The Press & Communications Officer will be responsible for using the media to tell our members’ stories and generate coverage which will advance Community’s industrial goals.
Passionate about advancing workers’ rights and giving our members a voice in a crowded public debate. They will enjoy developing and placing impactful stories, managing press relationships, and maintaining Community’s media profile.
Working with union colleagues from across sectors and regions to articulate and develop our communications with members, media, and wider public through press releases, briefings, opinion pieces, website stories, emails, and social media.
Responsibilities include:
Working with the union’s Head of Comms & Media to develop a press strategy that advances Community’s industrial and political goals through proactive and reactive press activity.
Developing your existing network of press contacts and influencers to ensure Community generates a high volume of impactful media coverage that furthers our industrial and policy agendas, and advances our recruitment, engagement and mobilisation efforts.
Having your finger on the pulse of relevant media and leading our rapid response efforts (may include out of hours).
Coordinating and writing engaging content for the website.
Editing, pitching, and writing pieces on behalf of the union and senior officials.
Communicating internally to keep union staff abreast of the union’s communications and press activity.
Utilising our social media platforms to ensure written content has as wide an audience as possible.
Supporting multi-disciplinary communications team with numerous other functions where necessary, including emails and social media.
Requirements
At least two years of experience of working with the media.
Excellent communication skills and news sense, with the ability to write clearly and effectively for a range of audiences.
Good understanding of the UK media and political landscape and familiarity with a range of social media platforms.
Strong organisational skills with the ability to maintain contact databases.
High attention to detail and excellent proofreading skills.
Experience with prioritising work in a time-pressured environment.
The ability to be innovative, adaptable and creative; both within a team and independently.
Understanding of trade union principles, beliefs & ethos.