PR and Communications Lead

Interim PR & Communications Manager

Contract: Interim Location: Hybrid (2 days per week in Birmingham) Rate: £30 per hourStart: ASAP

About the role We're hiring a seasoned Press & PR Manager to protect and enhance the organisation's reputation, drive proactive storytelling, and manage media handling across multiple portfolios. You'll lead a small press team, deliver 24/7 responsive coverage for breaking news, and provide confident counsel to senior officers and Members in a politically sensitive environment.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a comprehensive media strategy and handling plans; secure high-impact regional/national coverage.
• Lead a press team providing 24-hour cover for incidents; coordinate with partner press offices during crises.
• Build and maintain senior media relationships; prepare spokespeople; deliver media training and counsel to Members and officers.
• Monitor and report media performance; ensure robust governance, audit readiness and budget stewardship.

Essential experience

• Proven delivery of regional and national coverage from proactive stories; crisis/issue management with political sensitivity.
• Senior-level stakeholder management; excellent news/feature writing; ability to perform calmly to tight deadlines in high-profile contexts.
• Team leadership and budget management; strong understanding of governance, data protection and equalities in public sector communications.

What you need to do nowIf you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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