Citizens UK is the UK’s biggest, most diverse and most effective people‑powered alliance. We bring communities and local organisations together to campaign on issues that matter, from zebra crossings to the Living Wage movement. The Living Wage Foundation, part of Citizens UK, works with community organisations and over 16,000 employers across the UK to promote a real living wage and tackle low pay.
Purpose
The Living Wage Foundation is seeking an experienced and driven Senior Media and Communications Manager for a 12‑month contract. The role is ideal for a highly organised, proactive communications professional with a strong background in media relations, public messaging and team leadership. The postholder will lead all media, messaging and external affairs work, develop and implement a proactive media strategy, oversee communications outputs, deliver media training and advance the organisation’s political engagement efforts.
Main Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership
Provide strategic oversight of the organisation’s media strategy, work with Senior Managers across Citizens UK, and support the Political Engagement Strategy by building cross‑party support.
- Situational Awareness and Research
Lead regular updates on key audiences, guide proactive media monitoring, and collaborate with the Senior Research Manager to conduct impactful research.
- Strategy Development
Shape the overall communications strategy, develop high‑quality materials, coordinate media events and deliver media training.
- Reputational & Risk Management
Manage the risk register, act as primary contact for crisis communications, respond to media enquiries promptly, draft key messages and represent the Living Wage Foundation in senior stakeholder interactions.
- Materials Development and Dissemination
Oversee the production of press releases, blogs, opinion pieces and media briefings, ensure consistency with the organisation’s values, and refine key messaging for public communications.
- Social Media and Website
Ensure consistent messaging across all media and digital platforms.
- External Relationships
Lead employer case study development, cultivate relationships with Living Wage employers, campaign partners and media contacts, build cross‑party support, and collaborate with the Public Engagement Team on political engagement communications.
- Campaign & Events Management
Provide a link between the Events team and Senior Leadership to ensure efficient decision‑making around key events and lead on media and messaging for comms‑led campaigns.
- Internal Communications & Knowledge Management
Oversee the development of a comprehensive press database and map key media contacts.
- Internal Relationships
Work closely with the Senior Digital and Communications Manager to guide initiatives and provide line management of the Media Manager and Events Manager.
- Learning, Expertise & DEI
Lead media training sessions for staff and employers, work with DEI teams to implement ethical storytelling, contribute to a positive team culture and embed accessibility in all communications and events.
Person Specification
- Experience (E): Proven experience in the UK media landscape, line‑managing a team, managing reputational issues and crisis communications, and designing high‑impact communication strategies.
- Experience in leveraging real‑life stories and case studies to drive engagement (E).
- Experience working collaboratively across teams and influencing senior stakeholders (E).
- Experience with community, worker or lived‑experience storytelling (D).
- Key skills and knowledge (E): Outstanding written and verbal communication, social media proficiency (D), campaign evaluation, strong interpersonal skills, and solid understanding of the political landscape.
- Personal qualities & values (E): Enthusiasm for media, commitment to the Living Wage Foundation’s mission, leadership of high‑performing teams, and a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
We work within diverse communities bringing people together. In line with our Inclusion value, we would love to see applications from LGBTQIA+ people, people from racialised communities, people living with disabilities and people of faith. Even if you don’t meet all the required criteria, we encourage you to apply as we invest in developing the skills needed to deliver the role.
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