Head of News

UK Research and Innovation

Salary: £65,262

Hours: Full time or Part time (Minimum 0.8 FTE)

Contract Type: Open Ended.

Location: Polaris House, Swindon (Hybrid working available)

Closing Date: Sunday 5th January 2025.

Job Overview

As the UKRI’s Head of News you will lead our news and media engagement strategy, positioning the organisation as a key driver of innovation and research excellence. You will oversee a team responsible for generating high-quality media coverage, managing UKRI’s reputation and shaping how our ground-breaking research and innovation efforts are communicated to the public, media and key stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: develop and implement a comprehensive news and media strategy to promote UKRI’s mission, research outcomes and impact across local, national and international media.
• Lead the press team, currently 14 people, and provide wider leadership across the external affairs and communication function as a member of the profession’s senior team. Lead by example by modelling good behaviours and living the UKRI values of excellence, innovation, integrity and collaboration.
• Drive a shift towards proactivity in UKRI’s communication and media work to put UKRI and the issues we care about on the front foot in sector, regional and national press, and giving a voice to our many experts.
• Develop and champion relationships with news outlets to develop understanding of UKRI and further opportunities for UKRI to contribute across sector, national and regional press

About you:

• Significant experience in leading and delivering media strategies and plans that achieve outcomes in a complex and high-profile organisation, preferably in the public sector, research or innovation organisation.
• A strong interest or background in science in its fullest sense would be advantageous.
• Leadership experience with a track record of leading, developing and motivating a high-performing teams in complex and changing environments.
• Experience of working with a range of stakeholders including government, the media and academia with an understanding of the political and policy environment we operate in.

To view the full job description please click apply and visit our careers page

Benefits

We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package! We are committed to supporting employees’ development and promote a culture of continuous learning! A list of benefits below;

• An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
• 30 days’ annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent)
• Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities
• Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice
• Flexible working options

Please click here for more details on the https://www.discover.ukri.org/benefits-of-working-at-ukri/index.html

How to Apply

Applicants are required to provide an up-to-date CV and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the role. Further information on how to apply is listed on our careers page.