Recruitment Pack

Public Affairs Officer

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

Dear Applicant,

Thank you for requesting further information for ourPublic Affairs Officer vacancy (Ref BDCH943).

Please find enclosed the below information which you should read thoroughlybefore starting your application:

  • A full job description & person specification
  • Additional information

Closing date: 13th December 2017

Interview date:W/C 18th December 2017

If you do not hear from us within 2 weeks of the closing date, please assume you were unsuccessful on this occasion.

Please note that we reserve the right to close this post early, should we receive a high volume of applications.

Thank you for your interest in working for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

The HR Team

Job Description

Job Title:
Public Affairs Officer / Location:
London
Hours:
35 Hours per week / Duration:
Permanent
Responsible To:
Head of Policy and Public Affairs / Responsible For:
N/A
Works With/Key Contact:
Director of Communications,Politicians, Government Officials, Stakeholders across Animal Welfare and Other Sectors, Parliamentary Staff, / Salary:
£29,000

Context and Background

Established in 1860, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home aims aim to never turn away a dog or cat in need of our help, caring for them until their owners or loving new homes can be found, no matter how long it takes. We are champions for, and supporters of, vulnerable dogs and cats, determined to create lasting changes for animals in our society. We currently operate from three centres – in Battersea London, Old Windsor in Berkshire and Brands Hatch in Kent. Every year, we care for over 7,000 dogs and cats.

The Communications Department works to promote Battersea’s animals,events and campaigns, increase stakeholder engagement at all levels, and to grow, enhance and protect our brand and profile. We are entering a period of exceptional opportunities to enhance Battersea’s leading position in the animal welfare sector and to keep Battersea front of mind. The Public Affairs Team aims to deliver systemic change in society for the benefit of our animals.

Main Purpose of the Role

Grow Battersea’s campaigning profile, building on the existing supporter base and playing a key role in the delivery of policy campaigns targeted at politicians, Government and the public

Overall Objectives

  • Deliver policy change for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and our animals through effective and engaging campaigns
  • Enhance the efficiency and reach of Battersea’s Public Affairs campaigning work

Responsibilities Approx % of time

  1. To work with the Public Affairs team to plan, develop and deliver a variety of different campaign messages across digital and other platforms to keep all campaigns relevant for the whole lifetime of the campaign
/

25

  1. Develop and deliver campaign strategies both local and national to further Battersea’s policy goals.
/ 15
  1. Research and identify potential supporters and partners across Parliament, the animal welfare sector and beyond for Public Affairs campaigning
/ 10
  1. To build and maintain close positive working relationships with Communications and otherDepartment colleagues, including with the Media and PR team to ensure regular coverage for campaigns
/ 10
  1. Internal communication around campaign – including writing pieces for the staff Bulletin, website, social media and briefing Directors and CEO
/ 10
  1. Develop the role of supporters within campaigning, ensuring that they play a critical role in delivery of campaigns
/ 10
  1. Providing oversight and advice on risk issues related to campaigning activity
/ 5
  1. Stay abreast of new developments in campaigning methods
/ 5
  1. Deliver presentations giving updates on campaigns and future developments therein
/ 5
  1. Administrative tasks for the smooth running of the Public Affairs team
/ 5

The above job description is intended to be an outline of the duties and responsibilities for this role. This is not an exhaustive list, and it is likely to change over time. You may be expected to undertake other duties that are commensurate with this role and grade.

Decision Making and Accountabilities

Accountability

  • Delivery of KPIs
  • Continued public and stakeholder interest in our campaign asks
  • Measurement and evaluation of effectiveness of different tasks
  • Data protection
  • Relationship management externally
  • Organisational reputation
  • Risk assessment and mitigation

Person Specification

Essential

  • A proven track record of achievement in issue-based campaigning
  • Experience of implementing and evaluating highly effective political campaignsthat have made a difference either electorally or by bringing about change.
  • Strong time management skills
  • Experience of shaping the same message to fit different audiences
  • Detailed knowledge of the political process and how charities can influence
  • Ability to brief colleagues, including senior colleagues, as well as external stakeholders
  • Up to date knowledge of digital communications, channels and technologies and recent innovations in political campaigning
  • Strong communications, interpersonal and consultative skills and the proven ability to work constructively and collaboratively with colleagues who are not experienced in politics and political campaigning
  • Ability to prioritise and deliver high quality work with minimum supervision
  • Ability to think creatively and encourage creativity and innovation amongst colleagues
  • Good problem solving and decision-making skills and an ability to base decisions on evidence
  • Experience of building coalitions with other organisations to further common goals
  • Experience of working with Engaging Networks or equivalent
  • Literate, numerate and analytical, accustomed to assessing the impact of campaigns and workstreams
  • Able to promote an understanding of, and a commitment to the vision, mission and values of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

Desirable

  • Knowledge of companion animal welfare policy
  • Charity campaigning experience
  • Experience of campaigning across different devolved legislatures

Position in the Team

General information

The Home is an equal opportunities employer and all employees are actively encouraged to contribute to the promotion of diversity.

All employees are required to act in accordance with their responsibilities under the Health & Safety at Work Act.

Data protection

We manage your personal data in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. By applying for this job you consent to our processing your data, including sensitive data (such as data relating to your health or criminal convictions), for this purpose. You have the right to ask for a copy of your information and to correct any inaccuracies. For more information please visit our website ( ) scroll to the bottom of the Homepage and click on ‘Cookie and Privacy Policy’.

Working at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

Please note that all offers of employment require:

  • References deemed satisfactory to the Home
  • Medical clearance via our occupational health team
  • Proof of eligibility to work in the UK

All new employees to the Home will be subject to a probationary period. We are unable to allow staff to bring their own dogs with them to work.

The Home offers our employees a wide range of benefits to reward them for the value that they bring to the Home. Please click here for more information.

We look forward to receiving your application!