Media and Public Affairs Officer

Media and Public Affairs Officer

We are seeking a media and public affairs officer to help shape external profile, reputation and influence through impactful communications and stakeholder engagement.

Position: Media and Public Affairs Officer
Salary: £35,224 per annum (pro-rated for part-time)
Location: Hybrid and flexible working with once per month in office
Hours: Full-time (part-time requests considered)
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: Monday 8 June at 12pm
Interview Dates: Provisionally week commencing 15 June

About the Role

This is a varied and impactful role where you will manage day-to-day media relations, support public affairs activity, and help deliver integrated campaigns that raise awareness of psychotherapy and the work of members.

You will act as a trusted internal adviser on messaging and reputational risk, translating complex or sensitive issues into clear, balanced and engaging communications. Working closely with colleagues across policy and communications, you will contribute to campaign narratives, stakeholder engagement and media strategy.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing media enquiries and drafting press materials, briefings and statements
• Monitoring media coverage and identifying emerging risks and opportunities
• Building relationships with journalists and promoting the organisation and its members
• Supporting external communications on sensitive or regulatory issues
• Contributing to campaign development, messaging and public positioning
• Supporting stakeholder engagement, including parliamentary activity and events
• Providing guidance to colleagues on tone, messaging and reputational considerations

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape public understanding of psychotherapy and contribute to meaningful, mission-led work.

About You

You will bring experience in media relations, public affairs or communications, along with a strong understanding of the UK political and media landscape.

You will also demonstrate:

• Experience supporting communications on reputational or complex issues
• Strong relationship-building skills with media and stakeholders
• The ability to identify emerging issues and respond effectively in fast-moving situations
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
• An understanding of how communications support influencing and public engagement
• A collaborative, flexible approach to working across teams

You will share a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and be motivated by contributing to a purpose-driven organisation that supports mental health and wellbeing.

There will be scope for professional development and growth whilst working closely within a small team. In short, it is an opportunity to make a real difference.

About the Organisation

The organisation is a leading professional body representing psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors across a wide range of therapeutic approaches and modalities.

Its charitable objectives include promoting the art and science of psychotherapy and psychotherapeutic counselling for the benefit of the public, supporting research and education, maintaining high standards of training and practice, and improving access to psychotherapy services for all sections of the public.

Benefits

Benefits include:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Additional leave during December office closure
• Generous pension scheme with 8% employer contribution
• Occupational sick pay and enhanced maternity leave
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Learning and development opportunities
• Employee assistance programme
• Flu vaccination and eyecare vouchers
• Interest-free season ticket loans
• Cycle to work scheme

Other roles you may have experience of could include:

Media Officer, Public Affairs Officer, Communications Officer, PR Officer, External Affairs Officer, Campaigns Officer, Policy and Communications Officer, Stakeholder Engagement Officer, Press Officer, Corporate Communications Officer.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People.