Senior News and Media Officer at Academy of Medical Sciences | London, UK

Senior News and Media Officer

London, UK (Hybrid)

Salary Not AvailableSenior LevelFull time

Posted 2 months ago

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Job Summary

Own media relations and press office operations for a science and health comms beat, shaping coverage via proactive story pitching, journalist relationships and timely responses.

Media Strategy & Coverage: Monitor news cycles, pitch stories, and coordinate responses to maximise earned coverage.
Spokesperson Support and Training: Prepare briefings for Fellows and experts and lead media training for spokespeople.
Ops and Reporting: Manage press office processes, monitor coverage, track KPIs and maintain journalist contacts across partner organisations.

Job Description

Responsibilities

Monitor the news agenda and sector developments to identify opportunities for Academy input, proactively pitching agreed stories and commentary to relevant journalists and working with colleagues to maximise coverage.
Build, maintain and continually develop comprehensive media contact lists, strengthening working relationships with specialist journalists, producers, feature writers and commentators.
Take responsibility for the day-to-day management of media enquiries, acting as a first point of contact for journalists, coordinating responses and ensuring timely handling in line with agreed processes, including supporting out-of-hours cover where required.
Independently write high-quality press releases, response quotes, briefings and other press materials for review by the News and Media Manager, coordinating sign-off and managing distribution.
Organise and oversee media interviews, briefings, events and filming requests, liaising confidently with journalists and spokespeople to ensure smooth delivery and clear messaging.
Support spokespeople with media briefings and background information, and assist in delivering media and communications training for Fellows, grant awardees and other expert voices.
Produce and develop daily media monitoring and weekly sector intelligence briefings, highlighting emerging trends, risks and opportunities for staff, Council and Fellows.
Prepare background media briefings on reputational or sensitive issues and maintain live monitoring of coverage and developments, escalating concerns to the News and Media Manager as appropriate.
Build and maintain strong working relationships with communications colleagues across partner organisations, including national academies, funders, universities, charities and government departments.
Monitor, analyse and evaluate the Academy’s media profile, maintaining accurate records and contributing insight and content to regular impact and performance reporting against KPIs.
Support the effective running of press office systems and processes, identifying opportunities to improve ways of working and ensuring accurate record-keeping and contact management.
Act as a reliable deputy on routine press office matters for the News and Media Manager, escalating complex or high-risk issues as required.