Senior Media and Communications Lead (Rail Programme)

Help us achieve our vision that fewer people die by suicide.

We’re looking for a Senior Media and Communications Lead to deliver and manage our rail suicide prevention campaigns.

In this role you’ll take the lead in managing Samaritans’ communications and media activity relating to rail suicide prevention. You will manage the delivery of our important Small Talk Saves Lives campaign and other targeted awareness campaigns. You’ll also lead on media relations for our rail programme, identifying opportunities to ensure Samaritans’ is visible in relevant media stories.

You will represent Samaritans’ Rail programme at a national level, working with key rail industry stakeholders and programme funders. You’ll also work alongside colleagues across Samaritans, including regional rail colleagues and those within the wider media team.

If you’re a great communicator, with experience of leading campaigns and media activity, we’d love to hear from you.

Contract terms:

• £41,000 - £43,000 per annum, plus benefits

• Permanent

• 35 hours per week (full-time)
• We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences
• Hybrid, linked to our Ewell (Surrey) office
• We value meeting in person and working collaboratively. We work in person around 2 days or more per month
• 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays

What you'll be doing:

• Lead on media work for the rail programme across national, regional and local channels
• Lead the delivery of the rail industry suicide prevention plan communications plan
• Manage and deliver the annual Small Talk Saves Lives campaign and any other targeted campaigns
• Research and highlight positive news stories and features, drawing on lived experience
• Identify and secure opportunities to promote help-seeking through the media
• Draft media statements, briefings, press releases and other copy
• Provide expert advice to rail industry stakeholders on media messaging

What you’ll bring:

• Proven experience of leading media activity and securing coverage in media outlets
• Experience developing and implementing communication plans
• Experience managing complex, multi-channel campaigns
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills within a high-profile partnership structure
• A great understanding of UK media, across digital and offline channels
• Great writing, editing and proofreading skills
• An understanding of the rail industry is desirable

For full details, please see the Job Description and Person Specification

Why Samaritans?

At Samaritans, you’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission. You’ll be part of a collaborative and supportive team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives.

We offer flexible hybrid working, great benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland. To find out more about Samaritans, please read our recruitment brochure.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the people we support and who support us. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and walks of life. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels seen, heard and supported, at all levels of the organisation.

Apply now

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we’d love for you to apply. You will be asked to answer some short application questions and to upload your CV. If you require adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.

Applications close: 09:00am on Wednesday 26th August 2026

Interviews: w/c 31st August

At Samaritans, human connection is at the heart of everything we do. 

We do not use AI at any stage during the selection process. Your application will always be carefully reviewed by the recruiting manager or a member of the Talent Attraction Team. 

We kindly ask that you avoid using AI tools to generate your application or interview answers. We want to hear your own ideas, insights, and writing style so your unique strengths can shine through. We recognise that some candidates may use assistive technology or tools to help with accessibility, structure or grammar.