Press Release Officer

Membership organisation at an exciting stage of its development, based in Farnham, Surrey; is looking to upscale its operations to support its rapid growth in membership and greater public profile.

Role Summary

The PR and Marketing team devises creative, engaging and strategic campaigns to effectively promote the organisation to a wide range of audiences, including current members and to both UK and global media outlets. The PR team ensure that the values, ethos and vision is correctly represented in the media. They also source exciting collaborations with external organisations, charities, celebrities and events that will further enhance their profile as the largest and most exciting industry contender in the UK.

With a large and growing membership, this position will focus on supporting the PR and Marketing team with securing PR coverage across the UK as well as copy writing tasks and supporting administer requests for marketing materials.

Whilst largely based at the office in Farnham, the role will also require the successful applicant to travel (at times) to different PR events throughout the UK and this could sometimes involve occasional working on weekends and evenings.

Working as part of the PR support team, within a small friendly office, the successful candidate will have excellent communication skills, be a good team player and have an exceptional attention to detail.

Detailed role responsibilities

Reporting to the Head of PR, the role responsibilities will include (but not be limited to):

· Promoting the work and its campaigns across regional media outlets generating media coverage.

· Building a strong relationship with regional and local broadcasters as well as print and online outlets.

· Working with the Head of PR to write engaging press releases, which the candidate will then send to media outlets, liaising with them to secure coverage.

· Supporting the PR Team to write copy for newsletters, website, blogs and other publicity materials.

· Administer timely requests for printed marketing materials for new and existing Leaders, ordering and distributing three times a year and ad hoc throughout the year as required. This will involve liaising with the Projects Coordinator and Graphics Designer for any necessary amends and coordination of a timely delivery.

Experience & Skills

The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic and self-motivated communications professional. You may have experience as a local journalist or press officer, with a strong understanding of regional media and whilst ideal but not essential have an existing network of media contacts across the country. You should be creative, have an eye for a good story and know how to gain excellent coverage.

The candidate will also have a keen eye for detail, accurate written communication and strong organisational skills.

Relevant skills will include:

· Strong organisational capability

· Exceptional writing skills

· Ability to prioritise, hitting deadlines and working well under pressure

· IT literate

· Database and information management

· Numerate

· Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy

· Strong team player

· Good communication skills

· Efficient but friendly phone manner

· Adaptable and flexible

Education

Likely to be educated to GCSE/’A’ level at grades A-C or equivalent.

A bias towards PR or Event management would be desirable but is not essential.

What they can offer you:

22 days paid leave per year plus Bank Holidays (pro-rated)

Workplace pension scheme

Medicash benefits scheme