At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead media strategy and create compelling content to promote the UK's Deposit Return Scheme.
- Company: Join Exchange for Change, a key player in transforming environmental infrastructure in the UK.
- Benefits: Be part of a pioneering initiative with opportunities for professional growth and impact.
- Other info: Dynamic role with the chance to build a team and influence public perception.
- Why this job: Shape the narrative around sustainability and drive awareness of a major environmental scheme.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in media relations and excellent storytelling skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
VMA Group is excited to be partnering with Exchange for Change to find a highly-skilled Head of Media & Content. Exchange For Change is an industry-led organisation appointed by government to design, implement and manage the UK's Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), one of the biggest and most transformative pieces of environmental infrastructure in the UK's history.
We are looking for a Head of Media & Content to build Exchange For Change's media function from the ground up by leading a clear, compelling media and content strategy. The role will ensure a clear, compelling and consistent narrative across media and owned channels, explaining the DRS, showcasing progress and managing Exchange For Change's reputation as the scheme is delivered. The Head of Media & Content will ensure the Exchange For Change story is strategically delivered and lands with impact, helping to drive media coverage, stakeholder understanding and wider awareness of the scheme.
The role
- Lead media relations, proactive storytelling and content creation, working closely with the Corporate Affairs Director and senior leaders to deliver consistent, high‐quality communications across media, owned channels and stakeholders.
Key responsibilities
- Lead proactive media and content strategy, developing compelling stories from technical and operational work.
- Establish and run Exchange For Change's press office, including media enquiries, monitoring and evaluation.
- Manage reactive media and issues, advising senior leaders and Board members.
- Identify opportunities for positive coverage and thought leadership.
- Develop a clear editorial and content strategy aligned with the scheme's priorities.
- Build relationships with national, regional and trade media (FMCG, retail, waste, logistics, sustainability).
- Lead trade media engagement, events and speaking opportunities.
- Develop and deliver an engaging content strategy across website, social and stakeholder channels.
- Oversee creation of high-quality content across reports, speeches, presentations and media materials.
- Work with the digital team to create an online media centre designed to help media.
- Collaborate with Head of External Affairs to align media and stakeholder engagement.
- Use digital channels to build understanding and confidence in the scheme.
- Build a team of permanent and in-house roles in preparation for scheme launch in October 2027.
- Manage agencies and track performance.
About you
- Ability to craft a narrative and create a strong pipeline of stories to appeal to differing media outlets.
- Proven senior media relations/PR experience across national, regional and trade media.
- Strong judgement and experience handling reactive media under pressure.
- Excellent writing and messaging skills.
- Comfortable translating technical information into clear, engaging content.
- Experience working with trade and specialist media.
Head of Media & Content in London employer: VMA Group
Exchange for Change is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead the media and content strategy for one of the UK's most transformative environmental initiatives. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a collaborative work culture, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on sustainability, this role provides not only professional development but also the satisfaction of contributing to a significant cause. Located at the heart of the UK's environmental efforts, employees will enjoy a dynamic environment that fosters innovation and creativity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Media & Content in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the media and content industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might help you land that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work in media and content strategy. Include examples of successful campaigns, press releases, or any content that demonstrates your ability to tell a compelling story. This will give you an edge when it comes to interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its media presence. Understand their current narrative and think about how you can contribute to their goals. Bring fresh ideas to the table that align with their vision for the Deposit Return Scheme.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles like Head of Media & Content. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of something transformative!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Media & Content in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft Your Narrative:Make sure to showcase your storytelling skills right from the start. We want to see how you can create a compelling narrative that aligns with Exchange For Change's mission and the DRS. Highlight your experience in media relations and how you've successfully crafted stories in the past.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! We love it when candidates tailor their CVs and cover letters to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Media & Content role. Show us how your skills and experiences directly relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:Since excellent writing is key for this role, include samples of your work if possible. Whether it's reports, press releases, or content strategies, we want to see how you translate complex information into engaging content that resonates with different audiences.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at VMA Group
✨Know Your Media Landscape
Before the interview, dive deep into the media landscape relevant to Exchange for Change. Familiarise yourself with key players in national, regional, and trade media, especially those focused on sustainability and environmental issues. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of the industry and how you can effectively engage with these outlets.
✨Craft Your Narrative
Prepare a compelling narrative about your vision for the media and content strategy. Think about how you would translate complex information about the Deposit Return Scheme into engaging stories. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully crafted narratives in previous roles, showcasing your ability to connect with diverse audiences.
✨Showcase Your Proactive Approach
Highlight your experience in leading proactive media strategies. Come prepared with ideas on how you would identify opportunities for positive coverage and thought leadership for Exchange for Change. Discuss specific instances where your proactive storytelling has led to increased media engagement or improved stakeholder understanding.
✨Demonstrate Team Leadership Skills
Since this role involves building a team, be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you plan to foster collaboration within your team. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure situations, and how you would approach building a strong media function from the ground up.
