Head of Media Relations

We are looking for a Head of Media Relations to join the FDF. The role will involve taking responsibility on shaping strategy and providing leadership and direction as part of the Strategic Communications & Membership function. The successful candidate will be a trusted advisor and provide senior counsel to colleagues across the FDF including the CEO, Director of Communications, Senior leadership, and its membership.

This role will take the lead in directly engaging senior media on issues which matter, building and strengthening relationships with sector journalists and industry stakeholders, to build a consensus and influence outcomes.

The food and drink industry is fast-paced and generates and receives a significant amount of high-profile media coverage, so this role requires a candidate with outstanding news experience, in crisis management, an understanding of policy landscape and a keen understanding of media. 

Key responsibilities

• Demonstrate excellent news judgment and offer guidance to senior colleagues on media engagement.
• Be a credible adviser for the senior leadership and policy teams on how we can use the media to engage with our political stakeholders.
• Lead organisational efforts to communicate detailed policy in an accessible way to audiences.
• Proactively drive impactful industry stories and trends to local, national and global audiences- and spotting trends and opportunities.
• Cultivate relationships with senior political, consumer, business and health journalists on important issues.

Media Relations:

• Understand the media and political landscape, and build constructive relationships with journalists and media stakeholders.
• Ensure FDF's position is well represented in the media by working with the leadership and policy teams.
• Manage the 24-hour press office, lead on crisis management and maximise positive publicity for the FDF and its members.
• Drive the development and execution of FDF Communications Strategy, campaigns across all owned channels.
• Support senior colleagues ahead of media appearances and provide specialist advice on media issues.
• Collaborate with teams on complex issues to ensure that all communication propositions are built on insight, high energy delivery, support strategic priorities and deliver political traction.

Requirements

• Degree or equivalent experience in journalism, communications, or PR.
• Significant front-line media experience, agency or in-house.
• Multi-platform campaign, policy and team management experience.
• Proven track record in producing creative communications and media issues management.
• Translating business strategy into PR plans.
• Effective influencer and communicator to foster high performance and motivate a team
• Maintains judgment under pressure and urgency.

How to apply

To apply, please send us your CV and salary expectations illustrating why you’d be a great candidate to recruitment@fdf.org.uk.

Status: no longer accepting applications

Due to the high number of applications, we are unable to get back to everyone. Only successful applicants will be contacted.