Media and PR Manager I £40,926 I London (with hybrid working) I Permanent
Location: Hybrid – London SW1
Salary: £40,926 (plus generous benefits, including 34 days’ annual leave + bank holidays, pension scheme)
Hours: Full Time
Contract Type: Permanent
The British Academy is the UK’s national academy for the humanities and social sciences. We champion the SHAPE disciplines (Social Sciences, Humanities and the Arts for People and the Economy) and demonstrate their vital contribution to society, policy and public life.
We are now seeking an experienced Media and PR Manager to play a central role in shaping how our work is seen, heard and understood by influential audiences across the UK and internationally.
The Role
This is a high-profile, hands-on role at the heart of the British Academy’s Media & Public Affairs team. Reporting to the Deputy Head of Media and PR, you will manage the day-to-day running of the press office and lead the delivery of proactive, high-quality media coverage across the Academy’s wide-ranging work.
You will line manage two colleagues – the Media & PR Officer and the Media & Public Affairs Assistant – and work closely with senior leaders, Fellows and funded researchers to translate complex communications into compelling stories that resonate with policymakers, journalists and thought leaders.
Your work will span major areas of the Academy’s activity, including public policy and international programmes, higher education and research policy, public and academic conferences and events, prizes and awards, the election of Fellows, and profiling and thought leadership for senior spokespeople.
About You
You’ll hit the ground running in this small, dynamic team. You’ll enjoy working in a collaborative, respectful environment where ideas, evidence and impact sit at the heart of communications. You’re an experienced Media and PR professional with excellent planning and organising skills.
In this role, you will bring experience in the following areas:
- Managing the full lifecycle of news stories, from identifying opportunities that raise the Academy’s profile to delivering effective communications plans for high profile events, and managing reactive media
- Turning complex policy and research content into clear, compelling materials including press releases, pitches, speeches, social media copy and interview briefings
- Navigating internal and external approval processes with confidence and sensitivity, and working closely with senior stakeholders
- Developing story ideas, features and broadcast opportunities aligned to the Academy’s strategic priorities and showcasing the SHAPE disciplines
- Building strong relationships with Fellows and funded researchers to amplify their work across the media and the Academy’s own channels
- Supporting senior spokespeople through drafting speeches, briefings and profile-building communications
- Line managing and developing the Media & PR Officer and Media & Public Affairs Assistant, with a strong focus on wellbeing and professional growth
Working at the Academy
Our senior management team have worked with staff to foster a culture of collaboration, respect, and empathy, in which all contributions are recognised as we work towards our common goals. Our people strategy and working practices focus on building strengths and sharing insights, with learning & development, wellbeing, and equality, diversity & inclusion at the centre of how we operate as an organisation. Investing in our staff and encouraging a healthy work/life balance is central to our success, as we move forward and continue to grow. Find out more about the British Academy, including our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement, on our website.
How to apply
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion statement
As a key part of our People Strategy, the British Academy is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment, promoting equal opportunity and addressing under-representation. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We will make reasonable adjustments to support disabled job applicants and offer an interview to those meeting the minimum selection criteria.
Longmire Recruitment is our dedicated recruitment partner for this vacancy
Please submit a CV to sonya@longmirerecruitment.co.uk .
Applications must be received no later than 12:00 noon on Friday 30th January 2026
We have a two-step approach to hiring, beginning with submitting your CV. You will be given instructions to write a supporting statement. This will be followed by a panel interview, which could incorporate a task or presentation component.
Please note that you may be asked to reference any literature that you may refer to, as applications that are highly plagiarised and not your own work. e.g. ChatGPT, will be declined
Interview date Tuesday 10th February.
Job & Company Detail
Applications Accepted Until
30 January 2026
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