At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead media engagement and promote SCI's mission for a science-led economy.
- Company: Join SCI, a charity at the forefront of science and business since 1881.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and a market-leading pension plan.
- Other info: Dynamic hybrid work environment with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping public perception of science and innovation.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in media/press with strong communication and relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
12-month Fixed Term Contract, full time, Prime central London location – hybrid role. Salary: £45k - £50k pa (FTE) dependent on experience.
SCI (The Society of Chemical Industry) is a registered charity and international forum where science meets business. Established in 1881, SCI’s main charitable objective is to accelerate science out of the laboratory to address the key societal challenges facing society today. SCI does this by facilitating open innovation, identifying and promoting emerging technologies in the areas of climate and planet and health and wellness, and by providing support for the next generation of scientists and engineers. Core to delivery of the Society’s mission is a growing portfolio of research journals that publish applied research across a broad range of sciences: from Agriculture to Energy and Material Science to Biotechnology.
The Role: In 2023, SCI launched its manifesto for a science-based economy delivering for society and SCI is now looking for a highly motivated and experienced Senior Press Officer to lead on its media and social media engagement strategy to promote the 4 main pillars in the Manifesto. You will lead SCI’s engagement with media outlets – focusing on national papers, trade publications and broadcast – to increase our public profile, promote our work and build support for our campaign to accelerate the creation of a science-led economy. You will manage SCI’s press office on a day-to-day basis – scanning the media and political landscape to find opportunities for SCI to leverage its unique expertise and perspective as an organisation at the intersection of science and business. Part of the role will include public affairs (20%) where you will also support SCI’s Head of External Affairs with political engagement as required – coordinating and facilitating SCI’s engagement with key politicians and political contacts.
This role is suited to someone with at least 5 years of professional experience in mainstream media and press, with an excellent news sense and a solid contact book of journalist contacts.
Responsibilities:
- Monitor daily the news agenda, seeking out opportunities for SCI to comment on fast-moving events and raise the profile of our policy positions and significant research into the potential of the UK’s science base.
- Develop and pitch news stories and comment pieces, and respond swiftly to journalist requests for comment.
- Develop and build national and trade media contacts, hosting journalists at SCI offices in Belgravia.
- Deliver KPIs for SCI’s media engagement and demonstrate progress in meeting them.
- Support colleagues to develop and draft content related to our policy priorities for our social media channels.
Knowledge, skills and experience required for this position:
- A background in mainstream media/press either as a journalist or as a press officer (minimum 5 years).
- A strong knowledge of the UK political environment, specifically relating to industrial and energy policy, and a track record of influencing opinions through effective, integrated communications strategies.
- A demonstrable passion for and understanding of science, its purpose for the economy and society, and communicating that to public and political audiences.
- A record of framing complex, nuanced issues for varied media outlets and social media, and a hunger for achieving impactful coverage.
- Confident working in a fast-paced environment and ability to be quick and agile in responding to news opportunities as they arise.
- Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills. Able to quickly establish rapport and build strong collaborative relationships.
- Excellent time management skills: ability to work to tight deadlines and prioritise workload.
- A strong team player who is also a self-starter who can work independently and confidently.
- An attitude that actively seeks continuous self-development and ways of doing things better.
- Excellent written communication skills and the ability to condense complicated subject matter into succinct, accessible copy.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary of £45-50,000 pa (FTE), 25 days holiday (FTE), plus bank holidays.
- Market leading pension plan.
- Opportunities for career growth and advancement.
- Dynamic and collaborative hybrid work environment (office days Tues-Thursday).
Senior Press Officer employer: SCI
The Society of Chemical Industry (SCI) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative hybrid work environment in the heart of Prime central London. With a competitive salary and generous benefits including 25 days of holiday and a market-leading pension plan, SCI is committed to fostering employee growth and development while addressing key societal challenges through science and innovation. Join us to make a meaningful impact at the intersection of science and business, where your expertise will help shape a science-led economy for the future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Press Officer
✨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 SCI. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to learn about trends and make lasting connections.
✨Showcase Your PR Skills
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 SCI, can catch their eye—especially if your insights resonate!
✨Leverage Your Network
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 SCI 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 Press Officer
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 SCI. 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 SCI.
How to prepare for a job interview at SCI
✨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.
