Senior Media & Communications Manager

About Malaria No More UK

Malaria has been described as the oldest killer disease in history. Even now, despite recent progress, it claims the life of a child every minute.

Malaria No More UK (MNMUK) brings proven global experience and expertise in advocacy and creative communications to the zero-malaria fight. From our locations in London, UK and Nairobi, Kenya we aim to accelerate an end to this deadly disease by:

• Securing leadership and investment globally and in the UK
• Building a powerful, united voice for the global malaria campaign to hold leaders to account
• Strengthening local advocacy capacity in key countries in Africa

Since 2000, the world has made enormous progress. The global malaria fight is becoming the biggest public health success story in history, and we are determined to maintain momentum.

Job summary

Malaria No More UK are looking for an enthusiastic and driven Senior Media and Communications Manager to support the Head of Communications on the leadership, planning and delivery of MNMUK’s media strategy to raise awareness, engage stakeholders and drive support for our cause. This role will support MNMUK’s campaigning and activity in the UK and internationally, working across the organisation and working closely with colleagues leading our advocacy, government relations, political campaigning and partnerships work.  This role will also support MNMUK’s corporate communications work, specifically copywriting our core organisational materials, including board & annual reports.

Key responsibilities  

Communications: 

• Lead and deliver Malaria No More UK’s media strategy, including relationship building with media outlets, journalists and influencers to drive tactical, political and news media coverage.
• Lead on the development and management of pro or low bono partnerships with UK and global media organisations.
• Produce written media materials such as press releases, Q&As and spokesperson briefings.
• Lead and develop MNMUK’s corporate and campaign written materials such as donor reports, annual & board reports, fundraising applications and website copy, ensuring that we have a consistent and powerful style that aligns with our brand, values and creative content approach.
• Advise and support on media activity in other markets, including Kenya.
• Source and manage spokespeople for media and communications opportunities, working closely with our Head of Ambassador Relations & Creative Partnerships and our Strategic Communications and Engagement Manager.  
• Support MNMUK’s Philanthropy and Partnerships team with media and communication support for our corporate partners, institutional donors, and philanthropic foundation partners, including monitoring partner media, developing joint communications, and representing the communications team at partner meetings.
• Act as a key representative of the MNMUK communications team in meetings and planning for our UK campaigning, ensuring other members of the communications team are brought in to support when needed.
• Build external relationships and networking within NGO and communications sectors.
• Keep abreast of trends and best practice in communications and horizon scanning.
• Media monitoring and reporting, including the sourcing and management of databases, platforms and other services to support our media work.

Strategy:  

• Development and implementation of Malaria No More UK’s media work to support our UK and international strategies, including taking responsibility for media planning, reporting and management to allow monitoring of progress against plan. 

Other Responsibilities 

• Undertake any other reasonable additional duties as required by MNMUK.

Qualifications, skills and experience  

Essential 

• A proven track record of working with UK media to support advocacy campaigns for a range of UK and international audiences.
• A deep understanding and experience of political and news media in the UK.
• Exceptional copy writing skills for media and corporate communications products.
• Experience of working with partners and PR agencies to deliver strategic and politically salient media work in international markets.
• Experience of delivering media plans to support collaborative, multi-partner projects and campaigns.
• Experience of working as part of a multi-discipline communications team, integrating media plans alongside digital strategies and creative content.
• Team player, outstanding communicator and influencer.
• Strong influencing skills and the ability to assume leadership responsibilities and informed decisions as required.
• Demonstrable personal skills in creative thinking and new ideas. 
• Project management experience in communications campaigns.
• Experience of cultivating and managing PR agencies and media partners.
• A deep commitment to our cause.

Desirable 

• Experience of using high-profile individuals in media strategies and broader communications activities.
• Experience of working with global media and delivering media plans in other markets.
• Knowledge of the global health sector and experience of navigating the variety of stakeholders within it. 

Key Qualities

• A “can do” attitude and team player with ability to think quickly, proactively and strategically.
• Practical and hands on, as well as strategic thinker with a desire for delivering communications that are driven by doing things differently.
• Prepared to approach this role creatively and non-traditionally as appropriate.
• A willingness and ability to travel overseas occasionally as required.
• We are seeking individuals who are committed to fostering a workplace culture that embraces fairness, kindness and respect towards their colleagues.
• High awareness of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion issues and practice. 

MNMUK recognises the value of a team in which people from diverse backgrounds can introduce fresh ideas and contribute to delivering our mission to make Malaria No More. We welcome applications from candidates, regardless of their race, gender, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.

Staff Benefits Include:

• 10% employer pension contributions.
• 28 days’ annual leave plus public holiday days in the postholders country of residence.
• Private medical insurance may be available for non-UK residents depending on the postholders country of residence.
• Subsidised gym membership
• Fully flexible working opportunities
• Interest-free staff season ticket loan and bicycle loan schemes.
• Continuing personal development opportunities.
• Professional training & qualifications subsidy.

Application and Interview Process

To apply, please send your CV and a covering statement detailing how you fit the role and why you want to work for us. Please also indicate your current salary expectations in your covering statement. We value transparency and aim to offer competitive renumeration packages based on experience, relevant qualifications and market standards.

Closing Date: Monday 19 February 2024– This vacancy may close early if we receive a sufficient number of applications. Therefore, we encourage interested candidates to apply promptly.

There will be a two stage interview process conducted via Microsoft Teams.

Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications we receive, we cannot provide individual feedback to unsuccessful candidates.

Please note that whilst we encourage all suitable applicants to apply, we do not offer compensation or cost reimbursement for any candidate throughout the process. We practice an equitable and inclusive recruitment process at all times.

This job description and person specification is a statement of requirements at the time of writing and is not contractual or exhaustive. It should not be seen as precluding future changes after appointment to this role and it may be amended over time in consultation with your line-manager and the Director.