Senior Media Officer

Are you looking for a role where you can make a meaningful impact while using your media expertise? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where your work directly influences public perception and industry reputation? The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is looking for a Senior Media Officer to join our Media team within the Policy & Public Affairs department on a fixed term employment basis for a period of 6-8 months.  This role has the potential to become permanent. 

This position offers a unique opportunity for a Media professional who wants to make a tangible difference in a mission-driven organisation. You will be responsible for crafting press releases, securing high-profile media coverage, and managing both proactive and reactive media enquiries. Your work will support the organisation’s strategic goals, including its GROW 26 strategy, by ensuring media activities align with key campaigns and policy priorities. Additionally, you will contribute to media planning, provide expert briefings, and collaborate closely with internal teams to align external messaging across digital and traditional media channels.

This is a full-time office-based role with hybrid-working options. You will be required to spend 1 day/week in our main office in Chilton, Oxfordshire, for team meetings, and then 1-2 days/week either in our London office or at events.  The rest of your week can be spent working from home or in one of our offices, whichever you prefer. 
The successful candidate will have at least 3-5 years of proven experience in media relations, communications, PR, or journalism. You will have excellent writing and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex issues into engaging and newsworthy content. Strong networking abilities and experience in building relationships with journalists and key stakeholders are essential. The ability to meet tight deadlines is key, along with a keen eye for emerging media trends. Experience within a trade association, horticulture, or related sector would be an advantage, but a passion for shaping public discourse and driving industry impact is what truly matters.

Salary bracket: £37,000 - £40,000 depending on skills, experience and knowledge

About the HTA 

The HTA has 1,400 members, including garden retailers, growers, landscapers, and suppliers to the garden industry.  The HTA lobbies and campaigns for its members within the horticulture industry and has an excellent reputation.  It provides its members with the opportunity to learn, be creative, and network with others in the industry. 

We have been running the National Garden Gift scheme since 1962. These garden gift cards can be bought and redeemed at HTA Garden centre members sites throughout the UK and can also be purchased online and in some supermarket gift card malls.  It is the biggest garden gift card scheme in the country – locking in over £30 million of consumer spend to horticulture and our members’ businesses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the HTA campaigned to ensure garden centres were classified as essential retail, which has increased the profile of the environmental horticultural industry. 

Our culture

At the HTA, our culture is built on the core values of being Member Focused, Collaborative & Inclusive, Trusted, and Innovative.  We put our members at the heart of everything we do, ensuring their needs and aspirations guide our decisions and actions.  We foster a collaborative and inclusive environment where every team member’s voice is valued, and diverse perspectives drive creativity and success. Trust is central to our relationships, both internally and externally, and we are committed to acting with integrity and transparency in all that we do.  We embrace innovation, continuously seeking new ways to improve and push boundaries, ensuring that we stay ahead of the curve in delivering exceptional service and results. If you’re looking for a workplace where these values are lived every day, and where you can make a real impact, we’d love to have you join us.

About you

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Education: degree-level qualification in Journalism, PR, Communication
• Experience: at least 3-5 years of media relations & press office experience.
• Excellent written & verbal communication: strong ability to write and edit high-quality content with clarity and impact.
• Attention to detail: ensuring accuracy in media content, fact-checking, and compliance with legal and licensing requirements.
• Time management & ability to work under pressure: comfortable juggling multiple deadlines and working in a fast-paced environment.
• IT & media tools: experience with media databases, press distribution platforms, and content management systems.
  Behavioural competencies:
• Drive and commitment to make things happen
• Positive attitude and proactive problem-solving approach
• Able to effectively engage and build effective relationships with colleagues across the organisation and external stakeholders
• Collaborative team player with the confidence to work independently

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Previous experience within an in-house press office or trade association.
• Knowledge or passion for gardening, horticulture, or environmental policy.
• Familiarity with legislative and regulatory issues affecting the industry.
• Proactive & analytical approach: ability to spot media opportunities, track trends, and adjust strategies accordingly.

What we offer in return:

• Varied role with exposure to a broad range of PR responsibilities
• A friendly, collaborative and inclusive culture
• Experienced manager who will champion your development
• Flexible working around the core hours of 10am – 4pm
• Hybrid working (up to 2 days/week working remotely)
• Generous holiday allowance – 30 days holiday (plus bank holidays)
• Pension auto enrolment - 4% employee & 5% employer pension contributions as standard with matched contributions up to 10%
• Life assurance
• Health Cash Plan
• Employee Discount Scheme
• Cycle 2 Work and Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice schemes
• Regular wellbeing and social activities 
• On site parking 

How to apply 

Join us in championing environmental horticulture, supporting HTA members and shaping the future of green spaces.  Apply now to be part of a team dedicated to promoting and supporting a thriving industry!

You can view the full job description for this role in the download below. To apply for the role, please send your CV and a brief covering letter to [email protected] .  Closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 11 April 2025.

The HTA is committed to embedding diversity, equity and inclusion into our culture and our talent processes.  We believe in creating a workplace where our people are treated with dignity and respect, a workplace free of barriers or discrimination in relation to age, race, religion, philosophical belief or lack of belief, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, disability, pregnancy and maternity.  We are focused on providing an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment process and will make accommodations upon request for candidates wherever needed and practical throughout the hiring process.

This advert is only open to direct applicants, NO AGENCIES should apply. All applicants must have valid references and proof of eligibility to work in the UK.