At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead media strategies and build strong relationships with journalists to elevate client visibility.
- Company: Join a dynamic communications agency dedicated to innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse workplace, and opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of collaboration and creativity, where your ideas matter.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in PR while developing your skills in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: 6+ years in media relations with a strong network of journalist contacts.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
You are able to create strong, lasting relationships to ensure needs and goals are met. We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Media Lead to spearhead our earned and owned media strategy and operations within a fast-paced communications agency. This role is pivotal in leading our media relations efforts, ensuring that our clients' messages are strategically positioned and effectively communicated across consumer, health, medical, and trade publications.
The Media Lead will be responsible for developing high-impact media campaigns, maintaining strong relationships with key journalists, and providing strategic counsel to clients. Additionally, this role will play a crucial part in training internal teams, establishing best practices, and contributing to the overall growth and positioning of the agency as a leading PR and External Affairs consultancy.
Key Responsibilities- Creating and Sustaining Great Client Relationships: Oversee and manage media strategies to align with client objectives; foster strong relationships with journalists and media outlets at a global, regional, and local level; act as the senior media relations counsel for clients, offering strategic advice on media relations, reputation management, and crisis communications; proactively identify and pitch high-impact media opportunities to secure coverage in top-tier publications; develop thought leadership strategies that elevate client visibility within their industry; troubleshoot, pre-empt, and address potential media-related challenges for clients.
- Ownership & Accountability: Lead and oversee earned media initiatives for multiple client accounts, ensuring alignment with business objectives; assume responsibility for the delivery of high-quality earned media work that meets or exceeds client expectations; develop and implement media training programs for both clients and internal teams; monitor industry trends, competitor activities, and media landscapes to continuously refine strategies; take the lead on media planning for client proposals and annual communications planning; ensure all client activity is aligned with SMART objectives and demonstrates a strong return on investment (ROI).
- Enterprise Mindset & Business Growth: Drive the agency's vision of becoming the leading PR and External Affairs consultancy by enhancing media relations services; play an active role in new business development, contributing earned media strategies to pitches and proposals; support organic growth initiatives by identifying media opportunities that align with broader business objectives; ensure strong financial and operational management of media-related activities, including budget oversight and risk mitigation; represent the agency externally, strengthening its reputation and presence within the communications industry.
- Developing and Nurturing Teams: Provide mentorship and leadership to the earned media team, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence; lead by example, sharing insights and expertise in earned media strategies; support the professional development of team members, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel; create high levels of proactivity among teams, ensuring earned media efforts integrate seamlessly with broader communications programs.
- Personal Growth Mindset: Leverage personal brand and expertise to position the agency as a thought leader in media relations; proactively build networks with communications colleagues both internally and externally; continue personal and professional development in the ever-evolving media landscape; play a key role in succession planning and leadership development within the agency.
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field. Advanced degrees are a plus.
- 6+ years of experience in driving media initiatives and programmes, with a proven track record of securing media coverage.
- Extensive network of UK/global journalist contacts across consumer, health, medical, and trade publications.
- Strong understanding of the healthcare industry, including regulatory and media landscape knowledge (e.g., ABPI code).
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
- Proven experience in managing teams and training professionals in media relations best practices.
- Strategic thinker with a creative and results-driven mindset.
- Proficiency in media monitoring and analysis tools.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-performance environment.
- Business Objectives: Achieve a measurable increase in media-driven client acquisition; play a key role in securing new business through earned media strategies; expand and enhance earned media services within existing client accounts.
- Personal Objectives: Establish a strong internal and external presence as a media expert; foster a proactive and collaborative earned media culture within the agency; strengthen networks across communications teams in both European and U.S. markets; define and achieve personal development goals aligned with leadership aspirations.
This Media Lead role presents an exciting opportunity to drive impactful earned media strategies, build a high-performing team, and contribute to the agency's continued success.
Media Specialist, PR in London employer: Syneos Health Communications
Contact Detail:
Syneos Health Communications Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Media Specialist, PR in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with industry professionals! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to journalists. Building those relationships can open doors for you in the media world.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Create a personal brand that highlights your skills and knowledge in media relations. Share insights on social media or write articles to position yourself as a thought leader. This will make you stand out when applying for roles like Media Lead.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Before any interview, practice your responses to common questions. Think about how you can demonstrate your strategic thinking and results-driven mindset. The more prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Syneos Health.
We think you need these skills to ace Media Specialist, PR in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Media Savvy: When you're crafting your application, make sure to highlight your experience in media relations. We want to see how you've built relationships with journalists and secured coverage in top-tier publications. Share specific examples that showcase your strategic thinking and creativity!
Tailor Your Application: Don't just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to match the job description. We love seeing candidates who understand our needs and can demonstrate how their skills align with our goals. Make it personal and relevant!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary and avoid jargon unless it's industry-specific. Remember, clarity is key in communications!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Syneos Health Communications
✨Know Your Media Landscape
Before the interview, dive deep into the current media landscape, especially in the healthcare sector. Familiarise yourself with key publications and journalists relevant to the role. This will not only show your passion but also your strategic thinking when discussing how to position clients effectively.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've built and maintained strong relationships with journalists and clients. Highlight any successful media campaigns you've led and the impact they had. This will demonstrate your ability to create lasting connections, which is crucial for this role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in media relations. Think about potential challenges you might face in the role and how you would address them. This shows your proactive mindset and readiness to tackle issues head-on.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Style
Since this role involves mentoring and leading a team, be ready to discuss your leadership approach. Share examples of how you've supported team members' growth and fostered a culture of innovation. This will highlight your capability to nurture talent and drive success within the agency.