James Duddridge MP is recruiting an enthusiastic, well organised and hard-working Communications Manager with experience of working in the media or PR. The post will be based in the Southend Constituency Office.

Key Responsibilities:

• Analyse, evaluate and interpret data to ensure the Member is accurately informed on key issues and is aware of trends
• Attend surgeries, tribunals and meetings as appropriate
• Develop knowledge in specialist areas
• Ensure all cases are logged; monitor progress and ensure all identified actions are taken
• Ensure records are kept and information managed confidentially and in line with the Data Protection Act
• Gather relevant information to resolve or progress cases
• Liaise with Government agencies, voluntary sector and others to resolve constituency matters
• Manage and progress portfolio of casework appropriately
• Management of projects
• Monitor media coverage, liaise with media, prepare press releases as required (on constituency, non-party political matters)
• Provide briefings for the Member
• Research local, regional or national issues to support the Member's work
• Respond to routine correspondence and enquiries from constituents, the media, lobbyists and pressure groups
• Supervise other members of staff

The successful candidate will have the following attributes/abilities:

• Excellent organisational skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to write for a range of different audiences.
• The proven ability to write, edit and proof content for press releases, newsletters and websites.
• Ability to carry out tasks quickly and to a high standard, with a clear and concise writing style with minimum supervision.
• A strong attention to detail and an ability to prioritise a demanding workload, meet deadlines and work under pressure.
• Political awareness, including the ability to devise campaigns and work alongside a range of stakeholders and colleagues in delivering political change.
• Sympathy with the aims and objectives of the Conservative Party.