Media Relations Manager

Closing Date:

Group:

Management Level:

Job Type:

Job Description:

Please note that this role will close on 00:01 on Monday 12 January, and therefore we advise getting your application in by no later than midnight on Sunday 11 January.

Team overview

Ofcom’s mission is to make communications work for everyone. We are looking for an experienced media manager to join our busy media relations team, and to help explain how our work affects people up and down the country.

Ofcom is the regulator for the communications services that we use and rely on each day. We regulate services from phone and broadband to TV and radio, airwaves and the postal service. And we’ve taken on new duties to make online services safer for everyone. It’s important work on behalf of people across the

UK.

In joining our fast-paced, welcoming and expert Communications Department, you’ll see why Ofcom was previously named by PR Week as the UK’s best place for communications professionals to work in-house.

Purpose of the Role

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and experienced media communicator with a strong news sense and an excellent understanding of journalists’ demands.

The role will involve communicating some of our most high-profile, wide-ranging work, which makes national news on a daily basis. That might include topics like creating a safer life online for children and adults in the UK; enforcing standards in TV and radio; holding telecoms firms to account; and helping the UK to be at the cutting edge of new technology.

You will need shrewd judgement and initiative to help Ofcom shape and influence opinions in the modern news environment. You’ll be an expert in judging reputational risk, have strong networking skills, and be a consummate multi-tasker - calmly balancing reactive and proactive communications priorities. You’ll also work with our digital news team to bring our story to life for the public, consumer groups, politicians and policy-makers and media.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the press office function, taking a leading role in responding to enquiries from all sections of the media – often national print, online and broadcast, and also international, regional, specialist and trade.

• Build and sustain effective relationships with media and other external stakeholders.

• Help to develop and enhance Ofcom's media profile by identifying proactive opportunities and generating positive coverage.

• Develop a strong understanding of relevant fields of Ofcom’s work, over time, becoming an expert within the Communications team on specific policy and subject areas.

• Manage Ofcom’s external announcements pipeline and weekly reporting on the Communications team’s activity to senior leaders.

Essential Skills, knowledge and experience

• Excellent understanding of the media and requirements of journalists.

• Executing Plans: Proven track record of managing completing priorities in a fast-paced, high-profile press office environment

• Strong appetite for media relations, together with a sharp news sense and the ability to identify positive consumer angles with media appeal.

• Building Solutions: Analytical and strategic mindset, able to cut through complex issues to see the wider picture.

• Articulating Ideas: Clear, calm communicator. Excellent writing skills, and the ability to convert complex policy into plain English.

• Quick learner, flexible and enthusiastic about working across a range of communications issues.

• Knowledge of the latest digital communications trends and techniques.

• An ability to identify with, and embody, Ofcom's values of excellence, agility, empowerment, collaboration and respect.

• Understanding of, or familiarity with, Ofcom’s regulated industries (in particular online safety) would be an advantage.

Inclusivity Statement

Ofcom has a clear mission: to make communications work for everyone.  To be able to deliver on this, we want our organisation to reflect the diversity of background, experience, upbringing and thought that exists across the UK.  We aim to recruit from the widest pool of candidates possible – no matter your social background, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, or disability. We also warmly welcome applicants who are returning to the workforce after a break – for whatever reason. If you have taken time away and are ready to rejoin, we look forward to reviewing your application.

Where positions are listed as full-time, we remain open to reduced hours, part-time arrangements, job shares, and other flexible working options. From day one, we champion flexible work arrangements to accommodate individual needs. You can read more about our Rewards, Benefits and Well-being on our careers page.

Our recruitment processes prioritise accessibility and inclusivity. If you need adjustments, information in an alternative format, or prefer to apply in a different way, please contact us at [email protected] or call 0330 912 1378.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we offer interviews to disabled applicants who meet essential criteria for advertised roles. Learn more about this scheme here.  https://careers.ofcom.org.uk/careers/how-we-hire/