Midlands Connect are recruiting for an External Affairs Manager to join their established and busy team! If you are looking for a varied role where you will get the chance to work on multiple projects, run the press office and engage with government agencies and MP’s, then this may be the role for you.

Managing all aspects of media relations and working across multiple communication disciplines, you will support the Head of Communications in engaging with internal and external stakeholders, communicating Midlands Connects activities and policy positions through briefings, newsletters, events, and creating social media content. This is a varied role where you will be responsible for the day to day running of press output and deal with proactive and reactive media.

Relationship building is a key part of this role as you will need to develop quality relationships with local, regional, national and trade media contacts. You will also oversee and manage relationships with external creative agencies, including graphic and web design, public affairs and video content. This is a vital role as you will act as a key point of contact whilst establishing and raising a prominent profile for the organisation.

What you will be doing

Lead the external affairs team in the ongoing development, maintenance and editing of Midlands Connect publication materials
Develop and foster a regular dialogue and act as the primary point of contact for external affairs
Attend and support relevant internal and external meetings to give external affairs-related advice and act as a point of contact for media, in attendance at meetings
Ensure all external affairs activities adhere to Midlands Connects governance processes
Manage media mentions and contacts using the Midlands Connect Stakeholder Relationship Management system
Write and issue media releases, briefings and audio-visual content
Generate media statements
Act as spokesperson for the organisation either in the media or at stakeholder events
Implement and manage Midlands Connect PR crisis procedures alongside the Head of Communications and Public Relations
Develop the skills and support the long-term career aspirations of direct and indirect reports within the External Affairs team