The Wellcome Trust is a global charitable foundation. We improve health for everyone by funding science, leading policy and advocacy campaigns, and building partnerships.   

We plan to spend £16bn over the next ten years, funding new discoveries in life, health, and wellbeing, and taking on three global health challenges: mental health, infectious disease and climate and health.   

These challenges need the bold science we support, but they won’t be solved by science alone.   

Where in Wellcome will I be working?    

You will work within theCommunications function, part ofWellcome’sCorporate Affairs directorate reporting to the Head of News and Content.This is a people‑managementrole leading a team of fourMediaandPlanning Managersand a Senior Communications Coordinatorwithin across‑functionalenvironment that works closely withresearchprogramme teams, policyandgovernmentrelationsand strategicpartnershipsYour work will directly supportWellcomeTrustto effectively communicate itsmission across its Solutions programmes-Climate & Health, MentalHealthand Infectious Diseases,as well as Discovery research.

What will I be doing?   

Youwilllead the development and delivery of a proactive,data‑drivenmedia strategy that strengthensWellcomeTrust’sinfluence on global health challengesThis includes:

• Guiding your team to surface compelling stories from acrossWellcome’sprogrammes and partnerships, translating complex scientific and policy evidence into clear, engaging narratives.

• Leadingcapability‑buildingacross the organisation on news writing, narrative development.

• Oversee and develop the systems, technologies and external supplier partnerships that support a high-performing media office, driving operational excellence and effective service delivery.

• UsingAI‑enabledinsight, sentimentanalysisand predictive modelling toidentifyemerging narratives,opportunitiesand risksacross Wellcome’skey areas of focus.

• EnsuringWellcome’svoice is present in the right debates at the right time through both proactive and reactive media engagement.

• Overseeinghigh‑qualitynews production across channels, working closely with content and brandand corporate communicationscolleagues.

• Working in close conjunction with the other lead roles across Wellcome’s News and Content function – Brand and Corporate Communications and Content Lead to support teams toeffectivelyplan aheadand develop cohesive strategic plans for communications acrossWellcomeTrust.

Is this job for me?    

This role is ideal if you are an experienced media leader who thrives in afast‑moving,cross‑functionalenvironment and enjoys shaping narratives on complex global issues.You’llsucceed here if you:

• Bring strong editorial judgement and can spot emerging narratives and reputational risks early.

• Are energised by leading and developinghigh‑performingteams.

• Can translate complex research into accessible, impactful stories.

• Are confident navigating matrixed organisations and building strong relationships across disciplines.

• Care deeply about inclusive,equitablecommunication and want to help evolve howWellcomecommunicates using new formats,channelsand technologies.

To apply for this role please submit an update CV and answer the application questions to demonstrate that you meet the minimum requirements for the role.

Minimum Criteria

•  Substantial experience leading and developing high-performing teams and commissioning and managing external agencies, ideally through periods of change, with demonstrable experience coordinating budgets, timelines or resources across multiple projects.  

• Proven ability guiding a mid-sized team working across multiple organisational areas to apply strong editorial judgement and understanding how to shape narratives while translating complex or technical information into clear, engaging communications for diverse audiences.  

• Significant experience in news strategy, media relations or editorial leadership, driving high-profile proactive media campaigns resulting in results globally. 

• Strong editorial judgement and proven experience unearthing compelling toplines, emerging narratives and managing reputational risks working in close partnership with colleagues across a complex organisation.  

• Strong line management skills and demonstrable experience motivating a team to deliver high‑qualityoutputs under pressure.  

You can view the full  on our website 

You can read more about the benefits we offer our employees onour website

Our Hybrid Way of Working   

We understand that our colleagues have commitments and personal interests outside of work and we strive to build a flexible working environment, in which people can perform at their best.  At Wellcome we have a hybrid way of working which is 3 days in our Euston Road offices (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) with the remaining 2 days working either remotely or in the office.     

Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do   

Diversity and Inclusion is a priority at Wellcome We are committed to cultivating a fair and inclusive environment, where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We are happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles. We work to ensure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone. This includes making adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition. Please visit our website for more information on adjustments and accessibility, or contact us at jobs@wellcome.org.   

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