The Role
SKAO is looking for a Media Relations Manager to develop and deliver the Observatory’s media relations strategy across its Member States and beyond.
Reporting to the Director of Communications and working within the Communications team in the observatory’s Director-General Office, the Media Relations Manager will identify, develop and distribute newsworthy content targeted at journalists internationally, nationally and locally. Other responsibilities include: handling press enquiries, organising press conferences and media visits across SKAO’s facilities, briefing and training senior leaders and colleagues for media appearances, and being responsible for media monitoring and reporting.
Full-time hours will be 35 hours per week and flexible working may be considered compatible with reviews, milestones and sites activities.
Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties
Develop and maintain an international network and personal relations with leading media representatives across traditional and online media channels, both in science and general media worldwide.
Establish close working relationships with press offices in partner institutions across SKAO’s Member States.
Identify newsworthy stories, building on reliable sources and relationships with contacts across the SKA project; the scope of these stories covers the entire spectrum of SKAO-associated activities including but not limited to science, technology, socio-economic impact, sustainability, etc.
Write and edit content in English, including press releases, announcements, web pages, articles, etc.
Distribute press releases and content via suitable channels; this includes the development and use of new and innovative channels if required.
Monitor and evaluate the impact of SKAO’s press work on a regular basis.
Handle press enquiries and interview requests for SKAO and ensure efficient and streamlined handling of such enquiries for requests of relevance for SKAO partner institutions.
Act as SKAO’s main media spokesperson.
Play an active role in all aspects of issues management, including crisis and reputation management.
Advise senior spokespeople, brief and train colleagues for media appearances.
Organise media briefings and press conferences.
Arrange press visits and press tours of SKAO’s facilities as well as facilities where SKA work is undertaken in collaboration with local partners, working around local constraints and under strict rules and requirements.
Travel nationally and internationally as required.
Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Demonstrated experience (typically at least 5 years) in a senior media-relations role in a science-based environment
Demonstrated interest in science and engineering
Demonstrated portfolio of relevant science-related content, campaigns and events
Excellent command of spoken and written English, typically at C2 CEFR level or equivalent
Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and confidently at all levels, presenting complex scientific issues and technical concepts in a style appropriate to the audience, with the ability to represent SKAO externally
Extensive network among international mainstream media, including influential journalists
Excellent interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence, build trust, shape conversations and change behaviours through effective relationship-building
Well-developed analytical, planning and organisational skills
Ability to seek out, examine and cross reference a range of information to identify patterns and trends to pre-empt issues or crisis, and develop innovative and effective reputation management campaigns
A flexible team player with a demonstrated ability to adapt to change, both planned and unforeseen
Ability to work effectively with international stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and cultures
Demonstrated experience in running or supervising media training involving senior managers
Willingness to occasionally travel and work outside normal working hours such as evenings and weekends
Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience
A Master degree in Communications, Media, Public Relations or Journalism, or equivalent qualification
Membership of a relevant professional body
Experience using Meltwater’s suite of tools
Experience using a science news service such as EurekAlert!, AlphaGalileo or other
Experience working or interest in astronomy
Experience using a variety of social media channels
Working knowledge of one or more SKA partner country languages
Experience working in an international environment and/or for an intergovernmental organisation
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