Julie Elliott MP is looking for an excellent candidate to join her team as a Communications Officer. This is a full time position, with an initial 6 month contract, which may lead to a permanent contract. We are looking for a candidate that is based in EITHER London or Sunderland, but that is prepared to travel regularly between the two. The role primarily will be office based with some home working where appropriate, and the candidate must be prepared to occasionally work outside of work hours.

The role will include liaising with the wider office team to deliver content for Julie’s social media profiles, as well as standard communications material relating to Julie’s work in Sunderland and in Westminster.

The role-holder will be responsible for:

• Maintaining an engaging and targeted presence across all social media channels
• Drafting leaflet/letters, briefings, reports and updates on Julie’s activities, including the formulation of a newsletter
• Supporting the constituency office on local campaigns and communications with constituents
• Editing and subtitling videos
• Produce online graphics and video content
• Follow up on social media queries and comments
• Produce press releases, liaise with the media, meeting deadlines as appropriate
• Horizon scanning, and considering opportunities to further existing campaign aims

Essential Experience:

• Experience of producing print and digital writing and content, including leaflets, letters, reports, briefs, surveys and social media content for use in a range of communication dissemination networks
• Knowledge of successful social media strategies
• Ability to produce high quality written communications, including press releases, appropriate for a range of audiences
• Knowledge of UK politics
• Ability to work under pressure, with tight deadlines in a rapidly evolving political climate
• Ability to self-motivate, and work with/take instruction from line managers in Westminster and Sunderland
• Ability to manage confidential information in line with GDPR and House of Commons rules
• Ability to build relationships with constituency and Westminster stakeholders, build Julie’s mailing list, and find new opportunities to raise Julie’s profile

Desirable

• Knowledge and understanding of Sunderland
• An awareness of the current political landscape
• A commitment to Labour values