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: Be part of a compassionate team committed to children's rights and wellbeing.
- 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 (eg 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.
- Eye Test discount.
- 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.
If you have any questions, please contact us at recruitment@acorns.org.uk.
Find out about our culture, career development, benefits and more here: Why Work for Acorns?
Apply Now
PR & Communications Officer in Birmingham employer: Acorns Children's Hospice
Acorns Children's Hospice is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and compassionate work environment where your contributions directly impact the lives of children and families in need. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we provide a range of benefits including hybrid working options, generous pension contributions, and discounts on health and wellness services. Join us in our mission to amplify voices and deepen public understanding of our vital work, while enjoying opportunities for personal and professional growth in the heart of the West Midlands.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PR & Communications Officer in Birmingham
✨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 update our job listings, and applying through our site gives you a better chance of being noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace PR & Communications Officer in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Storytelling Skills:As a PR & Communications Officer, storytelling is key! Make sure your application reflects your ability to craft compelling narratives. Use examples from your past experiences that highlight how you've engaged audiences and brought stories to life.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. Tailor your application to align with Acorns' mission and values. Show us how your skills in media relations and communications can amplify the voices of families and enhance public understanding of our work.
Highlight Relevant Experience:We want to see your experience in communications, PR, or journalism shine through. Be specific about your previous roles and how they relate to the responsibilities of this position. Mention any successful campaigns or projects you’ve led!
Apply Through Our Website:Make it easy for us to find your application by applying directly through our website. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Acorns Children's Hospice
✨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 showcase your passion for PR and communications, especially in a charity context. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a personal level.
✨Research the Organisation
Dive deep into Acorns Children's Hospice and understand their work, values, and recent news. Familiarise yourself with their media presence and any campaigns they've run. This knowledge will not only impress the interviewers but also allow you to tailor your responses to align with their goals.
✨Prepare for Practical Tasks
Since the role involves drafting press releases and creating story packs, be prepared for practical tasks during the interview. Brush up on your writing skills and consider bringing examples of your previous work. This will demonstrate your ability to produce high-quality content that resonates with different audiences.
✨Engage with Empathy
As a PR & Communications Officer, empathy is key. Be ready to discuss how you would approach sensitive topics and engage with families and children. Show that you understand the importance of storytelling in conveying the impact of Acorns' care and how it can inspire support from the community.
