas and how you can creatively tell their story.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to apply directly. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join a fantastic team!
We think you need these skills to ace Media Relations Manager - Universities UK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Higher Education: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for higher education shine through. We want to see how you can contribute to the fantastic story of our universities and why you believe in their importance.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in media relations. We’re looking for someone with a proven track record, so be specific about your past roles and how they relate to the responsibilities of this position.
Be Creative with Your Storytelling: As a Media Relations Manager, creativity is key! Use your application to demonstrate how you’ve successfully crafted compelling stories in the past. We want to see your unique approach to media engagement.
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. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Prmoment
✨Know Your Story
Before the interview, make sure you can articulate your own story and how it aligns with the mission of Universities UK. Think about your past experiences in media relations and how they can contribute to shifting perceptions of higher education.
✨Research the Media Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current media landscape, especially regarding higher education. Be prepared to discuss recent news stories related to universities and think about how you would approach them differently or what angles you could explore.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Media Relations Manager, you'll be overseeing a team. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure situations. Highlight your ability to manage relationships and navigate challenges.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations, such as managing a media crisis or creating a compelling story under tight deadlines. Practice your responses to demonstrate your calmness under pressure and your strategic thinking.