At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead media relations, create impactful stories, and manage press office operations.
- Company: Universities UK, representing 142 universities across the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, additional payment for on-call duties, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Join a fast-paced team with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping perceptions of higher education through media.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in media relations and strong storytelling skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
UUK is the collective voice for 142 universities in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. As world leaders in research, teaching and innovation, our universities have a fantastic story to tell and will continue to be vital in the government’s growth and opportunity missions. Working with its members, Universities UK is undertaking a major programme of work to shift the dial on perceptions of higher education over the next four years.
We’re looking for a Media Relations Manager to help us in this work by ensuring we make a big impression across print, online and broadcast media. The media relations manager is a senior role in the team, overseeing the day-to-day function of the press office and leading on story creation, media relationship building and managing emerging issues.
In a fast-paced, busy role, the post-holder will manage the Press Officer, dealing with national and sector media on a daily basis. They will need to be a confident self-starter with a proven track record of managing news media and should be able to find creative, impactful ways to tell a story. The ability to remain calm under pressure, to prioritise effectively, and excellent news judgement will be important.
The post holder will be part of a busy and fast-paced team, which primarily works Monday – Friday office hours, but with a requirement to take part in an out-of-hours on-call rota, for which there is an additional payment.
Media Relations Manager employer: Universities UK
At Universities UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions the voices of our member universities across the UK. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and creativity, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development in a dynamic environment. With a focus on impactful storytelling and media engagement, you will be part of a dedicated team that plays a crucial role in shaping perceptions of higher education, all while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that values work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Media Relations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the media industry. Attend events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best media relations work. Include press releases, successful campaigns, and any media coverage you've secured. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table. Remember, we want to see your creativity shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its media presence. Know their recent stories and think about how you can contribute to their goals. We want you to walk in feeling confident and ready to impress with your knowledge and ideas!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in the role. We’re excited to see what you can bring to the Media Relations Manager position!
We think you need these skills to ace Media Relations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Higher Education:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for higher education shine through. We want to see how you can contribute to the fantastic stories our universities have to tell, so make sure to highlight any relevant experience or ideas you have!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to the Media Relations Manager role. We’re looking for specific examples of your media relations experience and how you’ve successfully managed stories in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:In a fast-paced environment like ours, clarity is key. Make sure your application is well-structured and easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary and keep your sentences short and to the point – we appreciate brevity!
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 don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Universities UK
✨Know Your Story
Before the interview, think about the stories you want to tell that showcase your experience in media relations. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed media relationships or created impactful stories in the past. This will help you demonstrate your fit for the role.
✨Research UUK Thoroughly
Dive deep into Universities UK's mission and recent initiatives. Understanding their current projects and challenges will allow you to tailor your responses and show genuine interest in their work. It also gives you a chance to suggest ideas on how you could contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Calm Under Pressure
Since this role requires managing emerging issues, be ready to discuss times when you've had to stay calm and make quick decisions under pressure. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your problem-solving skills.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the challenges they face in media relations, and how success is measured in this role. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in how you can grow within the organisation.
