Associate Director (Media Specialist) - £70k

We’re looking for an Associate Director, Media Specialist to be our go to earned media expert.

This is a hands on, media first role for someone who:

• lives and breathes the news agenda,

• has a brilliant book of journalist and editor contacts, and

• knows how to run a busy press office and land stand out coverage across top tier titles.

You’ll set the media strategy, lead high impact sell ins, and shape how our clients show up in the news cycle – while coaching teams to raise their game on media relations.

• Lead the development of earned media strategies for key clients across campaigns and always on activity

• Advise clients on where and how they should show up in the media to achieve their business and reputation goals

• Act as a trusted senior counsellor on media matters – from proactive storytelling to sensitive/reactive issues

• Oversee and, where needed, drive a busy press office 

• Design and oversee proactive/reactive newsrooms, managing approvals and response processes to tight deadlines 

• Leverage and grow your strong network of journalist, editor, producer and columnist contacts across key beats 

• Lead by example on sell-ins crafting compelling angles, picking up the phone and securing top-tier coverage 

• Keep on top of shifts in the media landscape and translate these into opportunities for clients

• Line manage and mentor junior and mid level team members, building confidence and skills in media relations

• Set high standards for media craft from story spotting and pitch writing to relationship building and follow up 

• Significant agency side experience in PR, with a clear specialism in media relations 

• A proven track record of delivering consistent, high quality coverage for brands across top tier national, consumer, trade and/or broadcast media 

• Deep understanding of the current media landscape, how newsrooms work and what makes a story land 

• Experience running or playing a senior role in a press office, ideally for high profile brands or complex organisations 

• Outstanding relationship-builder with journalists and stakeholders 

• News obsessed, constantly scanning the agenda, spotting hooks, and thinking “how could my clients be part of this?”

• Excellent writing and editing skills – from sharp headlines and sell ins to senior level statements and op-eds 

• Confident presenter and facilitator, able to coach clients and teams on media strategy and best practice