The Russell Group, which represents 24 leading universities in the UK, is currently seeking a Media Relations Manager on a 12-month fixed-term contract basis to strengthen their Communications team.

This is a high responsibility role in a busy Westminster office. The successful candidate will:

• Support the Director of Communications in developing the Russell Group’s media relations to help deliver the Chief Executive’s overarching strategy.
• Provide counsel to the Chief Executive and senior team on all aspects of media work.
• Generate and execute proactive news stories and draft reactive lines.
• Conduct media briefings and prepare the Chief Executive and other colleagues for media appearances and interviews.
• Draft written interventions including OpEds, blogs, briefing notes for press, tweets etc. Comment on other written materials, including policy documents.
• Work with member institutions and other stakeholders to coordinate media activity.
• Take on out-of-hours duties where necessary to respond to media enquiries and emerging stories.
• Attend relevant events to represent the Russell Group.
• Participate fully in an integrated comms team which covers external relations, events and media, including social media.

We are looking for a motivated and confident individual to fill this role. The successful candidate will:

• have strong press office experience
• be able to communicate complex policy work in a way which is media-friendly
• have experience in developing excellent relationships with journalists
• be able to work under pressure when necessary, thinking strategically while getting stuck in to the day-to-day

Experience in UK politics, policy development and advocacy may be an advantage, but candidates will not be expected to necessarily have a Higher Education background.

This appointment is on a 12-month fixed-term contract/secondment (maternity cover) and will be based in London. We welcome applications from people whatever their race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion and belief, or age.

We offer a competitive salary based on skills and experience and other benefits including a generous holiday entitlement and access to subsidised canteen and gymnasium facilities.

A full Vacancy Description is available from: http://russellgroup.ac.uk/about/vacancies