Senior Media and PR Officer

The Communications Department inspires, informs and engages the public by showcasing Alzheimer’s Research UK’s mission, impact and progress across all channels. We lead the charity’s media and strategic communications activity, ensuring clear, accurate and compelling storytelling that supports research, fundraising and organisational priorities.

The Senior Media & PR Officer plays a key role in raising the profile of ARUK’s research by delivering high‑quality, scientifically accurate media activity, and supporting our policy and brand campaigns.

Operating at Senior Officer level, the postholder leads on proactive and reactive press work related to dementia research, identifies compelling media opportunities and provides expert advice on complex or sensitive stories. Through authoritative and accessible communication, the role strengthens ARUK’s reputation as the UK’s leading voice on dementia science and helps the public and decision-makers understand progress being made toward breakthroughs.

Working as part of the Media & PR Team, the Senior Officer collaborates closely with Research Communications colleagues, the wider Press Team, and partners across Digital, Policy, Content, Fundraising and Strategic Marketing. The postholder develops media materials, prepares spokespeople for interviews, supports media activity around scientific publications, conferences and major research and policy announcements, and helps ensure ARUK’s narrative is clear, engaging and aligned.

They also contribute to the smooth running of the press office, including monitoring the news agenda, drafting reactive responses, supporting media work, and ensuring content is handled ethically, accurately and in line with ARUK’s brand and safeguarding standards.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Delivery & Production

• Lead on drafting, pitching and distributing press releases, media statements and channel appropriate content on ARUK-funded research, scientific developments, and policy campaigns.
• Prepare accurate briefing materials, Q&As and background notes for spokespeople.
• Identify compelling angles for mainstream, specialist and long-form media.
• Lead proactive media work around research milestones, new outputs and conferences.
• Take a lead role in managing the daily press line, ensuring accurate responses and timely escalation.
• Contribute to preparation of the Daily News Summary with clear analysis and timely circulation.

Research & Information Support

• Handle complex or sensitive reactive media enquiries, providing advice on risks, messaging and escalation.
• Monitor the news agenda and research landscape to identify emerging science stories and opportunities.

Cross‑Team Support & Collaboration

• Build and maintain strong relationships with national, broadcast and specialist science/health journalists.
• Work with content, digital and social teams on reactive opportunities and aligned messaging.
• Work with Research Comms to identify and prepare scientists, clinicians and experts for media opportunities.

Administration, Planning & Coordination

• Support improvements in media processes, workflows and systems.
• Participate in the Press Office out‑of‑hours rota and provide high‑quality reactive handling.

Quality, Accuracy & Compliance

• Ensure high-quality, accurate communication of complex information.
• Support crisis and issues‑preparedness planning across the media team.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Significant experience in a press office, PR agency or journalism role with a science, health or research focus.
• Proven ability to translate complex scientific information into compelling media content.
• Experience handling proactive and reactive media issues and delivering high-quality national coverage.
• Experience advising spokespeople or senior stakeholders, and providing media support to individuals with lived experience.
• Excellent writing and editing skills with strong scientific accuracy.
• Strong news judgement and ability to identify impactful opportunities.
• Confidence handling high-pressure or time-sensitive issues.
• Strong relationship-building skills with journalists and researchers.
• Confidence in being able to support and assist junior colleagues.
• Highly organised with attention to detail; proactive and collaborative.

The closing date for applications is the 8th November 2026, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.