Job Title: News and Media Press LeadHours: 37 per weekDuration: 6 MonthsRate: £235 per day PAYE including holiday pay + on call allowanceLocation: London -Hybrid 1-2 days on siteAbout Us:Our team is renowned for its consistent track record of achievement and value for money. We support the Agency in delivering its business outcomes through our dedicated teams: News & Media, Communications, Patient and Public Stakeholder Engagement, and Customer Experience. This role is part of our News and Media team.Role Purpose:As the News and Media Lead, you will:
- Manage the Agency's profile and reputation on high-profile, sensitive, and day-to-day news and issues.
- Confidently engage with media and social media, responding to enquiries and promoting the Agency's scientific expertise and contributions to public health and science.
- Implement and deliver effective news and issues management strategies, nurturing media and social media contacts, and responding swiftly to breaking or negative news stories.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and lead news and issues management strategies aligned with the Agency's corporate and business plan.
- Handle high-profile and sensitive media issues, responding quickly to limit potentially damaging coverage.
- Produce high-quality handling plans, including reactive lines, press notices, core scripts, and Q&As.
- Build and nurture professional relationships with journalists and social media influencers.
- Act as an Agency spokesperson, providing clear and sensitive briefings to the media.
- Participate in a 24-hour media on-call rota.
What We're Looking For:
- Extensive experience in a busy media and communications environment within a large, complex organisation.
- Proven ability to lead responses to fast-breaking, high-profile news stories.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and oral.
- The ability to develop strong working relationships and influence key stakeholders.
- Public sector experience
Join Us:If you have a passion for media and communications and are ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role, we want to hear from you. Apply now to be part of our dedicated team and make a difference in public health and science.
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