Media Manager

Do you have razor sharp news sense, a flair for storytelling, experience of working in PR or as a journalist and a real desire to play your part in bringing positive change to one of the country’s biggest social issues? Then join Shelter as Media Manager and you could soon be playing a linchpin role in our fight to end the housing emergency.

About the role

This is your opportunity to play a big part in the day-to-day running of our busy press office, and a central role in developing both proactive and reactive media strands. As well as engaging with senior management and journalists on a daily basis, we’ll rely on you to deputise for the Head of Media when needed, and to provide invaluable support on reputational and crisis communications. Planning strategically vital campaigns – including our Winter Appeal, acting as reputational gatekeeper, and contributing to the management and ongoing development of the media team – are just some aspects of this challenging, high reward role that will see you thrive.

Role specifics

Creative, results driven, and politically savvy, you are comfortable with leading change and initiating action even under difficult circumstances. You are an excellent writer and totally at home with translating complex research and policy into pithy soundbites and key messages – a skill you’ll be eager to share with your colleagues who want to learn from a pro.

You don’t just sit back and contemplate. You spot risks and opportunities, and challenge when you need to. Crucially, you already have senior level experience of public relations/press management, ideally gained at a charity/think tank/political party/PR agency or working as a journalist. As a result, you understand the inner workings of the media, what makes a story and how to influence the ever-changing news agenda.

You have extensive knowledge of different media channels and tactics, and your communication and relationship building skills are second to none. You’re confident influencing and negotiating at all levels – including with external partners, including handling crisis communications with diligence and sensitivity.

When it comes to empowering your line recruits and colleagues to deliver to the highest standard, your approachability and expertise all come to the fore. Finally, while prior knowledge of housing and homelessness isn’t a must have, you’ll need a passion for social justice. After all, there’s a huge amount we need to achieve together, and you’ll be playing a big part.

Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. We’re here so no one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own.

We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

About the team

Operating in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, our media team responds to emerging news stories in a politically charged environment. Sometimes that means pulling a group of key stakeholders together and getting our message out the door within the hour. But the team also generates their own engaging and attention-grabbing headlines through our proactive campaigns and big brand moments.

Our work needs to be top-notch because Shelter’s reputation is at stake. But despite the profile and speed of our work, we’re a really friendly, open team where your input, ideas and questions will always be welcomed. A place where you needn’t be afraid to put your point across or challenge the status quo. We’ve achieved some great results too, with recent campaign successes including the Social Housing Regulation Act becoming law, persuading the government to unfreeze Housing Benefit from April 2024, meaning more families can afford their rent, and last but not least pushing forward the Renters’ Rights Bill, ensuring it is as strong as possible to protect renters as it passes through Parliament. In short, no matter what we’re faced with, we get things done.

About Shelter

Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.

Safeguarding statement

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free of harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.

Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs or work with external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.