PR and Media Officer

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: PR and Media Officer

🔹 Company: Marie Curie

🔹 Location: United Kingdom

🔹 Job Type: Full time

🔹 Category: Non-profit Organizations

🔹 Date Posted: April 25, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (1 day per week in London)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Supporting national PR campaigns to promote fundraising and brand objectives.
• Managing the charity’s press office and newsroom, proactively and reactively responding to media opportunities.
• Building and nurturing relationships with journalists across print, online, and broadcast media.
• Working closely with internal teams to source stories and case studies that drive media impact.
• Monitoring emerging issues and supporting on reputational risk and crisis communications.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the UK media landscape and excellent communication skills to effectively manage media relations and drive impactful coverage.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Supporting the development and delivery of national PR campaigns that promote fundraising and brand objectives.

✅ Helping manage the charity’s national press office/newsroom, proactively and reactively responding to media opportunities.

✅ Drafting and distributing press releases, statements, briefings, and Q&As to position Marie Curie as a leading voice in end of life care.

✅ Building and nurturing relationships with journalists across print, online, and broadcast media.

✅ Working closely with internal teams to source stories and case studies that drive media impact and support strategic KPIs.

✅ Identifying and preparing media spokespeople and storytellers, ensuring authentic and powerful representation of lived experiences.

✅ Monitoring emerging issues and supporting on reputational risk and crisis communications.

✅ Taking part in the on-call rota, including occasional out-of-hours, weekend, and bank holiday working.

✅ Tracking and evaluating media coverage against agreed performance metrics.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure to meet tight deadlines.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: A relevant degree or equivalent experience in public relations, journalism, or a related field.

Experience: Proven experience in public relations (in-house or agency), particularly in a press office/newsroom setting or as a journalist.

Required Skills:

• Excellent communication and writing skills, with strong attention to detail and sensitivity when handling personal stories.
• Strong knowledge of the UK media landscape and current affairs, with a proven ability to secure impactful coverage.
• Demonstrated ability to work efficiently, manage multiple priorities, and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
• A proactive self-starter, comfortable working independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working in the non-profit sector.
• Knowledge of end of life care and related issues.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the non-profit sector or knowledge of end of life care may have a competitive advantage in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £28,000 per annum (+ £3,500 London Weighting Allowance if applicable)

Benefits:

• Flexible working.
• 25 days annual leave (exclusive of Bank Holidays).
• Marie Curie Group Personal Pension Scheme (we will match your contribution up to 7.5%).
• Loan schemes for bikes, computers, and season tickets.
• Continuous professional development opportunities.
• Industry-leading training programmes.
• Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programmes.
• Enhanced bereavement, family friendly, and sickness benefits.
• Access to Blue Light Card membership.
• Subsidised Eye Care.

Working Hours: 35 hours per week.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is competitive for the non-profit sector and reflects the experience level required for this role.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Marie Curie is a leading end of life charity in the UK, providing hospice care, support, research, and campaigns. They operate across all four nations, delivering community nursing and hospice care, while also providing information and support on all aspects of dying, death, and bereavement.

Company Size: Marie Curie has 1,001-5,000 employees, providing a supportive and ambitious work environment with opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Founded: Marie Curie was founded in 1948 by Dame Cicely Saunders, the pioneer of the modern hospice movement.

Company Description:

• Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end of life charity, dedicated to providing the best possible quality of life for people living with a terminal illness.
• The organization delivers community nursing and hospice care, conducts leading research, and campaigns for better end of life care.
• Marie Curie’s Marketing & Communications department includes the PR & Media team, which works to amplify the charity’s voice across national and regional media platforms.

Company Specialties:

• Hospice care and support.
• Research into end of life care.
• Campaigning for better end of life care.

Company Website: https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/

ASSUMPTION: Working at Marie Curie offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on end of life care in the UK, with a focus on supporting people living with a terminal illness and their families.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is suitable for a mid-level professional with 2-5 years of experience in public relations or a related field.

Reporting Structure: The PR and Media Officer will report to the Senior PR & Media Officer and work closely with the wider Marketing & Communications team, as well as other departments within Marie Curie.

Work Arrangement: This role is based in a hybrid arrangement, with at least 1 day per week in the Embassy Gardens office in London.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression within the Marketing & Communications department or other departments within Marie Curie.
• Developing skills and expertise in end of life care and related issues.
• Gaining experience in working for a leading charity and contributing to its long-term goals.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within a supportive and ambitious team.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Marie Curie’s head office is located in Embassy Gardens, London, with additional offices and services across the UK.

Office Location(s): One Embassy Gardens, London, SW11 7BW, GB

Geographic Context:

• The UK has a diverse media landscape, with national, regional, and specialist media outlets.
• London is a major hub for media and communications, with numerous opportunities for engagement and collaboration.
• The UK has a strong tradition of end of life care, with a growing focus on improving the quality of life for people living with a terminal illness.

Work Schedule: The working hours for this role are 35 hours per week, with occasional out-of-hours, weekend, and bank holiday working as part of the on-call rota.

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility and a better work-life balance, while also providing opportunities for collaboration and learning in the office environment.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission.
• Phone or video screening with the HR team.
• Face-to-face or video interview with the hiring manager and a member of the team.
• Final stage interview with the Director of Marketing & Communications.

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills and ability to handle sensitive information.
• Understanding of the UK media landscape and relevant experience.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Alignment with Marie Curie’s values and mission.

Application Tips:

• Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experience for this role.
• Demonstrate your understanding of the UK media landscape and Marie Curie’s work in your application.
• Prepare examples of your previous media engagement and success stories.
• Research Marie Curie’s mission, values, and recent campaigns to show your enthusiasm and alignment with the organization.

ATS Keywords: Public Relations, Media Engagement, Storytelling, Press Office Management, Writing, Communication, Relationship Building, Crisis Communications, Media Monitoring, Stakeholder Management, Initiative, Attention to Detail, Time Management, Interpersonal Skills, Proactivity, Collaboration, UK Media Landscape, End of Life Care, Non-profit Organizations

ASSUMPTION: Including relevant ATS keywords in your application can help ensure that your CV is picked up by Marie Curie’s applicant tracking system.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Media databases and monitoring tools (e.g., Muck Rack, Agility PR Solutions).
• Press release distribution platforms (e.g., PR Newswire, Cision).
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello).

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with relevant media databases, press release distribution platforms, and project management tools can be beneficial for this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Caring: We put people at the heart of everything we do.
• Compassionate: We show empathy and understanding in our approach to others.
• Expert: We strive to be the best at what we do, continuously learning and improving.

Work Style:

• Collaborative: We work together, sharing knowledge and supporting each other to achieve our goals.
• Adaptable: We embrace change and find innovative solutions to challenges.
• Accountable: We take responsibility for our actions and deliver on our commitments.

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you demonstrate empathy and understanding when working with sensitive stories and individuals affected by terminal illness?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you secured impactful media coverage, and how did you adapt your approach to different media outlets and audiences?
• How do you manage your time and priorities effectively when working on multiple projects with tight deadlines?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants who can demonstrate a strong fit with Marie Curie’s values and work style will be more likely to succeed in this role and contribute to the organization’s mission.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The role may require working on weekends, bank holidays, and out-of-hours as part of the on-call rota.
• Handling sensitive and emotional stories may be challenging and require strong communication skills and empathy.
• The role may involve managing multiple priorities and tight deadlines, requiring strong organizational skills and time management.
• The UK media landscape can be competitive and fast-paced, with a need for proactive and strategic engagement.

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to work flexible hours and manage multiple priorities, while also demonstrating strong communication skills and resilience in the face of challenging situations.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other PR and Media Officer roles, this position offers the opportunity to work for a leading charity and make a significant impact on end of life care in the UK.
• Marie Curie’s focus on end of life care and related issues may require a different approach to media engagement and storytelling compared to other organizations.
• This role may offer more opportunities for growth and development within a supportive and ambitious team compared to larger or more established organizations.

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider the unique aspects of this role and how it aligns with their career goals and interests.

📝 Sample Projects

• Securing high-impact media coverage for a Marie Curie fundraising campaign, such as the Great Daffodil Appeal or the Blooming Great Tea Party.
• Managing media relations for a high-profile event, such as the annual Marie Curie Awards or a major fundraising event.
• Developing and implementing a strategic media plan to raise awareness of a specific end of life care issue or campaign, such as the need for better palliative care or the importance of bereavement support.

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to provide examples of their previous media engagement and success stories, demonstrating their ability to secure impactful coverage and drive meaningful public engagement.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into the wider Marketing & Communications team and the organization as a whole?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 3-6 months?
• How does Marie Curie support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What is the team culture like, and how does it contribute to a positive work environment?
• How does Marie Curie approach work-life balance, and what support is available for employees?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions can demonstrate your interest in the role and organization, while also providing valuable information to help you make an informed decision.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link.
• Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experience for this role.
• Prepare examples of your previous media engagement and success stories.
• Research Marie Curie’s mission, values, and recent campaigns to show your enthusiasm and alignment with the organization.
• Follow up with the HR team one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.