Media Relations Officer
Media Relations Officer
Employer Active
Job Alert
You will be updated with latest job alerts via email
Share
Job Alert
You will be updated with latest job alerts via email
Job Description
Role:Media Relations Officer
Grade and Salary: Grade 6 30805 - 36130 per annum
FTE and working pattern: 1 FTE 35hrs per week Monday - Friday
Holiday Entitlement: 33 days annual leaveplus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday)
Purpose of Role
The purpose of this role isto implement and drive the Communications Team strategy and deliver the outputs of the operational plan and day-to-day functions. To develop and implement external communications campaigns to support the Universitys media and communication objectives. The main purpose of this role is to support and promote University research education and partnerships to media outlets and external stakeholders locally nationally and internationally. The role holder will be the port of call for journalist queries and for staff seeking advice on communications issues and utilise best practice in communications to maximise the Universitys reputation across all channels.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Manage relationships with the media and stakeholders effectively to proactively promote the University and safeguard its reputation
- Develop content to maximise the reach influence and levels of engagement with strategically important stories
- Work with the Corporate Communications Manager and the wider Communication Team to strategically plan and promote the University research education and business activities to external stakeholders
- Work proactively with press and communication colleagues academics and professional services staff to identify and promote stories on the Universitys strategic priorities
- Place University stories in the regional trade national and international media as well as supporting social media content and campaigns
- Produce regular media social media and external communication reports to develop and enhance the overall communications strategy
- Develop strong relationships with key journalists social media contacts and external stakeholders relating to the Universitys external communications strategy
- Respond to incoming media calls about University activities and arranging media interviews for academics and university staff
- Manage and log incoming media enquiries across a diverse range of subjects
- Work in collaboration with communications and marketing colleagues in our Dubai and Malaysia campuses
- Contribute to other University public relation activities as required e.g. events speeches presentations publications internal communications website and social media content logistics for video shoots budget monitoring administrative tasks such as planning and writing reports institutional submissions to national and international awards
- Perform other reasonable duties as required by the University
Essential & Desirable Criteria
Essential
- University Degree or equivalent relevant experience
- Prior experience of working in a press office public affairs team or similar environment
- Evidence of creating media strategies and communications campaign plans
- Experience and passion for creating a range of written content
- Experience of working with content management systems
- Experience of working in a team and leading on own initiative
- Knowledge of industry best practices
- Ability to translate key messages into a compelling narrative
- Ability to think creatively and to communicate creative ideas to others
- A can do attitude and a great problem solver
- Ability to influence colleagues both upwards and laterally
- Experience of using digital platforms (web social media) to amplify coverage
- The ability to use edit web pages using a content management system
- Ability to use MS Office applications
Desirable
- Professional qualifications in media public relations or public affairs
- Knowledge of Higher Education
- Experience of writing stories for national and particularly international media
- Experience of creating digital and social media content including video
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted up to midnight(UK time)on Thursday 10th July 2025.
Pleasesubmit your CV & covering letter via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment.
We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options.
Heriot-WattUniversity is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected trained promoted appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.
Heriot-WattUniversity values diversity across our university community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information please see our website also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers our total rewards calculator: see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.
About the Team
The Marketing Student Recruitment Admissions and Communications Group is at the heart of attracting engaging and delivering exceptional student and stakeholder experiences. From award-winning marketing campaigns to local and global student recruitment initiatives and communications that put Heriot-Watt on the global stage our Group delivers professional services that support the Universitys strategic ambitions.
About Heriot-Watt University
At Heriot-Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.
Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.
Required Experience:
Unclear Seniority
Employment Type
Full-Time
