At a Glance
- Tasks: Bring Acorns' work to life through media relations and powerful storytelling.
- Company: Join a leading charity dedicated to supporting children and families in need.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and fantastic employee discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by amplifying families' voices and raising awareness for vital care.
- Qualifications: Experience in communications or PR, with strong writing skills across various mediums.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 32000 £ per year.
Acorns Children's Hospice are looking for a PR & External Communications Officer to bring Acorns work to life for the public, using effective media relations, powerful storytelling and compelling external communications to showcase our pioneering children’s hospice care and the vital role of fundraising. You will amplify families’ voices and deepen public understanding of our care and the need for voluntary income. You will help strengthen Acorns reputation as one of the West Midlands’ leading charities and a charity of choice. Through this work, you will increase brand awareness and extend our reach across the region and beyond, delivering communications that advance our strategic priorities.
About the Role
At Acorns Children’s Hospice, we provide specialist palliative care for children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, and we support their families through every step of their journey, and through transition. Our work is defined by compassion, expertise, and an unwavering belief that every child deserves comfort, dignity, and the chance to experience joy.
As PR & External Communications Officer, you will:
- Deliver agreed media relations and external communications activity, including drafting press releases, statements and creating story packs and supporting materials, aligned with Acorns organisational priorities and brand voice.
- Support proactive and reactive engagement with journalists, editors, producers, and relevant external stakeholders.
- Actively engage with colleagues, children and families to capture conversation-led case studies, stories, and supporting content that demonstrate the impact of Acorns care.
- Produce supporting content for media and other external audiences, including short-form copy, imagery and video clips.
About You
- Experience in communications, PR, journalism or marketing either in-house or agency.
- Experience writing for different mediums (e.g. digital and print) and audiences.
- Degree or equivalent qualification in journalism, PR or communications.
- Ability to travel independently across the West Midlands.
What We Offer
- £32,000 per annum.
- 37.5 hours per week.
- Hybrid role, with home & office working, plus travel across the region.
- Employee discounts from leading retailers – including the Blue Light Card.
- Discounts on refurbished tech.
- Health cash plan.
- Gym membership and equipment discount scheme.
- Bike2Work scheme - save up to 42% on bikes and equipment.
- Wellbeing, legal and financial support.
- Generous contribution to group personal pension plan (7.5%) or continuation of current NHS pension scheme.
- NHS pension scheme life assurance or Acorns group life assurance scheme.
Interviews are scheduled to be held on 30 June and 1 July. You need to be eligible to work in the UK to be considered for this role. We are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and therefore any successful candidate will be subject to a DBS check and will be asked to provide two satisfactory references. As a UNICEF Gold Rights Respecting organisation we are committed to ensuring that the United Nations Convention for the Rights of the Child is embedded into both culture and practice within the organisation. As an employee you will be a Duty Bearer for Children’s Rights and support all children to be Rights Holders.
PR & External Communications Officer employer: Acorns-Children
Acorns Children's Hospice is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and compassionate work environment where employees can make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families facing life-limiting conditions. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, generous benefits including a health cash plan, gym discounts, and a robust pension scheme, Acorns fosters professional growth through engaging storytelling and media relations that amplify the voices of those they serve. Located in the heart of the West Midlands, this hybrid role allows for flexibility while contributing to a leading charity dedicated to making a difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PR & External Communications Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the PR and communications field, especially those connected to charities. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your storytelling skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work in media relations and external communications. Include press releases, case studies, and any compelling content you've produced. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to organisations like Acorns Children’s Hospice and express your interest in working with them. Tailor your message to show how your skills align with their mission and values.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep an eye on our website! We regularly post job openings and updates. Applying through our site not only shows your enthusiasm but also ensures you’re getting the latest info straight from the source. Plus, it’s a great way to stay connected with us!
We think you need these skills to ace PR & External Communications Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for children's hospice care shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference and how your values align with ours at Acorns.
Tailor Your Content:Make sure to tailor your application to the role of PR & External Communications Officer. Highlight your experience in media relations and storytelling, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects that showcase your skills.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points if it helps convey your experience and skills more effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Acorns-Children
✨Know Your Story
Before the interview, think about your own experiences and how they relate to Acorns' mission. Be ready to share compelling stories that highlight your passion for PR and communications, especially in a charity context. This will show your understanding of their work and your commitment to their cause.
✨Research the Organisation
Dive deep into Acorns Children's Hospice and understand their values, recent campaigns, and the impact they have on families. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Prepare for Media Scenarios
Since the role involves media relations, think about potential scenarios you might face. Prepare examples of how you've handled media inquiries or crafted press releases in the past. This will showcase your practical experience and readiness for the role.
✨Engage with Their Audience
Consider how you would amplify the voices of families and children in your communications. Bring ideas to the table about how to create engaging content that resonates with different audiences. This will highlight your creativity and strategic thinking in external communications.
