• Demonstrate an impressive understanding of the news agenda and business issues. Previous experience of working in a press office or as a journalist is preferred, but for an outstanding candidate not essential.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to communicate to a wide variety of audiences
• Strong, existing relationships with media contacts
• Digital skills and a strong social media interest
• A sound news judgment, and understanding of what makes a good news story
• Knowledge of, or ability to develop knowledge of, important business-related issues across a range of policy areas
• Strong organisational and planning skills, and demonstrable experience of multi-tasking and prioritising work to fit with tight deadlines
• A keen eye for detail, good proofing skills and ability to adapt writing styles for different channels
• Capability to be a self-starter but also a team-player that can work closely with colleagues in the public affairs, policy, marketing and commercial departments

Principal Responsibilities:

• Lead on proactive press releases and draft reactive media comment relating to key government announcements, economic statistics and BCC research
• Help drive the development of proactive media plans as part of the broader communications strategy and campaign work
• Promote BCC policy positions and proactive outputs to media and key external stakeholders
• Organise broadcast opportunities and prepare briefs to support to BCC spokespeople
• Help the Press and Communications Manager develop and implement digital offering for external and internal purposes, including creating content, filming videos and updating the website
• Ability to keep on top of the news agenda and maintain relationships with media contacts, to monitor upcoming announcements and areas for comment
• Work with colleagues across the Chamber Network to support them in media efforts, provide toolkits around proactive BCC messaging, share best practice, and field case study requests
• Identify, pitch and develop thought-leadership opportunities and draft opinion articles and letters to the editor from key spokespeople
• Compile and proof-read internal and external communications
• Flexibility to be on-call for media relations outside of normal working hours including being part of weekend on-call rota (usually 1 in 3 weekends)