Media and public affairs officer

Full-time (part-time requests considered)

Hybrid and flexible working (once per month in office)

£35,224 per annum (pro-rated for part-time)

job description 

About the role 

We are looking for a media and public affairs officer to play a central role in shaping UKCP’s external profile, reputation and influence.

This is a varied and impactful role where you will manage day-to-day media relations, support public affairs activity, and help deliver integrated campaigns that raise awareness of psychotherapy and the work of UKCP and our members.

You will act as a trusted internal adviser on messaging and reputational risk, translating complex or sensitive issues into clear, balanced and engaging communications. Working closely with colleagues across policy and communications, you will contribute to campaign narratives, stakeholder engagement and media strategy.

Key responsibilities include:

• managing media enquiries and drafting press materials, briefings and statements
• monitoring media coverage and identifying emerging risks and opportunities
• building relationships with journalists and promoting UKCP and its members
• supporting external communications on sensitive or regulatory issues
• contributing to campaign development, messaging and public positioning
• supporting stakeholder engagement, including parliamentary activity and events
• providing guidance to colleagues on tone, messaging and reputational considerations.

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape public understanding of psychotherapy and contribute to meaningful, mission-led work.

About you

You will bring experience in media relations, public affairs or communications, along with a strong understanding of the UK political and media landscape.

You will also demonstrate:

• experience supporting communications on reputational or complex issues
• strong relationship-building skills with media and stakeholders
• the ability to identify emerging issues and respond effectively in fast-moving situations
• good organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
• an understanding of how communications support influencing and public engagement
• a collaborative, flexible approach to working across teams.

You will share our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and be motivated by contributing to a purpose-driven organisation that supports mental health and wellbeing.

You will work alongside colleagues from diverse backgrounds and collaborate with team members across the organisation. There will be scope for professional development and growth whilst working closely within a small team. In short, it is an opportunity to make a real difference.

About UKCP

UKCP is the leading professional body for psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. We represent training organisations and over 8,000 individual therapists – working privately or in the NHS or voluntary sector – offering a wide variety of psychotherapeutic approaches or modalities.

Our charitable objectives are to promote:

• the art and science of psychotherapy and psychotherapeutic counselling for the benefit of the public
• research into psychotherapy and psychotherapeutic counselling methods and to disseminate the results
• high standards of education, training and practice
• wider access to psychotherapy and psychotherapeutic counselling for all sections of the public.

Benefits

Staff working at UKCP enjoy a wide range of benefits, including:

• 25 days annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays
• extra leave during our December office closure
• generous pension scheme with 8% employer contribution and salary sacrifice option
• occupational sick pay and enhanced maternity leave
• flexible working hours and hybrid working arrangements
• ongoing learning and development opportunities
• employee assistance programme with access to confidential counselling and mental health support
• flu vaccination and eyecare vouchers
• interest-free season ticket loans
• cycle to work scheme.

How to apply

Please send your CV and cover letter to hr@ukcp.org.uk.

Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Please include the role you are applying for and your full name in the filename [e.g. media and public affairs Joe Bloggs CV].

UKCP does not hold a certificate of sponsorship and is therefore unable to sponsor individuals who do not have the right to work in the UK.

Closing date: Monday, 8 June at 12pm

Provisional interview dates: w/c 15 June 

job description