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- Tasks: Uncover and pitch compelling stories to media while supporting fundraising and safety campaigns.
- Company: Join the RNLI, a historic charity saving lives at sea since 1824.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 26 days annual leave, and a fantastic pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by raising awareness of lifesaving work and inspiring support.
- Qualifications: Experience in PR or journalism with strong communication and storytelling skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for travel and involvement in exciting media events.
The predicted salary is between 29079 - 34210 £ per year.
Salary: £29,079 to £34,210 (depending on experience)
Contract type: Temporary: Fixed Term Contract or Secondment
Hours: Full-Time
Location: Poole, Dorset, England
Location description: Hybrid contract with min 2 days per week in the Support Centre, Poole
Closing Date: 11-06-2025
Reference: 19653
About us
Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, our volunteer lifeboat crews and beach lifeguards have saved more than 146,200 lives – this equates to two lives saved every day for 200 years. It’s quite a story and it is yours to tell.
We are looking for a Press Officer for a Fixed Term Contract of up to 12 months, to be a part of our busy national press office in Poole, Dorset where you will help support our volunteers and staff by raising awareness of our charity’s lifesaving work and responding to media enquiries to bring the RNLI’s story to life.
Some of the benefits
- Salary: £29,079 - £34,210 (dependent on experience)
- Flexible working
- 26 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays
- Outstanding pension scheme (contributions of up to 16% of basic salary)
- Life assurance
- Health and dental cash plan option
Your role
As a Press Officer, you will unearth good stories to pitch to broadcast, digital and print media while responding to queries from journalists and providing support for fundraising and safety campaigns.
Video footage of dramatic rescues is the cornerstone of the RNLI’s external communications. This role will involve moderating and uploading footage to our database, so a good knowledge of video editing and GDPR would be an advantage but can be trained.
The RNLI is a 24/7 search and rescue organisation, and you should be prepared to work outside normal office hours and take part in the out-of-hours duty press officer rota. You will also support the wider team on social media and internal comms, where needed.
Your reward will be seeing the RNLI’s reputation go from strength to strength as you help raise awareness of the charity that saves lives at sea, inspiring people to support us.
About you
A skilled communicator with a good news sense, writing skills and creative flair, you will be able to juggle priorities and work well with people across the charity.
To join us as Press Officer, you will need:
- Formal training, or experience working in PR, journalism or an associated area.
- To be able to spot a good story, understand what the media needs and balance that with the demands of a busy volunteer-based emergency service.
In this hybrid role, you will be expected to work at the RNLI’s Support Centre in Poole at least twice a week. There could be occasional opportunities to travel to support media events and volunteer training.
This role may also be known as: PR Officer, Comms Officer, Communications Officer, or Media Officer.
Safeguarding
The RNLI is committed to safeguarding; protecting a person’s health, wellbeing, and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment and have a zero-tolerance approach. The suitability of all prospective employees and volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. This will include relevant criminal record checks being carried out dependent on the eligibility of the role.
Diversity at the RNLI
Our staff and volunteers have been saving lives at sea without prejudice for 200 years. We respect and value diversity of background, skills and perspectives within our teams, and consider it essential to help us deliver a world-class lifesaving service. We are an inclusive organisation and welcome applications from everyone. In addition to having the skills needed for the role, we also look for applicants who share our commitment to living our RNLI values (trustworthy, courageous, selfless, and dependable), and helping us work towards Our Vision: To save Every One.
Press Officer (Temp up to 12 months) employer: RNLI
Contact Detail:
RNLI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Press Officer (Temp up to 12 months)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the RNLI's mission and recent news stories. Understanding their lifesaving work will help you pitch relevant ideas and demonstrate your passion for the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the PR and media industry, especially those who have experience in non-profit organisations. This can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your video editing skills, as this role involves moderating and uploading footage. Familiarity with editing software will not only enhance your application but also prepare you for the practical aspects of the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss how you would handle media inquiries and pitch stories effectively. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed similar situations, as this will showcase your skills and readiness for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Press Officer (Temp up to 12 months)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in PR, journalism, or communications. Emphasise any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to spot good stories and engage with the media.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the RNLI's mission and how your skills align with the role of Press Officer. Include examples of past work where you've successfully managed media relations or created engaging content.
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since strong writing skills are essential for this role, consider including samples of your writing or links to published articles. This will give the hiring team a clear idea of your communication style and capabilities.
Highlight Relevant Training: If you have formal training in PR or journalism, be sure to mention it. This could include degrees, certifications, or workshops that are relevant to the role, as they will strengthen your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at RNLI
✨Know the RNLI's Story
Familiarise yourself with the history and mission of the RNLI. Understanding their lifesaving work and recent campaigns will help you articulate how your skills can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Press Officer, strong communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated stories or handled media inquiries in the past. Be ready to demonstrate your writing skills during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle media crises or pitch stories. Think of specific situations where you successfully managed similar challenges and be prepared to discuss them.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
This role may require working outside normal hours. Be ready to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt to the demands of a 24/7 organisation like the RNLI.
