Head of Media Relations, ITV

We have partnered with one of the UK’s leading broadcast networks – ITV – to find their next Head of Media Relations.

Shaping culture is in the DNA of ITV. So, it’s not surprising that you’ll find them in every home in the UK, their productions are famous all over the world and they’re at the forefront of the digital streaming revolution.

When you join them, you enter a fun working environment. With opportunities to learn, to grow and make a real difference. Small enough that your impact’s felt in the business, but big enough that your impact reaches millions of people.

Come develop your skills, change TV and the course of your career. Don’t just watch it. Be part of it. Join ITV.

The team

The Programme Publicity team at ITV is responsible for all content PR for programming on ITV’s platforms. As the UK’s largest commercial broadcaster, they recognise the power and reach of their programming and want to ensure that the widest range of people can tell their stories. The team proactively search for audiences for ITV and ITVX through media outreach, using ITV’s diverse range of content and programming to attract viewers. They work closely with the corporate communications team on issues and reputation management to promote and protect ITV talent, programmes and the ITV and ITVX brands.

The role

This role will lead on the media handling of key reputational issues and stories, working with both the programme publicity and corporate communications teams. You’ll act as storyteller and firefighter by creating a positive narrative around the ITV and ITVX brands. Equally, you will enhance the reputational work that both the programme publicity and corporate communications teams undertake whilst allowing for planning and strategic thinking on those areas that straddle programme publicity and corporate comms, whilst working closely with both teams.

It’s important to note that this role will require regular weekend and evening work throughout, as a matter of course. This will be compensated by regular days off in lieu.

Skills you’ll need (minimum criteria)

• Demonstrable extensive experience of proactive and reactive media relations and reputation management at a senior level with excellent judgement and evidence of leading conversations where issues management is involved.
• Providing counsel and guidance to senior stakeholders both internally and externally and will be well versed in these types of conversations.
• Excellent writing and communication skills. Highly articulate and informed with demonstrable creative and strategic thinking.
• Keen interest in and understanding of the media industry, innovations in publicity and understanding of social media.

Other things they’re looking for (key criteria)

• Agility and flexibility. The role will involve weekend work and some unsociable hours and you will thrive on unpredictability and variety. The ability to remain highly focused and flexible whilst working under pressure over periods of time with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously within unpredictable environments and challenging scenarios.
• You will have an eye for a story – both positive and negative – and have creative ideas to enhance or mitigate against them as appropriate.
• You will have excellent relevant contacts across a range of media but particularly tabloids, online media and broadsheets. The successful candidate will be well plugged into these outlets and will be used to engaging with them at a senior level.
• Experience within the Entertainment sphere with media contacts at a senior level amongst showbiz, entertainment and broadcast press.
• Understanding of the Broadcasting and streaming industries with the accompanying knowledge of relevant issues to those industries.

ITV strongly encourages applications for this role from disabled people. As a Disability Confident Leader, if you meet the minimum criteria for a role and you have declared that you are disabled, they’ll guarantee to take you to the next stage* (minimum criteria above).

*There may be a few exceptions where they are not able to take all eligible candidates to the next stage due to the volume of applications.

ITV offers some great rewards and benefits including:

• Flexible working with a range of options to suit everyone
• Generous holiday allowance, plus you can buy more
• Annual bonus opportunity
• Competitive pension contribution
• Save as you earn – with an opportunity to buy ITV shares
• Wellbeing and volunteering days plus a wide range of opportunities to help you live a balanced and healthy life

If you have the relevant experience and this opportunity sounds interesting, then please get in touch with a copy of your CV as soon as possible via the form below.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all. Applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.