Media Relations Manager(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Role Summary

We are looking for an ambitious and proactive Media Relations Manager to join our Communications team on a fixed-term basis. This role is ideal for a communications professional who thrives in fast-paced environments, understands how to craft a compelling narrative, and knows how to secure strong media coverage across both traditional and digital platforms.

As the University’s media specialist, you will play a central role in raising the profile of our research, campaigns, community stories, and strategic priorities. Whether you are turning a complex academic project into a headline-worthy story, or supporting senior leaders through sensitive communications issues, you will be one of the key drivers shaping Sussex’s public voice.

This post involves leading press activity, developing innovative media campaigns, and providing expert guidance on managing reputational opportunities and risks. You will track breaking news, identify opportunities for our academics to influence national debate, and ensure Sussex is positioned as a trusted source for commentary and insight.

The role also requires professionalism when handling high-risk or confidential matters, a willingness to collaborate across teams, and confidence in advising leaders on communications strategy. Out-of-hours work will occasionally be required as part of a duty rota.

Main Responsibilities

• Produce high-quality press releases, briefing materials, opinion articles, and multimedia content that showcase the University’s research, expertise, and community impact.
• Design and implement creative media campaigns targeted at local, national, and international audiences.
• Build and sustain effective relationships with journalists, editors, producers, and media organisations.
• Provide strategic communications guidance to senior staff, particularly in relation to reputation management and crisis response.
• Monitor news trends and act quickly to position Sussex academics within emerging stories.
• Support colleagues and stakeholders to identify and progress promising media stories.
• Oversee media monitoring, evaluate impact, and refine approaches to improve reach and engagement.
• Contribute to cross-team projects within the Communications, Engagement and Advancement division.
• Participate in the on-call rota and respond to urgent media issues outside standard working hours.

About You

To be successful in this role, you should bring:

• Significant experience in media relations, journalism, PR, or a related communications field.
• The ability to turn complex or technical subjects into clear, engaging, and newsworthy material.
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills across multiple formats.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the confidence to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Familiarity with the UK media landscape and current digital communications trends.
• Experience in campaign development, event coordination, or multimedia content creation is highly advantageous.
• The ability to manage multiple deadlines and work effectively under pressure.
• A collaborative and supportive approach to teamwork.
• Some duties may involve evening or weekend work, with compensatory time provided.

About the Division

The Communications, Engagement and Advancement (CEA) Division provides leadership in brand strategy, student recruitment communications, alumni engagement, community partnerships, and institutional advancement. We work closely with academic schools and external partners to support the University’s strategic goals and share the impactful work happening across Sussex.

Why Join Us

Our campus is located beside the scenic South Downs National Park, with excellent transport links via Falmer Station and local bus routes. Staff also benefit from:

• Cycle-to-work schemes
• On-site parking at reduced rates
• A supportive hybrid-working culture
• A vibrant international community
• A broad range of staff benefits and development opportunities
• Sussex is known worldwide for its research excellence and progressive values—and our people are central to that success.

Additional Information

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to an inclusive recruitment process. All work for this role must be undertaken within the UK.

• Closing Date: 1 December 2025, 3:59 PM
  Expected Start: As soon as possible
  Contract Duration: 6 months (maternity cover)