The team
The health team devises and implements communications and public affairs programmes across a number of specialist areas typically including strategic consultancy and message development, political outreach and select committee training, corporate communications, media relations, media training, issues and crisis management, digital and social media, integrated campaigning, patient and professional engagement, market access/Health Technology Appraisal communications, patient education and disease awareness.

The health team has a growing list of UK and international clients from the health and wellbeing, pharmaceutical, social care and charity sectors.

The role
Key responsibilities

• Tracking issues in the media relevant to designated clients;
• Sourcing and preparing detailed draft media analysis reports for approval by relevant Account Executives and Account Managers;
• Researching and sourcing information as directed by Account Executives and Account Managers for designated client projects;
• Management of press cuttings, including preparing monthly/quarterly coverage books;
• Preparing activity reports for clients;
• Helping to draft press releases, opinion articles, website copy, background material etc;
• Conducting ring rounds, and building journalist contacts;
• Preparing journalist and MP biographies and briefing notes for clients;
• Preparing and maintaining media distribution lists for press releases;
• Researching and managing forward calendars of key media and current affairs events relevant to designated clients.

Person Specification

• have the ability to conduct comprehensive analysis of information to tight deadlines ensuring accuracy and relevance;
• have excellent writing skills;
• be logical, creative and flexible in the appraisal of problems;
• be proficient in the use of research and Internet tools and word processing.
• be able to take direction and report progress on your work with others;
• be organised and able to manage your own workload;
• be passionate about politics and elections.

Qualifications and skills:

• You must have a degree, with a minimum classification of 2:2.
• Knowledge and enthusiasm for understanding health issues is essential.
• Experience of the media, Westminster, public affairs, politics and campaigning is an advantage.

See https://careers.portland-communications.com/careers/intern-paid/.