Job Description

Are you passionate about shaping stories that make an impact and building a powerful public voice?

Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment, turning opportunities into compelling narratives and delivering high-impact media campaigns?

Could you be our next External Communications and PR Lead, helping to continue to raise the IET's profile and strengthen our reputation across the media?

47,000-51,000

Fixed Term Contract until January 2027 / Full Time

Stevenage with Hybrid Working

At the IET, making our world a better place starts by creating a better place for our people. At the IET you'll have more than just a job. Our work is exciting and challenging, connecting the people who solve the problems that matter. It means working with us has real meaning and impact, and you'll grow - professionally and personally - in ways you never thought possible. We're also making significant investments in our people, including providing a modern, vibrant workplace and embracing hybrid working.

What you'll be doing

As our External Communications and PR Lead, you'll play a pivotal role in raising the IET's profile and strengthening our reputation as a trusted voice in engineering and technology. You'll lead UK media relations and collaborate with colleagues internationally to deliver strategic, high-impact PR campaigns that amplify our voice on the topics that matter most.

This is a dynamic, fast-paced role where you'll combine strategic thinking with hands-on delivery; you'll need to be able to spot opportunities, shape narratives, and respond swiftly to real-world events with confident, relevant commentary. You'll be the driving force behind proactive and reactive media activity, securing meaningful coverage across national, trade, broadcast and consumer outlets, and ensuring our messaging cuts through.

You'll also oversee supporting social media campaigns that extend reach, reinforce positioning and strengthen our brand. Working closely with senior stakeholders and spokespeople, you'll bring creativity, confidence and sound judgement to every engagement, ensuring the IET continues to be seen and heard as a thought leader in engineering and technology.

What we hope you can bring to the role

We're looking for an experienced and strategic communications professional with a passion for storytelling and the ability to turn complex technical issues into compelling media narratives. You'll have a strong track record in media relations, confident pitching skills, and an instinct for what makes a good news story.

You'll be comfortable working directly with senior leaders, offering sound advice and delivering under pressure, and you'll have proven experience in both proactive and reactive PR. You'll be an exceptional writer who is confident crafting press releases, statements and speeches, as well as being just as skilled at managing relationships with journalists and influencers across digital and traditional platforms.

If you can bring creativity, initiative, and a solutions-focused mindset, alongside a deep understanding of how to build and protect an organisation's reputation, we'd love to hear from you.

We'd love to get to know you

Is Imposter syndrome creeping in? Don't worry - we'd rather hear from you this time than not hear from you at all! Read on for a little more information about the role; but also, keep in mind that we're open to discussing flexible ways of working, including reduced hours and working in an agile way, supported by a hybrid working framework that allows you to find the best place to do your best work.

A little more about the role

Lead proactive and reactive media engagement to ensure the IET is recognised as the go-to voice on engineering and technology. Develop and deliver high-impact PR campaigns that align with the IET's strategic objectives and media KPIs. Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists and influencers across national, trade, broadcast and consumer media. Work closely with IET spokespeople, preparing them for media opportunities and ensuring consistent, credible messaging. Draft official positions, briefings, press releases and statements that strengthen the IET's visibility and reputation. Monitor emerging issues and trends, identifying potential risks and coordinating timely, strategic responses to protect and enhance the IET's reputation. Support and amplify PR activity through digital and social media campaigns. Craft speeches and presentations for senior leaders, ensuring they engage and inspire a wide range of audiences. Mentor and support Senior Communications Executives, deputising for the Head of Operational Communications when required. Evaluate media and social media performance, using insights to inform ongoing communications strategy. Provide expert communications advice to colleagues across the IET, in the UK and internationally. Be part of the out-of-hours media rota, providing timely support when required.

A little more about what we're looking for

Significant experience in external communications, PR or journalism, ideally within a national or high-profile organisation. Proven ability to raise profile and reputation through strategic PR campaigns and effective media engagement. Strong news sense with the ability to identify and act on opportunities quickly and appropriately. Exceptional writing and storytelling skills, with experience drafting press releases, statements, articles and speeches. Confidence working with senior leaders and media spokespeople, offering expert advice and guidance. Experience managing digital and social media activity to support wider communications goals. Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results under pressure. A collaborative, supportive team player who brings creativity, initiative and positivity to their work.

What if you could be you?

The IET is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. To find out more, head over to our 'Work for the IET' site.

By submitting an application for this role, you hereby consent to the processing of your personal information by iRecruit, our Applicant Tracking System tool, in accordance with applicable data protection laws and our privacy policy. Full information on our Recruitment Privacy Statement can be here: Recruitment Privacy Statement (theiet.org). Full information on our Privacy Statement can be found here: Privacy (theiet.org).

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: 47,000.00-51,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Casual dress Company pension Employee discount Free parking Gym membership Life insurance On-site parking Private medical insurance Referral programme Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Stevenage SG1 2UA