At a Glance
- Tasks: Create impactful stories and engage with media to promote children's hospice care.
- Company: Acorns Children’s Hospice, dedicated to providing compassionate care for children and families.
- Benefits: £32,000 salary, hybrid working, employee discounts, and wellness support.
- Other info: Flexible work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families through powerful communication.
- Qualifications: Experience in PR, journalism, or communications; degree preferred.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 32000 £ per year.
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.
- 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.
Eligibility & Screening
You need to be eligible to work in the UK to be considered for this role. Successful candidates will be subject to a DBS check and will be asked to provide two satisfactory references.
PR & External Communications Officer in Birmingham employer: Acorns Children's Hospice
At Acorns Children’s Hospice, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families facing life-limiting conditions. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and creativity, offering employees opportunities for professional growth while ensuring a healthy work-life balance through hybrid working arrangements. With a range of benefits including discounts, health plans, and a generous pension scheme, we empower our team to thrive both personally and professionally in the heart of the West Midlands.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PR & External Communications Officer in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the PR and communications field, especially those who work at Acorns or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on what they’re really looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work in media relations, press releases, and storytelling. Make sure it’s easy to access and share – we love seeing what you can do!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Acorns and understanding their mission. Think about how your experience aligns with their values and be ready to discuss specific examples of your work that demonstrate your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love when candidates take the time to follow the process we’ve set up.
We think you need these skills to ace PR & External Communications Officer in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the PR & External Communications Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience in communications, PR, or journalism, and show how it aligns with Acorns’ mission of providing compassionate care.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:Since this role involves drafting press releases and creating content, include samples of your writing. Whether it's short-form copy or case studies, let us see your ability to engage different audiences through various mediums.
Be Authentic:We love genuine stories! If you have personal experiences or insights related to palliative care or working with families, share them. This will help us understand your passion for the role and how you connect with our values.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Acorns Children's Hospice
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to research Acorns Children’s Hospice. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in their work.
✨Showcase Your Writing Skills
Since the role involves drafting press releases and creating content, be prepared to discuss your writing experience. Bring examples of your work, whether it's articles, press releases, or social media posts, to demonstrate your versatility across different mediums.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific PR situations or engage with journalists. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated similar challenges, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Engage with Empathy
Given the sensitive nature of the work at Acorns, it’s crucial to convey empathy and understanding during your interview. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach storytelling that resonates with families and stakeholders, highlighting the impact of their care.
