At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape UKCP's reputation through media relations and impactful campaigns.
- Company: Join a leading organisation dedicated to mental health and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a commitment to equity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public understanding of psychotherapy.
- Qualifications: Experience in media relations and strong relationship-building skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35224 - 35224 £ per year.
Full-time (part-time requests considered) Hybrid and flexible working (once per month in office) £35,224 per annum (pro-rated for part-time)
About the role
We are looking for a media and public affairs officer to play a central role in shaping UKCP’s external profile, reputation and influence. 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 UKCP and our 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 UKCP 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 our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and be motivated by contributing to a purpose‑driven organisation that supports mental health and wellbeing. You will work alongside colleagues from diverse backgrounds and collaborate with team members across the organisation. 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 UKCP
UKCP is the leading professional body for psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. We represent training organisations and over 8,000 individual therapists – working privately or in the NHS or voluntary sector – offering a wide variety of psychotherapeutic approaches or modalities.
Our Charitable Objectives Are To Promote:
- The art and science of psychotherapy and psychotherapeutic counselling for the benefit of the public
- Research into psychotherapy and psychotherapeutic counselling methods and to disseminate the results
- High standards of education, training and practice
- Wider access to psychotherapy and psychotherapeutic counselling for all sections of the public
Benefits:
- 25 days annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays
- Extra leave during our December office closure
- Generous pension scheme with 8% employer contribution and salary sacrifice option
- Occupational sick pay and enhanced maternity leave
- Flexible working hours and hybrid working arrangements
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities
- Employee assistance programme with access to confidential counselling and mental health support
- Flu vaccination and eyecare vouchers
- Interest‑free season ticket loans
- Cycle to work scheme
Strategic Media & Public Affairs Lead (Hybrid) employer: UKCP
UKCP is an exceptional employer that champions mental health and wellbeing, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment for the Strategic Media & Public Affairs Lead role. With a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, generous leave policies, and robust professional development opportunities, all while contributing to meaningful campaigns that enhance public understanding of psychotherapy. Join a passionate team dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of individuals and communities across the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Media & Public Affairs Lead (Hybrid)
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the media and public affairs space. Attend events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in managing media relations and handling complex issues. Share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated tricky situations or built strong relationships with stakeholders.
✨Stay Informed
Keep up with the latest news in the psychotherapy field and the UK political landscape. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role and the organisation’s mission.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to meaningful work in mental health.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Media & Public Affairs Lead (Hybrid)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Strategic Media & Public Affairs Lead role. Highlight your experience in media relations and public affairs, and show us how you can contribute to shaping UKCP’s external profile.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; give us examples of how you've used them in real situations. Whether it’s managing media enquiries or building relationships with journalists, we want to see how you’ve made an impact in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your messaging is engaging and easy to understand, just like you would in a press release.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you 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 UKCP
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into UKCP's mission and values. Understand their role in promoting psychotherapy and how they engage with the media. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Media Savvy
Prepare examples of your past media relations work. Be ready to discuss how you've managed media enquiries or crafted press materials. Highlight any experience you have with sensitive issues, as this will demonstrate your ability to handle complex communications effectively.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their current campaigns or challenges. This not only shows your interest but also helps you assess if UKCP is the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working across teams, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Discuss how you’ve built relationships with stakeholders and contributed to team projects, showcasing your flexible approach to teamwork.
