Senior Communications Specialist - MRM

We are seeking a Media Relations Manager to work in the heart of the Corporate Press Office, reporting to the Senior Head of Communications, Press Office.  This is a twelve-month opportunity, based in London.

You’ll take charge of a busy press desk on a rota basis with two other managers, and be responsible for generating proactive press and digital coverage and handling complex media inquiries.

In addition to working with all areas of the external communications department, you'll work with colleagues from the wider Corporate Affairs Division and across the BBC. You will deputise for the Senior Head of Communications, on occasion.

WHY JOIN THE TEAM:

No two days in the BBC's Corporate Press Office are the same. This unique and exciting role in a friendly and supportive team offers first-hand communications experience in one of the busiest press offices in the country.

You'll play a key role in protecting and enhancing the BBC's reputation, leading on media handling and contributing to major corporate stories and campaigns. Working closely with senior colleagues across the organisation, you'll help communicate the BBC's public service mission at an especially critical time due to the ongoing Charter review.

For those passionate about media and broadcasting, it’s a chance to contribute to the BBC’s public purpose while developing valuable experience across high-profile communications and issues management. Alongside excellent training and mentoring, the role offers the opportunity to broaden your skills and advance your career in public relations.

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT: 

• You will take charge of a busy press desk on a rota basis, answering questions on all aspects of the BBC. It could be a content issue, policy decision or reputational matter. Either way, you’ll work with executives and publicity colleagues to oversee communications to the media, prepare statements and releases, brief senior management and co-ordinate communications activity.
• You’ll have a first-rate news sense and be full of ideas on creative ways to tell a positive story about the BBC.
• The Corporate Press Office has specific responsibility for handling the media on the BBC’s corporate areas, such as the Director-General’s work, Charter Review, editorial policy, complaints and reviews, HR matters, and diversity and inclusion.
• It also provides a coordinating role for all the BBC’s communications from teams including TV and BBC iPlayer, Radio and BBC Sounds, News and Online.

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA: 

• Excellent written and spoken communication skills
• Proactive and reactive publicity experience
• Outstanding news sense / judgement
• Experience managing people
• Experience delivering digital communications 

DESIRABLE:

• Experience of handling crises and effecting responses at a high profile organisation.
• Knowledge and/or experience of the media/broadcasting environment an advantage.