Blue Cross
Media Officer - part time, 6 month FTC
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Media Officer - Part-Time, 6 Month Fixed-Term Contract
Application Deadline: 12 July 2026 Department: Fundraising, Comms & Engagement Employment Type: Fixed Term – Part Time Location: Manchester Reporting To: Head of Media Relations Compensation: £26,000 – £33,000 per year
Description
- Contract: Part-time, 6-month Fixed-Term Contract (FTC) (14 hours per week, Wednesdays & Thursdays)
- Salary: £34,122–£36,000 per annum (plus £3,954 London Weighting Allowance if based in London, pro rata)
- Location: Burford (Manchester Region), Manchester, or London
- Closing Date: Sunday, 12 July 2026
- Interview Date: 23 & 24 July 2026
Role Summary
Do you have a passion for storytelling, a strong news sense, and the ability to secure impactful media coverage? If yes, this is the role for you!
We are seeking a Media Officer to join our Communications team, where you’ll play a vital role in raising the profile of Blue Cross as a leading UK pet charity. This opportunity lets you deliver meaningful media coverage, enhance our brand awareness, and bring our work to a wider audience.
This is a single eligible role with the flexibility to be based at our Burford (near Manchester) site, Manchester office, or London office—including hybrid working arrangements.
More About the Role
Working closely with the Head of Media Relations, you’ll support the forward planning and delivery of the media strategy, helping identify compelling stories and aligning with the news agenda.
Key Responsibilities:
- Coordinator media strategy and execution, spotting stories internally and externally
- Proactively respond to breaking news and pet welfare issues
- Safely manage media enquiries to deadlines
- Champion Blue Cross brand purpose through PR efforts
- Build and nurture relationships with journalists for sustained coverage
- Collaborate with rehoming teams, veterinary services, retail shops, fundraising, education, and fundraising teams to propel story reach
- Plan and execute press visits, media events, and filming sessions
- Participate in out-of-hours media emergency response
- Represent Blue Cross at sector-specific media events and gatherings
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What You Will Bring
We’re looking for a confident media professional who thrives in both independent and collaborative settings, with the ability to act as an expert guide on PR best practices. Essential traits include:
- A proactive work ethic, strong organisational skills, and multitasking under pressure
- Creative and results-driven approach that unifies PR, digital, and marketing
- Exceptional interpersonal communication skills to engage a diverse audience of stakeholders
- Charismatic ambassador quality who can advocate for media strategy
Not just one of many—you’ll bring team spirit into play, fostering mutual respect and accountability.
Requirements
Essential Qualifications, Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in media relations, PR agency work, or journalism
- Ability to spot and develop national-breaking news/opportunities from scratch
- Experience in designing and executing creative PR campaigns
- Fluent communication writing skills (newsletters, quotes, press statements etc.)
- Relationship-building expertise with both internal and external contacts
- Expertise in organising photo shoots and directing filming activity
- Experience briefing and supporting media spokespeople
- Experience leveraging celebrity engagement to amplify media coverage
- Understanding of how PR intersects with digital and social campaigns
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Desirable Qualifications, Skills & Experience
- Experience in reputation management
- Training in agency management
- Expertise in the charity or welfare sector
- Firsthand knowledge of animal welfare issues and related media trends
How to Apply
To apply, visit our careers site and complete your application alongside the questions that prove how you meet these criteria. Applicants who align with our needs may be shortlisted sooner.
Blue Cross reserves the right to close the position early if the right candidates apply.
Why Work at Blue Cross?
Our team makes everything possible. In return, we make sure every team member feels valued and thrives, offering a comprehensive benefits package that reflects our mission.
Here’s what we provide:
- Vacation allowance: 38 days annual leave (rising to 43 days with seniority), inclusive of holidays and banker breaks
- Wellbeing support: Mental and physical wellness programmes
- Holistic health perks: Free reimbursement for medical visits or prescriptions via MetLife-24/7 GP support + family coverage
- Cash plan benefits
- Unlimited access to employee assistance programmes
- Pension scheme with core employer additions
- Full coverage of CPD and professional development + stipends
- Life assurance guarantee
- 20% discount on Pet Plan pet insurance subscriptions
- Flexible, family-friendly policies
- Recognition programme (acknowledging excellence)
- Volunteer days to give back
- Charity worker discounts (extended discounts at high-street stores)
Learn more details on our ‘Why Work for Us?’ page.
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