Connecting Talent to opportunity

Connecting Talent to opportunity

Media & Communications Officer

Expired

Job Description:

Paterson Recruitment are supporting a local authority in Oxfordshire with their search for a Media & Communications Officer.

Duration of the role - 10 months (could be extended).

 

Main duties:

  • Monitor and evaluate media coverage
  • Arrange and manage appropriate responses to media inquiries
  • Manage, develop and maintain excellent relationships with the media
  • Assist in writing directorate publications as and when required
  • Manage the relationship between a nominated directorate and the communications team producing an annual media plan as part of the corporate communications forward planning process
  • Research co-ordinate, write and issue news in web-style for the authorities website and the media and upload associated news and pictures
  • Help deliver web-news items in 'new media' audio and visual format
  • Arrange and manage photo-opportunities and publicity events
  • Identify potential 'problem' areas and project manage media strategies to counter negative publicity
  • Contribute to and help manage wider communications campaigns
  • Write and edit articles for internal and external publications
  • Advise and assist senior councillors in strategic media handling, issue management and PR strategy
  • Develop proactive communication to ensure that employees, members of the authority, the public, partners and stakeholders understand the authorities objectives, priorities and policies
  • As part of a unified generic communications team deliver high quality communications that contribute to enhancing the authorities reputation, positive engagement with the public, staff engagement, media handling, public affairs and marketing
  • Undertake assigned projects, ensuring that agreed outcomes are delivered on time, within budget and to expected standards.
  • To work with fellow communications colleagues on creative thinking that will lead to campaigning that integrates all marketing and communications disciplines to effectively reach internal and external target audiences in innovative and economical ways
  • To work collaboratively with and in support of colleagues in the whole communications and engagement team using a variety of skills and techniques sometimes outside your specialist field.
  • Develop and maintain strong links with partner organisations, in particular their media and communications teams

 

Qualifications/Experience:

  • Education to degree level or equivalent in another qualification or at least two years relevant professional experience 
  • At least two years’ experience of working with/within the media 
  • Experience of working in a high pressure, deadline driven environment  
  • Experience in working with senior representatives and advising them on how best to communicate via the media 
  • Experience in developing effective news management strategies (desirable)
  • Experience of using a range of communication and engagement methods and channels including verbal, written, web based, presentational and digital and e communications 
  • Experience of working with the media at all levels and have excellent journalistic skills and news sense 
  • Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage a large number of tasks to multiple deadlines 
  • Demonstrate the ability to work calmly, independently and using initiative in a high pressure environment 

Skills: 

  • An understanding of the news creation process and the culture and structure of the local, national, trade and broadcast media
  • Excellent, speedy and accurate copy-writing skills
  • Good news sense
  • Ability to spot publicity opportunities, hazards and pitfalls and help manage crises
  • Ability to interpret and distil complex information into plain English fast and accurately
  • Excellent organisational and communication skills
  • Ability to think strategically in managing sensitive and important issues
  • Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
  • Project management skills and the ability to take the lead on the management of key issues internally and externally (desirable)         
  • Competence in using standard office IT applications such as Word, Outlook etc
  • Willingness to work out of usual office hours and away from the office as required

 

To apply please send your CV to the email address below or alternatively please call Rosie on 01235 535858.

  • Job Type

    Temporary, Full Time

  • Work Authorisation

    United Kingdom

  • Industry Sector Media, New Media, Creative
  • Years Experience

    2+ years

  • Career Level

    Experienced (Non-Manager)

  • Educational level

    Bachelor's Degree