Location: Flexible – can be based in either Peterborough or Westminster but travel will be required between the two offices in any case

Job Details: Lisa Forbes, MP for Peterborough, is looking for a full-time Communications Officer to support her parliamentary work.

Responsibilities:

• Analyse, evaluate and interpret data to ensure the Member is accurately informed on key issues and is aware of trends in Peterborough and nationally where appropriate.
• Ensure records are kept and information managed confidentially and in line with the Data Protection Act
• Establish a social media presence in the constituency and publicise surgeries, parliamentary interventions, MP activity, etc.
• Follow up on and moderate social media queries and comments
• Manage the MP’s website content
• Monitor media coverage
• Liaise with media
• Prepare press releases as required (on constituency, non-party political matters)
• Proactive and reactive communications with all media
• Provide briefings for the MP as required
• Respond to routine correspondence and enquiries from constituents, the media, lobbyists and pressure groups
• Liaise with various councillors, agencies, organisations and stakeholders
• Accompany the MP to surgeries and events (may require some evening and weekend work)
• Prepare content and articles for sign off by MP
• Additional duties as requested by the MP

The following skills are required:

• Self-motivated and able to take the initiative
• Strong planning and organisational ability
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel and social media
• Ability to write press releases
• Proven record in community engagement
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Good communication skills
• Excellent time management
• Ability to work flexible hours in a fast-paced environment – including some evening and weekend work
• Sympathetic to the aims and values of the Labour Party
• Excellent understanding of the British Political System
• Excellent grasp of current affairs

The following skills are desirable but not essential:

• Experience working with a wide range of people with complex demands
• Experience working in/ for Parliament
• Knowledge of the constituency and issues relevant to the area