Do you have razor sharp news sense, a flair for storytelling, experience of working in PR or as a journalist and a real desire to play your part in bringing positive change to one of the UK’s biggest social issues? Then join Shelter as Media Manager and you could soon be playing a linchpin role as part of our fight to end the housing emergency.

About Shelter
A home is a fundamental human need, as essential as education or healthcare. Yet millions of people across Britain struggle on a daily basis with homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. So, we are striving for change, with individuals, in communities, across society, and leading the way to a safe home. We need ambitious, best-in-class individuals who are passionate about our cause to join us at this exciting time. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

At Shelter we are united by our purpose to defend the right to a safe home. Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. We believe that to win that fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement for change. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, fair, equitable and transparent.

We have committed to combat racism both within and outside Shelter and welcome you on our journey to becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.

About the team
Operating in a fast-paced, high pressure environment, our media team is constantly responding to emerging news stories in a politically charged environment. We have to react quickly too. Sometimes that’s means pulling a group of key stakeholders together and getting our message out within the hour. Our work needs to be top-notch as Shelter’s reputation is at stake. But despite the profile and speed of our work, we’re a really friendly, open team where your input, ideas and questions will always be welcomed. A place where you needn’t be afraid to put your point across or challenge the status quo. We’ve achieved some great results too, with our most recent success being getting the law around evictions changed during the pandemic. In short, no matter what we’re faced with, we get things done.

About the role
This is your opportunity to play a big part in the day-to-day running of our busy press office, and a central role in developing both proactive and reactive media strands. As well as engaging with senior management and journalists on a daily basis, we’ll rely on you to deputise for the Head of Media when needed, and provide invaluable support on reputational and crisis communications. Planning strategically vital campaigns, acting as reputational gatekeeper and contributing to the management and ongoing development of the media team – these are just some aspects of a challenging high pressure, high reward role that will see you thrive.

We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

About you
Creative, innovative and results driven, you are politically savvy, comfortable with leading change and initiating action even under difficult circumstances. You are an excellent writer and totally at home with translating complex research and policy into pithy soundbites and key messages – a skill you’ll be eager to share with your colleagues who want to learn from a pro.

You don’t just sit back and contemplate. You spot risks and opportunities, and challenge when you need to. Crucially, you already have senior level experience of public relations/press management, ideally gained at another charity/think tank/political party/PR agency. As a result, you understand the inner workings of the media, what makes a story and how to influence the ever-changing news agenda. You have extensive knowledge of media tactics and techniques (traditional, digital, video, photography, podcasts etc), and your communication and relationship building skills are second to none. You’re confident influencing and negotiating at all levels, including handling crisis communications with diligence and sensitivity.

When it comes to empowering your line recruits and colleagues to deliver to the highest standard, your approachability and expertise all come to the fore. Finally, while prior knowledge of housing and homelessness isn’t a must have, you’ll need a passion for social justice. After all, there’s a huge amount we need to achieve together, and you’ll be playing a big part.

Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. We’re here so no one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own.

To find out more about the role and the benefits of working for Shelter please visit our website. Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.

Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.