Senior Media and Communications Manager £45,272 per annum Full time Permanent Polaris House, Swindon (Hybrid working available) Closing date Sunday February 9th 2025 Shape the narrative of UK innovation – lead media engagement and champion groundbreaking research at UKRI. Job Overview As a senior media and communications manager at UKRI you will deliver on our news and media engagement strategy, positioning the organisation as a key driver of innovation and research excellence. You will be part of a team responsible for generating high-quality media coverage, leading UKRI’s reputation and shaping how our ground-breaking research and innovation efforts are communicated to the public, media and key partners. You will work closely with colleagues in our external communications team, as well as our Head of News, the Executive team, senior researchers and partners across a wide range of sectors, to ensure consistent and compelling narratives that enhance the visibility of UKRI’s contributions to science, technology and societal advancement. You will be an experienced media operator and professional communicator, ambitious to find new and proactive ways to connect UKRI with our audiences and to create impact through storytelling. Responsibilities Develop, and ‘own’ relationships with journalists at national, sector and regional media outlets to develop understanding of UKRI Maintain close working and strategic relationships with communications and policy colleagues in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and other government departments such as DHSC, DCMS as necessary. Maintain excellent links and contacts within senior management and programme managers across UKRI’s councils. Work closely with the UKRI planning team (gridding and delivering on short term activities), and content team to support interactions with the press. About you Experience of working with a range of stakeholders including government, the media and academia with an understanding of the political and policy environment we operate in. A good understanding of the issues around communicating science and research and how these need to be managed to ensure they do not create reputational risks for UKRI. This combined with an ability to absorb, evaluate and communicate complex information appropriate to the audience. Be able to demonstrate credibility with relevant communities, based on experience from government, industry, education or the third sector. Strong understanding of the latest developments in communications best practice including campaign methodologies, modern media relations, and digital technologies and tactics needed to reach a wide range of target audiences. To view the full job description please click ‘apply’ to visit our careers site. Benefits We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package We are committed to supporting employees’ development and promote a culture of continuous learning A list of benefits below. • An excellent defined benefit pension scheme • 30 days’ annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent) • Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities. • Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice. • Flexible working options Please click here for more details on the Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) How to Apply Applicants are required to provide an up-to-date CV and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the role. Please click ‘apply’ for further information and to visit our careers page.