At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape public perception through impactful media relations and stakeholder engagement.
- Company: Leading professional body for psychotherapists, committed to mental health and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days annual leave, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public understanding of psychotherapy and support mental health initiatives.
- Qualifications: Experience in media relations or communications with strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 35224 - 35224 £ per year.
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 include: 25 days annual leave plus
Media and Public Affairs Officer employer: The United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy
As a Media and Public Affairs Officer at our organisation, you will join a purpose-driven team dedicated to enhancing public understanding of psychotherapy while enjoying a flexible hybrid working environment. We prioritise employee growth through professional development opportunities and foster a collaborative culture that values equity, diversity, and inclusion. With competitive benefits and the chance to make a meaningful impact in mental health advocacy, this role offers a rewarding career path in a supportive setting.
Contact Details:
The United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Media and Public Affairs Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the media and public affairs field, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its recent media coverage. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their mission and tackle reputational challenges. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Whether it’s drafting press materials or engaging in stakeholder conversations, being articulate and clear is key. Consider mock interviews or role-playing scenarios to sharpen your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to 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
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 to make a difference in mental health and wellbeing.
How to prepare for a job interview at The United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the organisation’s mission and values, especially around psychotherapy. Familiarise yourself with their recent campaigns and media coverage. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and understanding of their work during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past experience that highlight your media relations and public affairs skills. Think about times when you successfully managed media enquiries or navigated complex communications. Be ready to discuss how you can apply these skills to the role.
✨Build Rapport
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their current projects and challenges. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you assess if the organisation is the right fit for you.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Given the fast-paced nature of media and public affairs, be prepared for situational questions that test your ability to handle emerging issues. Practice articulating your thought process clearly and confidently, so you can showcase your problem-solving skills effectively.
