PR & Media Relations Manager

About The Role

We are currently seeking a PR & Media Relations Manager to join our Corporate Communications and PR department at The Bedford College Group. As a PR & Media Relations Manager, you play an important role in the success of our students through:

• PR Strategy & Media Relations - Develop and deliver proactive PR plans, generate compelling stories, build strong media relationships, and secure positive coverage across local, regional, national, and specialist media channels.
• Press Office & Reputation Management - Act as the primary media contact, manage enquiries, coordinate interviews and press opportunities, prepare spokesperson briefings, and support the management of reputational and crisis communications.
• Content Creation & Storytelling - Produce high-quality press releases, media statements, feature articles, case studies, speeches, and thought leadership content that promote the Group’s achievements, expertise, and impact.
• Team Leadership & Performance Management - Lead and develop the Communications & PR Executive, ensuring high standards of professionalism, performance, responsiveness, and continuous improvement across PR activities.
• Performance Monitoring & Stakeholder Engagement - Evaluate PR effectiveness through media analysis and reporting, provide strategic recommendations, represent the Group at events and meetings, and support wider corporate communications objectives while upholding safeguarding, EDI, and compliance standards.

About You

• Qualifications & Professional Expertise - Degree or professional qualification in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience), supported by evidence of continuous professional development.
• Media Relations & PR Experience - Proven experience in PR, media relations, journalism, or corporate communications, with a successful track record of securing positive media coverage across local, regional, national, and specialist media outlets.
• Content Creation & Strategic Communication - Strong news sense and storytelling ability, with experience researching, developing, and delivering compelling content for a variety of audiences, channels, and stakeholder groups.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management - Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with journalists, media contacts, senior leaders, and internal stakeholders while managing sensitive media enquiries professionally.
• Analysis, Organisation & Professionalism - Strong project management, organisational, and analytical skills, with the ability to evaluate communications performance, manage multiple priorities, maintain accuracy and professional judgement, work flexibly, travel across campuses, and commit to ongoing professional development.

Benefits

• Salary between £41,086 and £45,000 per annum DOE and Qualifications
• 27 days annual leave plus Bank holidays
• People’s pension
• Retail and Leisure Discounts
• Excellent professional and personal development opportunities
• Accessing college courses

Pay & Schedule

• 37 hours per week – 52 weeks per year
• Contract Type: Permanent – Full Time

Location: Bedford College – Cauldwell Street Campus or Tresham College – Kettering Campus

This is a UK based contract, and you are required to have the Right to Work in the UK. Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer sponsorship and any offer of employment will be subject to evidence of your Right to Work in the UK.

Successful candidates must also be able to demonstrate alignment to our organisational VISION values: Valuing Teamwork, Improving Continuously, Student Centred, Inclusive, Open and Caring, and Nurturing Education Excellence.