At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to create engaging content and manage social media for a great cause.
- Company: We support people with MS, focusing on their needs and aspirations across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and access to 24/7 virtual GP services.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of others while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Confident in social media and content creation; experience with graphic design tools is a plus.
- Other info: We welcome applications from diverse backgrounds and offer reasonable adjustments during recruitment.
The predicted salary is between 20400 - 29400 £ per year.
Position: Press and Communications Officer
Hours: Part-Time, 12 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Office-based in Belfast with flexibility to work remotely
Salary: Starting from £9,045 (FTE £26,384) per annum, plus excellent benefits
About us
We make sure people living with MS are at the centre of everything we do. Our strategy is based on what people affected by MS have told us is important to them. It gives us a clear and determined focus. Our work is based on the hopes and aspirations of our MS community. Together we campaign at all levels, fund ground-breaking research and provide award winning support and information.
About this job
This is a great opportunity to join a dedicated team who are passionate about improving the lives of people with MS. We are looking for someone who is confident in navigating social media channels and has a proven track record in creating engaging content for a range of audiences. The successful candidate will be supporting the development and delivery of our digital communications to increase our reach across Northern Ireland.
You’ll need to have confidence navigating Meta Platforms and online graphic design tools such as Canva or similar. You will be joining a busy team so communication skills and time management are crucial as well as an ability to spot opportunities and work on your own initiative with support from your manager and the wider Northern Ireland team.
If this sounds like you we’d love to hear from you.
Closing date for applications: 9:00 am on Wednesday 14th May 2025
Interested? More information can be found by downloading the attached documents in 'supporting documents' and then to apply for this role, please submit the following:
- an updated CV
- a supporting statement indicating how you meet the essential criteria as set out in the person specification in the attached job description
Top Tip: you will need to save your Cover Letter, CV and Optional Equal Opps form as one document and upload this to the site.
Equal Opportunities
We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and or from ethnic minority backgrounds. We’re a Disability Confident Employer and we’re committed to promoting equality and diversity. You can ask for reasonable adjustments as part of both our recruitment and new starter on-boarding processes.
More about our employee benefits:
- Encouraging work life balance
- 38 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), pro-rata for part-time
- Smart working options (with the opportunity to work remotely)
- Flexible working options
- Generous sick pay entitlement
- Free access to a GP virtually 24 hours a day/7 days a week
- Enhanced leave for new parents
- 10 days paid disability leave a year, pro-rata for part-time
- Cycle to work scheme
- Death in service scheme
- New family-friendly benefits, including paid leave for miscarriage or still birth
Thinking about your finances
- Enhanced salary sacrifice pension scheme
- Discounted season ticket loan and interest-free emergency loans
Enriching your life at work
- Personalised development plans with a wide range of training courses
- Yearly internal apprenticeship opportunities
- Active and supportive internal employee networking groups
- 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering for MS Society activities during normal working hours
Safeguarding
We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who uses our services and we come into contact with. We recognise our particular responsibility to make sure vulnerable adults and children are protected.
Your right to work in the UK
You must have the right to work in the UK to work in paid employment with us. You’ll need to share documents showing you’re eligible to work in the UK if we offer you employment.
Press and Communications Officer employer: MS Society
Contact Detail:
MS Society Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Press and Communications Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the MS community and our mission. Understanding the challenges faced by people living with MS will help you create more impactful communications and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your social media skills by engaging with our existing content. Comment, share, and interact with our posts to get noticed. This not only highlights your enthusiasm but also gives you insights into our audience's preferences.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with graphic design tools like Canva. Consider creating a sample piece of content that aligns with our brand to showcase your creativity and understanding of our communication style during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees if possible. They can provide valuable insights about the team dynamics and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach and questions during the application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Press and Communications Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and skills required for the Press and Communications Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement should clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification. Use specific examples from your past experiences to showcase your skills in communication, social media navigation, and content creation.
Format Your Documents Correctly: Make sure to save your Cover Letter, CV, and Optional Equal Opportunities form as one document before uploading. This will ensure that your application is complete and meets the submission requirements.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a communications role.
How to prepare for a job interview at MS Society
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Press and Communications Officer, strong communication skills are essential. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in creating engaging content and how you've effectively communicated messages to different audiences.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Social Media Platforms
Since the role involves navigating social media channels, make sure you know the ins and outs of platforms like Meta. Be ready to share examples of successful campaigns or posts you've created that increased engagement.
✨Demonstrate Your Initiative
The job requires someone who can spot opportunities and work independently. Think of instances where you've taken the initiative in past roles, and be ready to discuss how you approached those situations.
✨Prepare for Time Management Questions
Given the busy nature of the team, time management is crucial. Prepare to talk about how you prioritise tasks and manage your time effectively, especially when juggling multiple projects or deadlines.