At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape public perception through impactful communications 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 culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in mental health while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in media relations or public affairs with 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.
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
Benefits include:
- 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
Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client.
Media and Public Affairs Officer in London employer: The United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy
As a leading professional body in the field of psychotherapy, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values equity, diversity, and inclusion. Our hybrid working model offers flexibility, while our commitment to employee development ensures that you will have opportunities for growth within a supportive team environment. With generous benefits such as 25 days annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and a focus on meaningful work that contributes to mental health and wellbeing, joining us means making a real difference in the community.
Contact Detail:
The United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Media and Public Affairs Officer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the media and public affairs field, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its recent campaigns. Show us you understand their mission and how you can contribute to shaping their public profile.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Whether it's drafting press materials or handling tricky questions, being articulate and confident will set you apart during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
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 in London
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.
How to prepare for a job interview at The United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the organisation's mission and values. Understand their work in psychotherapy and how they engage with the media. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past experience that highlight your media relations and public affairs skills. Think about times when you've successfully managed media enquiries or built relationships with journalists. Be ready to discuss how these experiences can benefit the organisation.
✨Stay Current
Keep an eye on current events and trends in the UK political and media landscape. Being able to discuss recent developments will demonstrate your awareness of the environment in which the organisation operates and your ability to respond to emerging issues.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few insightful questions to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about their current campaigns, how they measure success in media relations, or their approach to stakeholder engagement. It shows you're engaged and thinking critically about the role.
