Media & External Communications Manager (12 month fixed term contract

We are a not-for-profit organisation committed to increasing the diversity and numbers of young people entering engineering and technology to meet the future workforce needs, as well as promoting roles that help us work towards net zero and drive environmental sustainability.
We're looking for someone to manage our press office and external comms. We do a lot and we want to shout about it. We need someone who can spot angles and stories, write them up and sell them into national, regional and trade media. We have lots of content, ranging from brilliant young scientists and engineers who have won national awards and opportunities for engineering and tech professionals to inspire the next generation to events, our latest research and policy recommendations.
You'll need to be creative as we only have a modest budget, but we make the most of it, You'll have a supportive team behind you, hundreds of stats to use and great media trained spokespeople who can bring our messages to life.
About EngineeringUK
Our purpose is to drive change so more young people choose engineering and technology careers. Our vision is that the UK has the workforce needed for engineering and technology to thrive, to improve sustainability and to achieve net zero. Our mission is to enable more young people from all backgrounds to be informed, inspired and progress into engineering and technology. In the UK, we don't have enough engineers and demand is going up. So, we need more young people to realise there could be a future for them in engineering and technology. To really thrive, we need a stronger, more diverse and representative workforce and for that we have to do things differently to make engineering more appealing.
We are a not-for-profit working with hundreds of organisations across business, education, professional institutions and the third sector so we can all grow the future talent pool together. We drive that collective effort through research and evidence, leadership, activities for schools and advocacy, with a focus on long-term sustainability.
We guided by a series of values that we apply to all our activity:
We are inclusive and care about diversity. We understand that we have different needs and create opportunities for everyone's voice to be heard We are collaborative. We listen, share and work in partnership to achieve our vision We are curious and keen to learn. We challenge ourselves and others to innovate and experiment We are insightful. We evaluate what we do and draw on research to make decisions and to improve our collective understanding We are driven by a strong sense of purpose. We are determined to make an impact and achieve our goals About the role
The Media & External Communications Manager is responsible for delivery of strong media relations, proactive press office and high impact PR activity that raises the profile of EngineeringUK, improves understanding of the role of engineers/engineering, drives increased targeted engagement with our programmes and services and meets coverage targets.
You will lead on our flagship campaign Tomorrow's Engineers Week, as well as PR across the Big Bang programme to ensure the greatest possible reach and impact. You will also develop campaigns to promote our offer to industry and education, showcase our research capability and boost our profile as thought leaders.
This role is supported by the Marketing Communications Executive equivalent to 1 day/week) who you will matrix manage with the Senior Marketing Communications Manager.
The role is London based at the EngineeringUK offices at 10 Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6EN and may involve some travel in the UK. We believe that hybrid working has many benefits and are pleased to offer flexible working with a baseline of 2 days (or 40%) a week in our vibrant central London office overlooking the Thames. We also offer core hours of 10am to 4pm. Further details on our flexible working practices can be discussed at interview or you can reach out to a member of our HR team.
Further details of the role can be found in the job description and person specification.
Person specification
Essential skills/competencies:
Proven direct experience of selling in stories and securing regular national, trade and regional media coverage with established media contacts Experience of delivering high profile, omni channel PR campaigns (in-house or agency side) Confident, persuasive communicator and copywriter, with great attention to detail Energetic, resilient and resourceful team player with real 'can-do' and pro-active attitude Experience of working on skills/education related issues Commitment to our mission and values, you will be able to engage with our values and work in a way that supports our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion Education/level of experience:
3 to 5 years' hands-on press office experience EngineeringUK is committed to being an inclusive workplace, where everyone feels they belong. This is supported by the dedicated work we are doing to ensure our policies and practices are inclusive and that our staff are trained to be able to fulfil this commitment.
We value the benefits of a diverse workforce and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. Our recruitment process is designed to be as accessible and inclusive as possible and to ensure people are individually assessed regardless of their backgrounds or characteristics. We are an equal opportunities employer and are open to flexible working, including job share.
Applying for this role
Applications
If you would like to request to submit your application in an alternative format to support accessibility, please let us know.
The deadline for applications is 12:00 noon on Monday 5 February 2024.
Interviews
Applications will be assessed against the requirements for the post as set out in the Role Profile and Person Specification.
We are a Disability Confident committed employer. We guarantee an interview to any disabled people who meet the minimum requirements of the role. Additionally, if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to make this process easier for you then we are happy to do so. Just complete the relevant sections of the online application form.
We aim to notify candidates who have been shortlisted on 15 February 2024. If you have not heard from us after this date, please assume that you have not been successful.
First interviews will be held week commencing 19 February 2024.
What can we offer you?
Competitive salary 28 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), in addition we normally close for the Christmas week Competitive pension (10% employer contribution) Annual bonus opportunity Flexible working A vibrant office with terrace overlooking the Thames embankment and Tower Bridge Employee Assistance Programme Life Insurance (4 x salary) Long term illness/incapacity insurance cover (permanent health insurance or PHI) Annual private health check for all employees over 40 once they have completed their probationary period and to employees over 35 after 3 years' service Discounted gym membership Yearly flu vaccination