At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful media campaigns to prevent rail suicides and promote help-seeking.
- Company: Join Samaritans, a values-driven organisation dedicated to saving lives.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, 28 days leave, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace where your voice truly matters.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in suicide prevention while developing your media skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in media relations and campaign management is essential.
The predicted salary is between 44595 - 54505 £ per year.
Help us achieve our vision that fewer people die by suicide. We’re looking for a Senior Media and Communications Lead to deliver and manage our rail suicide prevention campaigns. In this role you’ll take the lead in managing Samaritans’ communications and media activity relating to rail suicide prevention. You will manage the delivery of our important Small Talk Saves Lives campaign and other targeted awareness campaigns. You’ll also lead on media relations for our rail programme, identifying opportunities to ensure Samaritans’ is visible in relevant media stories. You will represent Samaritans’ Rail programme at a national level, working with key rail industry stakeholders and programme funders. You’ll also work alongside colleagues across Samaritans, including regional rail colleagues and those within the wider media team.
If you’re a great communicator, with experience of leading campaigns and media activity, we’d love to hear from you.
Contract terms:
- Permanent
- 35 hours per week (full-time)
- Hybrid, linked to our Ewell (Surrey) office
- 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
What you'll be doing:
- Lead on media work for the rail programme across national, regional and local channels
- Lead the delivery of the rail industry suicide prevention plan communications plan
- Manage and deliver the annual Small Talk Saves Lives campaign and any other targeted campaigns
- Research and highlight positive news stories and features, drawing on lived experience
- Identify and secure opportunities to promote help-seeking through the media
- Draft media statements, briefings, press releases and other copy
- Provide expert advice to rail industry stakeholders on media messaging
What you’ll bring:
- Proven experience of leading media activity and securing coverage in media outlets
- Experience developing and implementing communication plans
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills within a high-profile partnership structure
- A great understanding of UK media, across digital and offline channels
- Great writing, editing and proofreading skills
- An understanding of the rail industry is desirable
At Samaritans, you’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission. You’ll be part of a collaborative and supportive team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives. We offer flexible hybrid working, great benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the people we support and who support us. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and walks of life. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels seen, heard and supported, at all levels of the organisation.
Applications close: 09:00am on Wednesday 26th August 2026. Interviews: w/c 31st August.
At Samaritans, human connection is at the heart of everything we do. We do not use AI at any stage during the selection process. Your application will always be carefully reviewed by the recruiting manager or a member of the Talent Attraction Team. We kindly ask that you avoid using AI tools to generate your application or interview answers. We want to hear your own ideas, insights, and writing style so your unique strengths can shine through. We recognise that some candidates may use assistive technology or tools to help with accessibility, structure or grammar.
Senior Media and Communications Lead in Ewell employer: Samaritans
At Samaritans, we pride ourselves on being a values-led organisation dedicated to saving lives through compassionate support and exceptional stewardship. As a Fundraising Assistant in our Ewell office, you'll enjoy a flexible hybrid working environment, generous annual leave, and the opportunity to grow your skills in fundraising and supporter care while making a meaningful impact in suicide prevention. Join a collaborative team where your contributions are valued, and help us create a culture of inclusivity and support for all.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Media and Communications Lead in Ewell
✨Get Involved in PR Events
Dive into local PR meetups and workshops. Events like these are perfect for getting your face out there, chatting with industry pros, and spotting potential job openings at companies like Samaritans. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to learn about trends and make lasting connections.
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Start building your personal brand as a PR ace. Use platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to share your thoughts on current events or PR campaigns you admire. Tagging companies you want to work for, like Samaritans, can catch their eye—especially if your insights resonate!
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Reach out to friends, family, or connections in the PR field. Even a casual chat can lead to opportunities. If you've got mutual contacts, ask for introductions when applying. Personal recommendations can give your application a nice little boost!
✨Tailor Your Approach
When applying for a full-time PR role, make sure to research Samaritans inside and out. Understanding their campaigns, values, and style allows us to directly align our application and impress during interviews. Don't hesitate to apply through our website—going direct can make a real difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Media and Communications Lead in Ewell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Story Straight:In public relations, storytelling is everything! Make sure your CV highlights your experience in crafting compelling narratives and managing media relations. Share specific examples of campaigns you've worked on, and don’t forget to include any press coverage you've generated—it's impressive proof of your skills!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since PR is all about communication, we want to see your best writing samples. Include pieces like press releases, blog posts, or social media content that you've created. This gives us a taste of your voice and your ability to convey messages clearly and effectively, which is crucial for a role in this field.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a recap of your CV; it’s your chance to shine! Emphasise why PR excites you and how your background fits with the mission of Samaritans. Show us that you’ve done your homework and speak to why you’re passionate about the work we do.
Connect the Dots:When you’re writing your application, think about how your past experiences link to the responsibilities of the role. Mention any internships, volunteer work, or projects that involved public speaking, event planning, or strategic communication. This will help us see how you can seamlessly bring your skills into a full-time position at Samaritans.
How to prepare for a job interview at Samaritans
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
In public relations, storytelling is key. We should prepare compelling narratives about past campaigns or projects we’ve worked on. Think about how we can illustrate our impact and creativity in those stories—be ready to discuss specific examples that showcase our skills in managing media relationships and crafting messages.
✨Know Your PR Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with PR tools like Cision or Meltwater is crucial. We need to be able to discuss how we’ve used these tools in past roles or projects. If we've worked on media lists, press releases, or analytics reports, let’s have those experiences ready to share along with metrics we’ve achieved to back up our claims.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
We’ve got to stay sharp on the latest trends and events impacting the public relations field. Having a few insights ready about recent campaigns or shifts in media landscapes can show that we’re engaged and knowledgeable. This will also help us make connections between our experiences and the current state of the industry.
✨Showcase Our Versatility
As full-time PR professionals, we need to demonstrate our adaptability. Be ready to talk about how we've handled challenging situations, managed crises, or adapted strategies on the fly. Employers will appreciate our ability to pivot and find solutions under pressure, so let’s have those scenarios at our fingertips to discuss.
