Press Officer

Money and Mental Health Policy Institute

Location Based at our central London office, but regular homeworking is also possible and will be in line with current government guidance.
Salary Annual gross salary: £27,500 (Full time equivalent)
  • Closing: 8:00am, 4th Jun 2021 BST

Job Description

We are looking for a talented media professional to play a central role in increasing the organisation’s press impact, securing high profile coverage and strengthening our relationships with key journalists. 

The successful candidate will be a self-starter who can take the lead in planning and delivering strategies to secure media coverage, drafting press releases and other media materials, building relationships with journalists, and responding to the news agenda. 

We are also looking for someone who shares the values of the organisation, and who is passionate about our work to break the link between financial difficulty and mental health problems.


Objectives of post:

  • Develop press releases and other content to secure media coverage among key outlets for our research, campaigns and other projects

  • Develop and deliver media strategies to engage with print and broadcast media, trade publications, and relevant new media outlets (e.g. podcasts)

  • Lead our proactive media activities responding to relevant external developments 

  • Develop and maintain relationships with influential media contacts

  • Work with and empower our Research Community members to share their experiences in the media and in other contexts.

  • Develop and lead strategy to increase our profile as commentators in external media outlets

  • Write Op Eds, blogs and other types of content to promote and disseminate our work

  • Proactively seek opportunities for organisational spokespeople to engage with media, and support them in doing so

  • Produce key messaging, Q&As and briefings to support members of the team in engaging with the media

  • Manage, update and expand our media contact database

  • Monitor media coverage and evaluate impact of PR activity

  • Take part in out of hours media rota from time to time

  • Assist with other communications tasks as required and contribute to the wider work of the Institute

  • Contribute to the operational success of the Institute by assisting the Chief Executive and Head of External Affairs with administrative and organisational duties as necessary, including through supporting the work and professional development of junior team members


Person specification

  • Experience of working in a press office role, journalism or a related field

  • Proven ability to generate impactful media coverage across different types of media

  • A track record of developing and managing relationships with journalists

  • A strong understanding of the UK media and experience of engaging with it

  • The ability to identify and act upon proactive opportunities to secure media impact for our work

  • The capacity to translate complex information and ideas into compelling media content

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write Op Ed pieces, messaging and other related content

  • Experience of briefing senior colleagues on media appearances

  • Experience of working with people in difficult circumstances, showing empathy and sensitivity

  • A self-starter, capable of taking the initiative 

  • A willingness to step out of your comfort zone and to try new things

  • Hard working and committed, taking direct ownership of work and seeing things through

  • Organised and able to manage a busy to-do list

  • Demonstrable interest in mental health and other key issues on which the Institute works.

We operate a flexible working culture. Within reason, and upon agreement from management, employees are free to distribute their working hours across the week as they see fit and to work from home. The Money and Mental Health team has been working remotely since March 2020. Hybrid working combining home and office working is likely to be implemented from July 2021 in line with government guidelines and the Charity’s new flexible working policy currently being developed. We would be happy to update you with our thoughts on this matter at interview stage. 

We are an equal opportunities employer and Mindful Employer, and welcome applications from all, including those with lived experience of mental health problems and other under-represented groups. Job shares will be considered, and we are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments individuals may require in the recruitment process or once in post.


Removing bias from the hiring process

Applications closed Fri 4th Jun 2021

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Removing bias from the hiring process

  • Your application will be anonymously reviewed by our hiring team to ensure fairness
  • You’ll need a CV/résumé, but it’ll only be considered if you score well on the anonymous review

Applications closed Fri 4th Jun 2021