Senior Media and PR Manager

The Senior Media and PR Manager plays an important role in achieving the DofE’s aims to help build a relevant, inclusive and high-impact brand, engage our audiences more effectively, and put young people at the heart of all we do.

You’ll be joining the DofE’s Engagement Team at an exciting and ambitious time. You will manage a fast-moving in-house media operation, building the DofE’s media profile, bolstering our relationships with journalists and media outlets, protecting and enhancing our reputation among key audiences, and amplifying the charity’s voice and thought leadership on issues affecting young people.

We’re looking for a strategic thinker with a nose for a story, good judgement and excellent writing and editing skills, who’s passionate about championing young people and influencing debates on issues that affect and matter to them.

Main responsibilities

– Lead the DofE’s media strategy across news and PR, working with teams to drive a proactive news approach, creating cut-through moments, spotting opportunities, selling journalists unique story ideas, establishing media partnerships and stimulating media debate.

– Maintain and develop an ambitious media activity calendar, focused on reaching key DofE audiences and delivering the charity’s objectives.

– Work with colleagues in the wider Engagement Team, Events and Ambassadors Team, Fundraising Team and beyond to create, deliver and evaluate creative media and PR plans that deliver against objectives.

– Manage  and motivate a team of a Senior Media and PR Officer and Media and PR Executive.

– Work with the External Affairs Team to help define key policy areas and craft compelling advocacy campaigns that have impact for young people and raise the profile of the DofE as a thought leader.

– Identify suitable opportunities to respond to breaking news, and steer the DofE’s response to relevant breaking stories and developments, working with the External Affairs and Digital Teams to ensure we respond promptly and effectively across channels and audiences.

– With the Head of Communications, play a leading role in the DofE’s reputation management, managing risk by supporting the development of crisis management strategies, responses and protocols.

– Build and maintain strategic media and PR partnerships and build positive working relationships with senior journalists, producers and editors.

– Working with the Creative Content Team, set up effective processes to identify powerful stories and share them strategically through the media to engage key audiences.

– Manage media relations for high-profile events, including Royal visits and Gold Award celebrations, liaising with the Royal Household and other stakeholders.

– Manage DofE media spokesperson training and brief spokespeople, from senior staff to young people and volunteers.

– Draft and edit high-quality, impactful media materials, including comment pieces, press releases, briefing notes and reactive quotes.

– Manage the infrastructure and processes in a fast-paced press office, including implementing the out-of-hours press rota.

– Actively participate in and contribute to wider Engagement Team plans, working closely with the Head of Communications, Head of Brand Marketing and other Engagement Team managers.

– Collaborate with the Events and Ambassadors Team to work with high-profile supporters and influencers to elevate key DofE media activities and campaigns.

– Champion the role of effective media relations, and wider communications, across the charity, supporting and advising colleagues in UK Operations and Country and Region Teams.

- Drive, draft and deliver charity / corporate communications.

In return, you’ll work with friendly and supportive colleagues as keen as you are to make a difference for young people. We offer excellent staff benefits including a competitive salary, generous pension contribution, flexible working and an employee assistance programme.

We offer excellent staff benefits including a generous pension contribution, flexible working, Heath care cash plan, life assurance, attractive holiday package, ongoing training, and an employee assistance programme.

A full job description can be viewed below.

If you feel excited by this role and believe you have the necessary skills and experience to become a valued team member, please go to our website and apply.

The deadline for applying for this role is:  Midnight Sunday 11th June.  

Interviews will take place w/c: 19th June - to be held virtually via Teams. 

The DofE are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All successful applicants will be required to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service check. (e.g. DBS/PVG or similar).  Provide 2 employment references with one being your most recent employer, covering the last 12 months including any gaps of employment.  Confirm your eligibility to work in the UK and complete a health check.

If you would like to access the application form in a different format or if you would like any assistance that might help improve your experience while completing the application, please contact us by email recruitment@dofe.org