Senior Media Officer

Job Introduction

Diabetes UK’s award-winning media team plays a vital role in helping make life better for people living with diabetes, or those at risk of developing the condition. We secure high-profile coverage in news and consumer media that talks frankly about the diabetes crisis, the seriousness of diabetes, about managing diabetes and campaigning for improvements in diabetes care.

We are looking for a talented, experienced Senior Media Officer who has a track record for creating high impact press coverage across a range of issues. Responsible primarily for supporting our policy, public affairs and prevention portfolio of activities, you’ll have a good knowledge of UK, national and regional media, good relationships with journalists across the board, and a sound understanding of how tell a great story.

Role Responsibility

• Develop and deliver proactive media activities to raise the profile of Diabetes UK through creative media and analyse and translate complex information into outstanding press materials.
• Act as a representative of the media team in internal and external meetings.
• Act as first line of response to media enquiries and generate Q&As and brief spokespeople.
• Build and maintain relationships with relevant media contacts to inform and strengthen Diabetes UK’s media activity and profile.
• Recruit and manage media volunteers to pitch powerful human interest stories to relevant media and ensure processes are put in place to communicate and share media activity and good practice internally to maximise opportunities and improve quality.
• Develop Q&As and brief spokespeople to ensure Diabetes UK key messages are effectively and coherently delivered in all media interviews.
• Represent Diabetes UK to external stakeholders and organisations, including fulfilling public speaking engagements where necessary.
• Identify reputational risk and undertake appropriate crisis communications/ reputation management processes as required.
• Promote Diabetes UK events and meetings, and attend them as required, which may include out-of-hours working, and take part in an out-of-hours media rota.
• Undertake other tasks necessary to achieve the overall communications objectives of Diabetes UK as requested by the Senior Media Manager.

The Ideal Candidate

The best person for this job will be able to:

• Produce excellent, accurate written copy to tight deadlines
• Demonstrate a good, sound news sense, and an excellent knowledge of the external environment and the media landscape
• Carry out communications projects from conception to completion, in partnership with other teams across the Marketing and Communications team
• Provide out of hours media support as part of an on-call rota.

The best person for this job will have experience in:

• Working in a communications / media / PR setting
• Developing, delivering and evaluating PR campaigns
• Briefing journalists, and preparing colleagues and supporters for media interviews
• The voluntary, charity or health sector
• Crisis management
• Line management / supervising colleagues

The best person for this job will be:

• Able to think creatively and problem-solve
• Able to work in a team, and independently, and to demonstrate leadership
• Able to work under pressure to a high standard
• Committed to Diabetes UK’s mission and values

Package Description

What we can offer you: 

• Generous annual leave starting at 25 days plus bank holidays 
• 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 
• Discounts on gym membership and days out 
• Employee assistance programme to give you support on any issues that come up in life  
• Annual Season ticket loan 
• Very active social scene including sport teams, gardening and other activities 
• Generous pension provision, life assurance and permanent health insurance 

About the Company

Diabetes is the most potentially devastating – and fastest growing – health crisis of our time, requiring ongoing high-quality care and support. There are currently 4.5 million people in the UK living with diabetes, and 11.9 million more at increased risk of getting Type 2 diabetes. Those diagnosed face the risk of life-changing, and life-limiting, complications, unless they are given the very best care and the support they need to manage their condition well. As a society we need to work together now – and take action now – to fund critical research, improve healthcare and treatment, and prevent yet more people developing this potentially life-threatening condition. 

Diabetes UK is a forward thinking and commercially focused organisation, and is the leading charity for the 4.5 million people with the condition in the UK.

As we continue to improve our processes, through continual development and change, this is an exciting time to join us. With established funding streams and following on from the success of our previous five-year plan, we are in a strong position to continue developing and responding to changing environments.

We rely heavily upon the expertise and motivation of our staff in order to work towards our many aims and meet objectives. We aim to be an equal opportunity employer; the organisation recognises and respects the value and diversity of all. We gladly make the adjustments required for people with disabilities to join us. Our diverse functions mean that we can offer you a wide range of rewarding career opportunities.

Diabetes UK is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable and expects all staff and volunteers to actively support this commitment. 

Diabetes UK recognises and respects the value and diversity of all. 

We have a vision of a world where diabetes can do no harm – if you’d like to be part of that, why not join us? 

To Learn more about the work we do - Click here

Diabetes UK