Hi there

You may know someone currently working in a senior media relations and public affairs role who would be interested in applying for this post, details below, so please forward. On this occasion we aren’t looking for a science communicator per se.

Applications to [log in to unmask] please.

Barbara Davies
Communications Director
Understanding Animal Research
Charles Darwin House

12 Roger Street, London WC1N 2JU

tel: 020 7685 2672   fax: 020 7685 2684  mob: 07740 181632

Media and Public Affairs Manager

As a science-based organisation, Understanding Animal Research works on a daily basis with others in the bioscience sector, with science journalists, with science-savvy policy makers and MPs, and with science teachers.

Now we need an experienced communications professional who can think outside the science box. The Media and Public affairs Manager will manage Understanding Animal Research’s pro-active non-science media and public affairs work. He or she will keep the organisation engaged with relevant public affairs issues, contribute to how we manage our reputation, and attend and report on external policy-related events.

SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

•             The successful candidate will be a graduate, may have a postgraduate qualification, and will have at least three years relevant communications experience.

•             Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex ideas to a range of audiences and to generate trust and confidence in individuals at all levels both within and outside the organisation.

•             Experience of public affairs, including detailed knowledge of the UK political system and public affairs tools. 

•             Experience of working in communications/public affairs/policy teams.

•             Understanding and experience of managing events including providing briefing material and logistical support.

•             Ability to manage a portfolio of projects while analysing and interpreting complex information and presenting it clearly and precisely, both verbally and in writing.

•             Understanding and experience of working across media channels and an ability to recognise the needs of different media (particularly non-science and consumer magazines), knowledge of media processes and tools including use of freelancers and pitching stories to editors.

This post reports to the Communications Director at Understanding Animal Research, which is based at Charles Darwin House, Central London. The contract will be for 12 months in the first instance with the possibility of extension.  Salary will be in the range of £34K - £8K for the right candidate.

More information, including a job description, is available at http://www.understandinganimalresearch.org.uk/about_us/current_vacancies

Please apply by sending your CV and an email explaining how your skills and experience meet the requirements of this post to [log in to unmask]. The closing date for applications is 6 February 2012.