10 October 2013

POLICY & COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Do you want to work at the heart of heritage policy? The Heritage Alliance - the heritage sector’s advocacy body - is seeking an outstanding person to take up the key role of Policy and Communications Officer. The successful candidate will join the Alliance’s small, busy team based in offices just off Parliament Square, Westminster, at the centre of the political hub.

This is a dynamic role requiring a proactive, reliable self-starter. Reporting to the Chief Executive and Board of Trustees, the role incorporates a wide range of communications, public affairs and policy tasks. Applicants should be able to demonstrate strong writing and editorial skills with excellent communication skills.Good administrative skills are essential.

Experience working with the media, managing events and meetings is desirable. Whilst a demonstrable interest in heritage policy is important, direct experience across heritage policy areas is not essential; the successful candidate will possess the skills quickly to acquire technical knowledge. Similarly, a good understanding of the independent heritage movement is desirable but not essential at this stage.

About The Heritage Alliance

The Heritage Alliance is the largest coalition of heritage interests in England. Together its members own, manage and care for the vast majority of England’s historic environment.

The Alliance represents over 90 Members - major national and regional non-Government organisations, from larger bodies such as the National Trust, to many smaller organisations such as the Association of Building Preservation Trusts – which are in turn supported by over 6.3 million Members, Friends, staff and Trustees. Find out more about our work here:

Application details

The closing date for applications is 5pm on 31 October 2013with interviews expected on 13 November.

Start date:as soon as possible.

Place of work: The Heritage Alliance, Clutha House, 10 Storey’s Gate, Westminster, London SW1P 3AY

Reporting to: The Chief Executive, Kate Pugh

Hours per week: 35 hours per week, Mondays to Fridays (excl 1 hour lunch)

Salary: c. £26,265 p.a. This is apermanent post with a six month probationary period.

Holiday entitlement: 24 days p.a. plus public holidays, plus the period between Christmas and New Year.

For the application form please click here

Please email your completed application form with a covering letter outlining your reasons for applying for the post to Kate Pugh, Chief Executive, to arrive by 5pm on 31 October. We will only consider completed applications. CVs will not be accepted.

Job Description

Key Tasks

  • Edit and issue The Heritage Alliance’s fortnightly e-bulletin Heritage Update, including processing all advertising and editorial enquiries
  • Co-ordinate, support and implement the work of the Alliance’s four Advocacy Groupsand task groups, in liaison with Chairs and Voluntary Secretaries
  • Research across a wide range of policy briefs affecting the Alliance’s members to produce succinct briefings and consultation responses
  • Support the Chief Executive in delivering The Heritage Alliance’s strategic plan
  • Assist the Chief Executive in the management of Board meetings, and take the minutes of all Board meetings
  • Manage proactive and reactive media relations, including drafting press releases and processing media enquiries
  • Manage, maintain and update The Heritage Alliance’s website and Twitter feed, including the co-ordination of external suppliers and stakeholders
  • Support the Alliance’s Office Manager and the Chief Executive with membership-related activities as required
  • Manage and deliver a range of events, including the Alliance’s annual AGM/Heritage Day
  • Manage all public affairs and media related information resources, including maintaining and developing the contact databases
  • Manage Interns and Volunteers as required
  • Deputise for the Chief Executive as required
  • Undertake any other duties as required.

Person Specification

Qualifications

  • Educated to degree level or equivalent with at least two years relevant work experience
  • High level of literacy and numeracy

Knowledge and experience

  • An interest in heritage policy in England, and the desire to learn more
  • Ability to understand and analyse complex information and prepare clear, concise and accurate briefings and consultation responses
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and some experience of writing copy for publication to a wide variety of different audiences
  • Solid experience of organising committees and meetings, including taking minutes
  • Excellent IT skills and competency in all common software packages including Outlook, Word and Excel. Experience of website management and social media is highly desirable

Other skills and aptitudes

  • The confidence and credibility to liaise with senior colleagues and external stakeholders
  • Excellent time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and deliver to tight deadlines
  • A flexible approach to taking on a wide range of tasks and using a broad range of skills in a fast changing environment
  • A team-player mentality, able to work in a small team and support colleagues.

Equal Opportunities

The Heritage Alliance is fully committed to the provision of equal access and opportunity as an employer.

The Heritage Alliance

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