At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape national conversations by developing impactful media plans and engaging stories.
- Company: Join the TUC, a leading voice in the trade union movement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and recognition for your expertise.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the media landscape while advocating for working people.
- Qualifications: Experience in media, strong writing skills, and knowledge of UK media.
- Other info: Diverse workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Location: London
Salary: £67,674.55
12 month fixed-term contract
Full-Time, 35 hours per week
About the Role:
Want to put the issues that matter to working people at the centre of the national conversation? Ready to help shape the stories that dominate the news agenda?
The TUC is looking for a dynamic comms professional to join its busy press office.
In this fast-paced role you’ll develop and deliver media plans across print, digital and broadcast. You’ll jump on breaking news, turn complex issues into crisp copy and deliver press releases, quotes and op-eds that land.
You’ll help keep the TUC General Secretary and senior leaders firmly in the spotlight with a strong, positive media profile.
You’ll also team up with policy, campaigns and social colleagues to shape compelling stories, build journalist relationships and find the case studies that bring our campaigns to life.
You’ll need:
- Experience in a busy press office or a newsroom
- Outstanding writing skills and sharp news judgement
- Strong knowledge of UK print, broadcast and digital media
- The ability to work at pace and respond quickly to events
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- An understanding of key policy issues and the political landscape
- Knowledge of trade unions and commitment to TUC values, equality and antiracism
- Willingness to take part in an out-of-hours media rota and occasional overnight stays
Why Join Us?
At the TUC, you'll be at the heart of the trade union movement, helping shape and deliver events that make a national impact.
You’ll work with passionate colleagues in a fast-paced, values-driven environment where your expertise and leadership will be recognised and valued.
Further information
The closing date for completed applications for this post is midday on Monday 2 February.
Interviews will take place on the week commencing Monday 16 February 2026.
The TUC values a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community and from within and outside of the trade union movement.
We welcome applications from any candidate but are particularly keen to receive applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, who are underrepresented at this grade in the TUC. Therefore, if you’re BME and are interested in the post, we invite you to join an online briefing at 1 pm, on Wednesday 28 January about the post, to hear about the TUC and ask questions of the recruiting manager.
The TUC operates an anonymised recruitment process and names are not included during shortlisting. We don’t ask for details of educational institutions attended.
To view the job description and person specification, guidance on completing your application and TUC terms and conditions, please visit our online application portal.
Closing date: 2nd February 2026
Shortlist date: 3rd February 2026
Interview date: Week commencing Monday 16th February 2026
Media and News Lead in London employer: Trades Union Congress TUC
Contact Detail:
Trades Union Congress TUC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Media and News Lead in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the media and communications field. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities, and don't hesitate to ask for introductions or advice. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a job opening!
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated with current events and trends in the media landscape. This will not only help you in interviews but also show potential employers that you're passionate and informed about the industry. Plus, it gives you great talking points when networking!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Whether it's for an interview or a casual chat, being able to succinctly explain your experience and what you bring to the table is key. Tailor your pitch to highlight your skills in media planning and relationship building.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission at TUC.
We think you need these skills to ace Media and News Lead in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, think about who will be reading your application. Tailor your language and examples to resonate with the TUC's values and mission. Show us that you understand the issues that matter to working people!
Show Off Your Writing Skills: This role is all about outstanding writing, so make sure your application shines! Use clear, concise language and structure your thoughts logically. Don’t forget to proofread for any sneaky typos or grammatical errors.
Highlight Relevant Experience: We want to see your experience in a busy press office or newsroom. Share specific examples of how you've developed media plans or handled breaking news. Make it easy for us to see how your background aligns with the role!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our online portal! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details correctly. Plus, it gives you access to all the resources you need to complete your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Trades Union Congress TUC
✨Know Your Media Landscape
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of UK print, broadcast, and digital media. Familiarise yourself with current events and how they relate to the TUC's mission. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of the media landscape and how you can contribute to shaping the national conversation.
✨Showcase Your Writing Skills
Prepare a portfolio of your best writing samples, especially press releases or op-eds that showcase your ability to turn complex issues into clear, engaging copy. Be ready to discuss your writing process and how you tailor your content for different audiences.
✨Demonstrate Your News Judgement
During the interview, be prepared to discuss recent news stories and how you would approach them from a communications perspective. Highlight your sharp news judgement by explaining how you would identify key messages and angles that resonate with both journalists and the public.
✨Connect with TUC Values
Familiarise yourself with the TUC's values, particularly around equality and antiracism. Be ready to discuss how these values align with your own experiences and how you can contribute to promoting them within the media narrative. Showing genuine commitment to these principles will set you apart.