Job Description

Harnessing creativity. Setting strong challenges. Storytelling with impact.
Health Media Officer
32,000 - 37,000 plus
Reports to: Senior Manager - Health Media
Directorate: Policy, Information and Communications
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time 35 hours per week
Location: Stratford, London . Office-based with high flexibility (1-2 days per week in the office)
Visa sponsorship: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.
Closing date: Sunday 16 November 2025, 23:55
This vacancy may close earlier if a high volume of applications is received or once a suitable candidate is found, therefore we strongly recommend that you apply early to avoid disappointment. If you require more time to apply as part of a reasonable adjustment, please contact as soon as possible.
Recruitment process: 1 stage interview involving a task and competency interview.
Interview date: Thursday 20th November 2025
Join Cancer Research UK - Where Purpose Meets Progress
At Cancer Research UK, we're united by one mission: to beat cancer. Every day, our passionate professionals push boundaries--but we need to go further, faster. That's where you come in.
We're looking for a creative communicator to lead media activity that drives awareness of cancer prevention, health policy, and public engagement. You'll help shape the national conversation, positioning CRUK as a trusted voice in health.
What you'll do:

• Craft compelling press releases, media pitches, and support press briefings.
• Manage reactive media enquiries and brief spokespeople for interviews.
• Help build and maintain relationships with key health journalists and editors.
• Develop and update media plans, briefs, and messaging on health topics.
• Create audience-focused content and evaluate media work.
• Collaborate across teams to source powerful case studies and celebrity advocates that bring to life the human stories behind Cancer Research UK's mission.
• Monitor media trends and adapt strategies to .
• Build strong working relationships with internal team, including evidence teams.
• Collaborate across the communications department help produce engaging, multi-channel content.
• Support thought leadership by drafting opinion pieces for senior staff.

What we're looking for:

• Proven experience working in a press office, ideally with experience in health journalism and/or public relations though this is not essential.
• Experience working with executive leadership team.
• Strong writing, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to simplify complex scientific and medical information for public audiences.
• Creative thinking and a sharp news sense.
• Confidence under pressure and excellent time management.
• Digital fluency and willingness to learn new tools.

Join a vibrant team where every day brings new ideas, connections, and opportunities to grow. Ready to make a difference?
Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do.
Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination
Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism
Human: Act to have a positive impact on people
Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively
We're looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.
If you're interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience we'd still love to hear from you.
What will I gain?
We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals.
You can explore our benefits by visiting our .
How do I apply?
We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won't be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to fully complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly, and objectively.
Additional information
For more information about working with us please or contact us at .
For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on: , , , and .
Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.
We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen. Please contact or 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.

Skills Required