Media Officer x2 - 12 Month FTC

Job Introduction

From front pages of national newspapers to regular TV and radio appearances of our spokespeople, our highly successful press office plays a vital role in raising the profile of Diabetes UK. These two new roles will increase our capacity to build awareness of diabetes, engagement with Diabetes UK and the services we offer, as well as the world-class, life-changing research that Diabetes UK funds.

We have a friendly and inclusive working environment here at Diabetes UK and are proud of our hybrid approach which allows great flexibility in the way that we work. This means that you can balance your working time between home and the office, subject to the needs of your role.

Interview date: 12 March 2024

Please note that all job offers are subject to you providing acceptable evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK. You might find the following resources useful:

• To view a full list of accepted documents and the checks employers are required
  to make click here
• To view guidance on proving your right to work to an employer click here

If you have any questions, please contact recruitment@diabetes.org.uk

Role Responsibility

The Media Officers will have responsibility for maintaining relationships with journalists, responding to media enquiries and supporting on proactive campaigns. You’ll be regularly working with national journalists and colleagues across the organisation to draft press releases, comments and spokesperson briefs.

We are recruiting for two roles, one with a focus on our fundraising work and another with a focus on our policy and campaigns, though both will have the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of projects and subject areas.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for two engaging, persuasive and expert Media Officers with a track record of generating media coverage. These roles will support the team in the reactive press office to fulfil enquiries from national journalists, work on some of our flagship campaigns and help media volunteers to share their lived experience of diabetes.

You’ll know what makes a good story, how to pitch it to journalists and the importance of working in sync with colleagues across marketing and communications to amplify a story. You’ll understand how a press office works through experience either as a journalist or a previous PR role at another organisation. Experience of working on health conditions or a charity would be an advantage, but not a requirement.

Package Description

What we can offer you: 

• Generous annual leave starting at 25 days plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time)
• A Cash Healthcare Plan (giving you up to £1,600 towards a range of out of pocket health expenses like new glasses, dentist, chiropractor or osteopath appointments) 
• Early finish Friday and flexible working as part of our approach to activity based working (not applicable to roles with fixed shift patterns)
• 2 Days TOIL in recognition of fixed shift patterns (pro-rata for part-time)
• Discounts on gym membership
• Employee assistance programme to give you support on any issues that come up in life  
• Annual season ticket loan* (on completion of your probation period and if contract is permanent or longer than 12 months)
• Very active social scene including sport teams, gardening and other activities 
• Generous pension provision, life assurance and income protection insurance
• Cycle to work scheme* (eligible for scheme if contract is permanent or longer than 12 months)

*Some benefits aren't available until you've passed your probation period and are dependent on the length of contract.

About the Company

For nearly 5 million people with diabetes in the UK, there’s no day off. At Diabetes UK, we fight day in, day out for better care, treatment and support. We won’t stop until diabetes can do no harm.

With more people than ever living with diabetes and millions more at risk of developing type 2, our work has never been more needed. We make sure they get the care and support needed to live well with diabetes and avoid devastating complications.

We fund critical research, which has led to life-changing discoveries – like the first insulin pen and programmes to put type 2 diabetes into remission. Now, we want to do this for everyone and find a cure.

We can’t do any of this without you. Our staff are passionate and determined about helping everyone affected by diabetes. For over 85 years, they’ve been behind vital policy changes, as well as new treatments and technologies to make living with diabetes easier every day.

But there’s more to do. And you can be part of it.

We’re a really diverse bunch and we recognise and respect your value as an individual. As well as helping people with diabetes, you’ll be part of one of the top 30 Best UK Charities to Work For, and one of the top 75 Best Large Companies in London.

We’re committed to protecting and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and we need our staff and volunteers to support this.

Our vision is a world where diabetes can do no harm. Join us today, and together, we can make that a reality.

To find out more about what we do, check out our website.

Diabetes UK