Communications & Media Officer

Our Communications & Media Officer helps with the delivery of communications and campaigning strategies and materials in support of the Boat Safety Scheme’s (BSS) purpose to help keep people and property safe from harm caused by risks related to the installation, ongoing condition and use of systems, equipment and appliances utilised aboard boats. This will include:

• Producing communications strategies, co-ordinating the procurement of materials and assisting in the development of content to support the engagement with all stakeholders and media contacts.
• Ensuring that spend on events, campaigns, photographers, design and print etc. is delivered on time and on budget.
• Enhancing, promoting and protecting the Boat Safety Scheme’s reputation to meet its strategic objectives.

The position will be offered on a remote working basis, with a requirement to attend our main hub spaces and or other navigation & harbour authority offices throughout the UK as and when required for team working and collaborative meetings. Travel throughout the network of inland waterways is expected in order to conduct site visits.

Supporting the BSS General Manager, and working with BSS colleagues in producing communications strategies, materials and content to support the engagement with all stakeholders and media contacts. Ensuring that spend on supporting events, campaigns, photographers, graphic design, etc whether print, online or other media, is delivered on time and on budget. Enhancing, promoting and protecting the Boat Safety Scheme’s reputation to meet its strategic objectives. Ensuring our publications and online presence is accurate, accessible, attractive and persuasive.

Key accountabilities:

• Play an important role in the success of the BSS by delivering communications, marketing plans and projects.
• Act as first point of contact for media enquiries.
• Provide communications support to colleagues, stakeholders; specifically BSS Examiners, navigation and harbour authorities, marine trade, the boating community and specialist teams including but not restricted to, our fire & carbon monoxide safety partners, accident & investigation media etc - to help achieve objectives in BSS profile raising and safety awareness campaigns.
• Responsible for developing strong relationships with opinion-makers, and for developing relevant training materials for navigation authority staff, BSS Examiners, and volunteers.
• Producing news releases, articles, poster content, leaflet content, blogs, website and social media content, and other communication methods aimed at local, national, and international mainly specialist audiences.
• Delivering agreed campaigns (integrating media relations, digital, and traditional marketing) to meet the Scheme’s strategic goals around influence e.g. to attract and retain further navigation & harbour authorities to adopt the BSS.
• Lead campaigns to raise awareness of project partners, as well as encouraging deeper engagement and involvement through participatory activities.
• Protecting the Scheme’s reputation in response to crises and providing professional guidance for BSS spokespeople.
• A collaborative approach is also very important, as you will be working in partnership with all kinds of people and will often have to balance the needs of different stakeholders throughout your work.
• Always display the Scheme’s values and behaviours.

About you

Qualifications:

• Educated to degree level, or equivalent, in public relations, communications or media production disciplines.
• Technical: Understanding of the UK print, broadcast, and social media – leisure, specialist, and trade – and experience working with journalists.
• Experience of contributing to the creative development of new ideas, strategies, and stories as part of the wider communications team.
• Ability to identify, compile and use evidence in effective communication strategies.
• Evidence of delivering integrated campaigns and steering the production of marketing materials for various target audiences.
• Expertise in the conceptualisation of content, including proven technical and campaign copywriting and proofreading skills.
• Experience in communications measurement including the success of campaigns and strategies, as well as social media monitoring (e.g. using tools such as Meta Business suite, Hootsuite, Google analytics, sentiment trackers, etc).
• Experience of commissioning new data insight to identify improved customer experience.

General:

• Report writing and data analysis capabilities.
• Appropriate proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, Salesforce & SAP, beneficial.
• Self-motivation - ability to work independently with minimal supervision, to meet tight deadlines, prioritise effectively & work under pressure in a small team environment.
• Collaborative team player with good influencing skills.
• Excellent understanding of GDPR and other relevant data protection legislation.

Beneficial:

• Experience of training and liaising with staff and volunteers with varying levels of understanding and competency in social and digital.
• Experience of working in a not-for-profit environment and safety campaigning.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact CRT.recruitment@canalrivertrust.org.uk. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient suitable applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

In addition to your salary of £30,000 - £33,000 (depending on experience), you will benefit from a competitive contributory DC Pension scheme arrangement, great holiday entitlement and numerous other employee benefits.