Media Relations Manager Ref: 32757 (Fixed term)
Location
Brighton, UK
Hours
37.5 hours. Requests for flexible working options will be considered (subject to business need).
Grade 7 starting at £37,999 to £45,163 per annum, pro rata if part time.
Contract Type
Fixed Term Contract
About the role
The University of Sussex is looking for a confident, results-driven, and self-motivated communicator with a sharp instinct for news to join our media relations team. If you thrive on telling compelling stories, spotting headline-grabbing opportunities, and shaping public conversations, this role is for you!
This is an exciting, high-impact role where you will proactively champion the University’s world-leading research, global impact, and diverse campus community. From uncovering groundbreaking discoveries to sharing the inspiring stories of our students and staff, you will be at the heart of Sussex’s media presence.
In this dynamic role you will craft compelling press releases, opinion pieces, and media materials that highlight Sussex’s achievements and thought leadership. Your writing will showcase the University’s strengths, ensuring its voice is heard across various platforms.
You will lead innovative media campaigns that amplify our research and institutional priorities, reaching local, national, and global audiences. By building and maintaining strong relationships with journalists and media outlets, you will position Sussex as a trusted source for expert commentary.
Providing strategic media and social media advice to senior leaders, you will help shape a forward-thinking and competitive approach. Staying attuned to the news agenda, you will proactively place academic insights in breaking stories, ensuring Sussex remains relevant and the go-to university for comment on key issues.
Handling sensitive media issues with professionalism and care, you will also collaborate closely with academics, students, and staff to identify and develop newsworthy stories. Additionally, you will track media coverage and campaign impact, refining strategies to maximise reach and effectiveness.
About you
The ideal candidate will be an experienced communications practitioner with a strong news sense, top media handling skills, and a collegiate approach to teamwork. They will have a keen ability to transform complex subject matters into engaging copy and content.
To excel in this role, candidates should have proven experience in media relations, PR, or journalism, along with excellent writing, editing, and communication skills. Strong diplomatic abilities will be essential, as the role requires influencing stakeholders to achieve desired outcomes.
The ability to work under pressure and manage multiple deadlines is crucial. Candidates should also possess an expert understanding of the media landscape and digital communications. Experience across various public relations elements—including media relations, campaigns, event management, video production, and digital/social media—is highly desirable.
Equally important is the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues both within the team and across the wider organisation.
In addition, some out-of-office, evening and weekend working may be necessary. As part of a duty rota, the post-holder will be required to respond to emergencies and/or incidents at other times outside of the core hours (i.e. evening and weekends). Compensatory time for out-of-hours work will be given.
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