Senior Media Officer

Reference
1113356

Branch
De Montfort University (Leicester)

Start date
12/06/2026

Duration
Other - See Job

Hours and days
See advert

Dress code
Not Applicable

Rate of pay
£20.67

Holiday rate
£3.22

Role

Unitemps is a University-owned temporary staffing agency that operates in various universities, including De Montfort University (DMU). There are several benefits to working with Unitemps at DMU:

Networking Opportunities: Through Unitemps, you may have the chance to work with various departments and individuals at the university. This can help you expand your network and establish connections that may be valuable for your future career.

Professional Development: Many positions available through Unitemps may offer opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement. You can learn new skills and gain valuable knowledge while on the job.

Career Progression: Some temporary positions may lead to permanent employment within the university, giving you a potential pathway for long-term career advancement.

Contribution to the University Community: By working with Unitemps at DMU, you become a part of the university community and can contribute to its success and growth.

More information on the DMU Branch can be found HERE.

THE ROLE

Working directly at high level with senior members of the university within allocated work areas, the Senior Media Officer will deliver high quality media communications, as well as advising on how the work of those senior colleagues and their work areas can be enhanced and supported by media and communications activity. The Senior Media Officer provides professional media and communications advice to colleagues at all levels across DMU to help protect and promote the university’s reputation.

• The role can be hybrid but we do ask that staff come to campus twice a week. once on a Monday, when the rest of the communications team is in, and once on another day which works for them. Also, the nature of the role (covering events, interviewing people) will mean other requirements to be on campus. 
• You will work 37 hours per week.
• The start date will be as soon as possible with an expected end date of 01/10/2026

Duties and responsibilities

Develop and maintain strong relationships with senior university stakeholders to support media engagement, profile raising and internal communications across designated portfolios. Lead the development and delivery of proactive and reactive media strategies aligned with organisational objectives, identifying opportunities to enhance reputation while managing potential risks.

Secure national and international media coverage, build and maintain relationships with journalists and key media contacts, and respond to daily enquiries from local, national and international media. Draft statements, press releases, quotes and briefing materials, while liaising with senior leaders and external organisations on communications and PR matters.

Develop and implement communications plans, deliver media briefings and training, and share expertise with colleagues to improve understanding of media relations and journalistic practices. Manage a diverse communications portfolio while supporting wider team objectives and maintaining effective day-to-day press office operations.

Monitor current affairs and emerging issues relevant to organisational priorities, keeping senior management informed and escalating risks where appropriate. Support the planning and promotion of events, coordinate media visits, and advise on filming, photography and key messaging to maximise positive exposure.

Contribute to strategic projects and directorate objectives, manage media monitoring systems and contact databases, represent the organisation on external groups, and handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism. Deputise for the Press and PR Manager when required, providing leadership on media issues and ensuring an effective response to communications challenges. Undertake additional duties appropriate to the role as needed.

Skills and experience

• Significant professional experience as a newspaper journalist or as a PR professional
• Experience of working in media or PR in a large, complex organisation
• Experience of dealing with risk and reputational issues
• Experience and understanding of social media for work purposes
• Significant experience of establishing and developing relationships with editors, broadcasters and thought leaders
• Experience of evaluating media coverage and communicating this to stakeholders
• Strong understanding of PR principles and how these translate into practice
• Good project management skills
• Good negotiation and influencing skills
• Good working understanding of current issues in the media
• Established contacts with national, local and regional journalists
• Excellent copywriting and proofing skills
• Good understanding of the role of technology in promoting the work of organisations
• Excellent written communication skills
• Strong presentation skills
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritise workload
• Educated to degree level or equivalent

Location
De Montfort University

Additional information

This role is not suitable to current DMU studentsThe advert will close once we have received sufficient applications.

Unitemps is acting as an Employment Business, supplying temporary workers, in relation to this vacancy.

Unitemps DMU operates a monthly payroll - Please refer to the candidate information hub for DMU unitemps in relation to pay dates and further information - https://www.unitemps.com/resources/info-hub/?type=candidate-uk&branch=dmu

We aim to notify all candidates of the outcome of their application however volume of applications sometimes do not allow us to do so; please check your application status via your Unitemps account regularly; we may also communicate via email; please check your junk mail.

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