Location
18 Smith Square, Westminster, London
Hours
Full Time
Salary
£34,083 per annum
About the Role
As a Senior Media Officer at The NHS Alliance, you will support the delivery of the organisation's media relations strategy by engaging journalists in a timely and targeted manner. Your responsibilities will include delivering proactive and reactive media activity such as press releases, media statements, responding to media enquiries, handling broadcast requests, drafting comment pieces, and preparing lines to take. You will support horizon scanning to identify emerging issues, opportunities, and potential risks, contributing to media engagement plans that enhance the organisation’s profiling and advocacy work. You will prepare clear and timely media advice and briefings for senior colleagues and spokespeople, escalating risks and issues as necessary, including preparing materials ahead of media interviews. Maintaining strong relationships with journalists across national and trade media, as well as press office contacts at government departments, Arms Length Bodies, think tanks, membership organisations, and patient charities, will be a key part of your role. You will contribute to developing clear and consistent external-facing lines by gathering, drafting, and refining media materials and working with colleagues to interpret member intelligence, data insights, and policy information accurately. Additionally, you will support media monitoring and evaluation activities and serve as communications lead for key work programmes, campaigns, and policy topics as part of the department’s account management model. Participation in the press office on-call rota is required to provide a 24/7 service to the media, members, and senior colleagues. You will also support the development and delivery of the organisation’s communications agency, HealthCommsPlus, which may include specialist media and communications support, client account management, and other commercially oriented activities depending on business needs. Administrative and operational support within the department, such as diary management, travel booking, processing purchase orders and invoices, formalising minutes and action logs, preparing internal papers, supporting onboarding and induction of new starters, and providing logistical support at events, will also be part of your duties.
Experience
Proven experience in media relations and communications, including managing proactive and reactive media activity. Experience in preparing media briefings and handling press enquiries is essential. Experience working with journalists across national and trade media, as well as with government and related organisations, is highly desirable.
About you
You are proactive, organised, and able to work effectively under pressure. You have excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft clear and engaging media materials. You are confident in managing relationships with a variety of stakeholders and can work collaboratively within a team. Flexibility to participate in a press office on-call rota is required. You are commercially aware and able to support client account management and agency activities when needed.
Qualifications
A relevant qualification in media, communications, journalism, or a related field is preferred but not essential. A strong track record of relevant experience and a positive, can-do attitude are equally important.
