Nuclear Industry Association – Head of Communications
Reporting to: Director of Policy and External Affairs
Based in London, a 3-day in-office hybrid working policy
Closing Date: 9th June 2026
About the NIA: The Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) is a membership organisation, representing more than 340 companies working in the civil nuclear sector in the UK. Membership includes utilities, developers, engineering, manufacturing, services, legal, advisory companies and education providers. Our role is to represent the UK civil nuclear industry to government, Parliament, stakeholders and the media, to advocate for nuclear power as an essential part of the country’s energy mix, to assist our member companies in maximising industrial opportunities in the UK and internationally and arranging industry events and conferences.
We are a small professional team, based in central London (with flexible working).
Purpose of the Role: The civil nuclear industry in the UK is experiencing a level of activity, interest and investment that it has not had in 40 years. The Head of Communications is responsible for developing and executing the NIA’s traditional media relations and social media programme to sustain that momentum. This person will have a critical role in making the case for nuclear power proactively and consistently on behalf of all parts of the industry and defending the industry robustly against anti-nuclear lobbying, both of which are essential to sustain durable political support for nuclear power. This role will also work closely with the Head of Public Affairs and Head of Policy to ensure that the NIA’s advocacy is smoothly and tightly integrated across the external affairs disciplines. The Head of Communications is further responsible for one direct report, the Digital Communications Executive, who manages day-to-day content creation and digital channels, as well as foundational elements of the media relations programme.
This is an exciting role for an experienced communications professional looking to test and build their expertise in a fast-moving, friendly environment. The Head of Communications will report to the Director of Policy and External Affairs within the external affairs team. This role requires a proactive, energetic, and capable individual with a proven track record of developing relationships with national print and broadcast journalists, and sense of initiative and ambition. A passion for ensuring our energy security and achieving net zero is essential.
Responsibilities:
Develop, maintain and update key industry messages and responses to frequently asked questions for external campaigns, wider industry use and to communicate with influencers and stakeholders
Develop relationships with media relations and communications managers in member companies to gain intelligence, ensure coordination, and gather evidence to support NIA arguments
Develop relationships with key energy and environment correspondents of national newspapers/online media outlets
Develop relationships with key national broadcasters who will cover energy policy and the net zero transition
Proactively identify opportunities to engage with journalists at the UK-level, in Scotland, and in Wales, as well as relevant local and regional areas, and brief them on the benefits of nuclear power
Draft and distribute NIA press releases regarding relevant energy policy developments and NIA initiatives, to secure national, regional and trade media coverage
Identify and secure opportunities to place NIA opinion pieces in trade and regional media, and where relevant, national media
Draft opinion pieces on behalf of the Chief Executive
Edit the NIA’s quarterly industry magazine Industry Link
Where required by the Director of Policy and External Affairs, representing the NIA at external conferences and meetings
Person Specification
Essential:
At least five years’ experience in media relations
Practical experience in securing media interviews, including drafting pitches, arranging logistics, and drafting briefing documents
Practical experience in arranging journalist briefings and press release drafting and distribution
Practical experience in maintaining social media accounts
Proven ability to develop good relationships with new and existing media contacts, including with specialist and trade media
Strong project management skills, including experience of working across complex multi-stakeholder initiatives and managing scarce resources to tight deadlines.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to tailor material to a wide range of audiences.
Desirable:
Direct experience of working in communications for the UK civil nuclear industry
Experience working for a membership organisation
Experience of producing or commissioning video content and design material
Welsh language proficiency and/or fluency
To apply, please send an email with your CV to Chardonnay.Bradshaw-Shallow@Madlinhanna.com