Head of Media and PR

Overview

Health Research Charity

Permanent Position

Job Description

• Lead the development and execution of the media strategy, managing the organisation's media function and all press activity
• Act as the main point of contact for journalists, cultivating strong relationships across national, trade, broadcast, and online media
• Prepare messaging, media briefings, and press materials to support external storytelling and organisational visibility
• Identify and shape compelling narratives by collaborating with internal teams and senior leaders across the organisation
• Oversee interviews and media opportunities involving spokespeople, ensuring consistency and alignment with strategic goals
• Manage external PR agencies and ensure delivery of media activity in line with agreed objectives and tone of voice
• Lead on crisis communication plans and responses to protect and strengthen the organisation's reputation
• Develop and maintain external communications templates, policies, and processes to support consistent, high-quality outputs

The Successful Applicant

• Extensive senior press office experience, with a proven ability to build strong relationships with key journalists and generate high-impact proactive media coverage
• Strong background in crisis communications and reputation management, with sound judgement under pressure
• Confident working with high-profile stakeholders and leading external-facing media engagements
• Proven track record of developing and evaluating media strategies that drive audience engagement across a range of channels
• Deep understanding of the life sciences sector, underpinned by experience in science, healthcare or innovation-focused organisations
• Skilled in managing external agencies and project budgets to deliver communications outcomes to brief and on time
• Experience in providing media training to senior spokespeople or overseeing this through external partners
• Comfortable operating within fast-paced creative teams, managing competing priorities with a flexible and solution-focused approach

What's on Offer

• 31 days PLUS bank holidays.
• Hybrid working model - 3 days in the office
• Pension scheme offers employer contributions of up to 12%
• Private Health Insurance