PR and Media Executive (Ref 196)

Role information pack

Role description

At Swanswell we have ambition. We believe in a society free from problem alcohol and drug use. To achieve this, we’ll have to create clear thinking around the use of alcohol and drugs, by delivering clear public messages that change society’s perception about problem behaviour and drive policy change.

Working closely with the Chief Executive, Executive Team,Board of Trustees and the Public Policy Executive,the PR and Media Executive is responsible for building, maintaining and protecting Swanswell’s reputation by creating positive communication to a range of stakeholders including the media, partner organisations, commissioners and the general public, among others.

We achieve this using a variety of tools such as Cision PR software, DODs People, twitter, Facebook; and, for editing photos, video and audio, the Adobe Production Premium suite of applications (Premiere Pro, Photoshop and Audition, among others).

You’ll work closely with team members, key spokespeople, external consultants (where appropriate), and the media, to ensure PR-related activities are organised and carried out effectively.

In addition to public relations, the PR and Media Executive will also support the Public Policy Executive to shape Swanswell’s public policy messages and raise the profile of the organisation in the political arena.It would be useful to have an understanding of how government policy works, how to influence at the appropriate level, and be able to provide research and briefings.

The PR and Media Executiveplays an integral role in Swanswell’s Marketing Team, so you’ll also need to be a brand guardian, working closely with the Head of Sales and Marketing, Senior Marketing Executive and other marketing colleagues to ensure all brand-related content is delivered to very high standards.

We’re looking for a talented and motivated person with great communication and research skills, a background in public relations or journalism, and an eye for detail. If you’re someone who wants to be closely involved in the strategic direction and development of a charity, to be the driving force behind developing clear, evidence-based messaging in the field of drug and alcohol treatment, this role is right for you.

The most important things you’ll bring to this role are your positive attitude, enthusiasm, integrity and ability to use initiative, as well as your belief in our ambition: to eliminate the problems of alcohol and drug use within a generation.

You’ll need to have proficient research, writing and computing skills, and be able to work confidently with all Microsoft programs. You’ll also need to be very organised, have excellent communication skills, the ability to work to strict deadlines and be able to work in a fast-paced environment.

Salary

This is a full-time post with a salary up to £25,000, depending on experience.

Hours of work

This post is for a 37 hour week. You’ll be required to work bank holidays and some weekends in order to meet our service delivery requirements. You’ll also be the first point of contact for any media enquiries, which can happen at any time including outside of normal working hours. Swanswell operates a flexible working system, so you’ll be able to work flexible hours based on service needs.

Annual leave

Swanswell’s holiday entitlement is 36 days per holiday year (28 days plus bank holidays and statutory public holidays). This will be a pro rata amount for part time and fixed term contract employees.

Transport

The role is based at our Rugby head office, but travel to our other offices and to external agencies will be needed. A current driving licence and own transport is essential.

Key activities and responsibilities

Public relations

Plan, develop and implement public relations strategies and campaigns
Manage and deal with enquiries from media, individuals and other organisations
Research, write and editpress releases,and distribute appropriately using Cision PR software
Collate, analyse and report media coverage
Produce case studies, briefings, speeches, articles and reports
Make promotional videos, films and multimedia programmes
Create photographic opportunities and take photos
Contribute to organising events including press conferences, exhibitions, open days and press tours. You’ll need to attend events, as and when required, contributing to building relationships
Maintain and update information on Swanswell’s website and social media platforms
Ensure Swanswell is always represented positively, even in difficult situations, managing the Crisis Communications Procedure
Support the Head of Sales and Marketing and other team members
Support the development of Swanswell’s public policy campaigns including planning, research, briefings, engagement and analysis
Support campaign-related events e.g. fringe events, service launches, national awareness days, including content creation
Help build relationships with key political contacts and other decision-makers using a range of methods including through DODS People
Liaise with Trustees, the Executive Team, colleagues, key spokespeople and any external consultants (if appropriate)
Keep up-to-date with issues affecting the substance misuse sector. You’ll contribute to ensuring market and competitor research is collected effectively
Ensure all activities take full account of diversity, service user and carer aspirations
Carry out all aspects of the role in line with Swanswell’s policies and procedures (including Equal Opportunities). You’ll need to consult appropriate sources of expertise where necessary
Take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of yourself, others and resources whilst at work, in line with the Health and Safety at Work Act

General

Build and manage your relationship with Swanswell Trustees, CEO, Executive Team members, managers and team members
Manage Swanswell’s relationships with external agencies
Actively deal with day-to-day issues. You’ll need to use negotiation and persuasion skills to obtain responses from others in order to meet deadlines
Contribute constructively to the development of a positive team culture within Swanswell’s head office. It will be vital you maintain strong personal contact and presence with colleagues

Person specification

Criteria

When filling in an application form for this role, please explain how you meet the criteria listed below. In your evidence of how you meet the criteria you could refer to experience in a similar role (or a related field), or relevant transferable skills that you have.

Qualifications and experience / Essential/desirable / Assessed by application form (A) or interview (I)
Recognised public relations, communications or journalism degree/qualification
At least three years of experience in a busy public relations team or newsroom
Experience of running PR campaigns
Experience of crisis communications management
Experience of campaigns and public policy work
Experience of contributing to events including their organisation and promotion / Essential
Essential
Essential
Essential
Desirable
Desirable / A
A
A,I
A,I
A,I
A,I
Knowledge / Essential/desirable / Assessed by application form (A) or interview (I)
Thorough knowledge of local, national and specialist media organisations
Comprehensive understanding of how to create, distribute and monitor communications content including press releases, social media and other external correspondence
Thorough understanding of the law related to media work
Understanding of the importance of relationship building with internal and external stakeholders
Awareness of a range of cultural differences
Understanding of video production to support media and campaign work
Understanding of political structures and campaigning
Broad understanding of contemporary substance misuse and third sector issues / Essential
Essential
Essential
Essential
Essential
Desirable
Desirable
Desirable / A, I
A,I
A,I
A,I
A,I
A,I
A,I
A,I
Skills and competencies / Essential/desirable / Assessed by application form (A) or interview (I)
Personal effectiveness
Is a highly efficient self-starter, able to work proactively and prioritise workloads whilst remaining calm under pressure to deliver to strict deadlines
Able to manage work effectively, to use own initiative and to be self-motivated to achieve results
Able to multi-task in a rapidly changing environment
Can take responsibility for relations with external media and PR contacts
Able to prepare and supervise promotional opportunities and events / Essential
Essential
Essential
Essential
Desirable / A,I
A,I
A,I
A,I
Communication
Able to create clear and accurate oral and written communications in a creative and innovative way
An excellent command of grammar with an eye for detail on the presentation of written or visual communication
Must be confident in speaking with people at all levels both within the organisation, the media and other external agencies
Is open, and shares ideas and knowledge
Shows respect for others, and is approachable and responsive to their needs / Essential
Essential
Essential
Essential
Essential / A,I
A,I
A,I
A,I
A,I
Team work
Able to work successfully alongside others
Diligent team member, who is supportive of others, engages with them, motivates and shares learning with them / Essential
Essential / A,I
A,I
Problem solving
Can take responsibility and resolve problems quickly, making critical decisions in a timely, informed way / Essential / A,I
Managing effectiveness
Must have a high attention to detail to reduce errors
Able to build and maintain accurate data and information relating to contacts
Able to analyse and summarise academic research, policy and medical information in reports which is of relevance to Swanswell
Able to understand and report on effectiveness of Swanswell’s media coverage and other external communication / Essential
Essential
Essential
Essential / A,I
A,I
A,I
A,I
IT
Excellent keyboard skills
Excellent IT skills and the ability to use MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Experience of using PR distribution and contacts management system e.g. Cision
Experience of using a Content Management System (CMS) to maintain websites
Understanding and experience of social media including twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn
Experience of using Adobe editing software including Premiere Pro, Audition and Photoshop
Experience of using political contact management systems such as DODS People / Essential
Essential
Essential
Desirable
Desirable
Desirable
Desirable / A,I
A,I
A,I
A,I
A,I
A,I
A,I
Other
Willingness and desire to work in an environment of continual change
Proactive engagement with change and progressive concepts, with an openness to learn
Aflexible approach to working hours and location
Able to travel independently, in a timely manner, within work area
Commitment to carrying out duties in line with Swanswell’s policies and procedures, including Equality and Diversity / Essential
Essential
Essential
Essential
Essential / A,I
A,I
A,I
A,I
A,I

How to apply

To apply for this role, you can visit our website and apply online.

Alternatively, you can contact us (details below) to receive an application form in the post or by email.

Return your completed form to:

Business Resources

Swanswell

Suite 5, Hilton House

Corporation Street

Rugby, Warwickshire

CV21 2DN

Or by email to

The closing date for applications is Monday 2 March 2015. Interviews will take place on Friday 13 March 2015.

To speak to someone about this role, email with your name, a contact phone number and which role you’re interested in and we’ll call you back. Alternatively, please call head office on 01788 559400.