Jenny Chapman, Member of Parliament for Darlington, is looking for a hardworking and proactive Constituency Communications Officer to join her friendly constituency office team.

The ideal candidate will have a positive, ‘can do’ attitude, good people skills, excellent organisational and time management skills and a very keen interest in politics.

The post holder will be responsible for developing and implementing a pro-active local media and social media strategy. They will also manage community engagement activities across the constituency.

Responsibilities include:

• Work within the team to plan and organise local campaigns and events
• Work on own initiative preparing press releases, media strategy and developing relationships with journalists and local people
• Monitor media coverage, liaise with media, prepare press releases as required
• Prepare media briefings
• Proactive and re-active communications with all media
• Follow up on and moderate social media queries and comments
• Other ad hoc duties as required

Skills required include:

• Strong planning and organisational ability; self-motivated and able to take the initiative
• Proficiency in the use of social media, ability to write press releases
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and good interpersonal skills
• Excellent time management
• Sound judgement and a good understanding of what it means to work in a political environment and good understanding of UK parliamentary procedure
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of the team
• Able to work with diplomacy, discretion and confidentiality
• 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