Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day running of StepChange’s press office, helping us raise awareness of our charity and services and making sure the voices of people affected by problem debt are heard.
• Lead the day-to-day running of the press office, including strategic planning and out-of-hours cover.
• Manage and develop the Media and PR Officer and Stories Officer, supporting them to deliver great work and develop their skills.
• Develop and deliver media strategies across traditional and social media, working closely with teams across StepChange.
• Spot new media opportunities and potential reputational risks, helping StepChange respond quickly and effectively.
• Build strong relationships with journalists, senior commissioning editors and other key media contacts.
• Develop compelling client stories, case studies and opinion pieces that bring our work to life and position StepChange as a leading voice on debt.
• Support and prepare senior spokespeople for media activity, including briefings, feedback and media training where appropriate.
• Work with policy, public affairs and other teams to develop clear messaging around research, reports and external events, ensuring a consistent voice.
• Build relationships with key external stakeholders, including government departments and regulators, and represent StepChange at senior-level meetings when required.

Requirements

• You’ll be an experienced media and PR professional who knows how to spot a good story, build strong relationships with journalists and turn complex or sensitive issues into engaging media coverage.
• You’ll be a confident communicator and people leader, with the judgement to work under pressure, influence stakeholders and keep things moving when priorities change.