At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead media relations and uncover compelling stories about homelessness and social exclusion.
- Company: Join Cyrenians, a values-driven organisation tackling homelessness with a relationship-focused approach.
- Benefits: Supportive team environment, training opportunities, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Use your storytelling skills to raise awareness and drive change in the community.
- Qualifications: Experience in media or communications and a passion for ethical storytelling.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Do you have a passion for powerful storytelling? Are you confident building relationships with journalists and identifying opportunities to raise awareness of important issues? Do you understand the role that media plays in shaping public understanding of homelessness and social exclusion? If so, this new role in our Marketing & Communications team could be for you.
About Cyrenians
At Cyrenians we tackle the causes and consequences of homelessness. We take a values-led and relationships-based approach to delivering our services because we understand that there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to supporting people towards more positive and stable futures.
About the Marketing & Communications Team
Relationships are at the heart of everything we do at Cyrenians, with those we support and those who support us too. The Media and Stories Officer will join our Relationships team, which brings together fundraising, marketing and communications, press and public affairs. With ambitious fundraising targets, 47 frontline services and homelessness prevention firmly on the public agenda, it's an exciting time to join our team. Our Marketing & Communications team works across the organisation to raise awareness of our services, support fundraising, engage colleagues, amplify the voices of those we support and position Cyrenians as a trusted expert in homelessness prevention.
About the Role
This newly created role will lead on Cyrenians’ media relations activity while supporting the wider team to identify and develop compelling stories from across our services. Working closely with the Communications and Policy Manager and Marketing and Communications Officers, you'll take the lead on both proactive and reactive media engagement. You'll write and distribute press releases, coordinate media opportunities, develop relationships with journalists and identify opportunities for Cyrenians to contribute to public conversations around homelessness and social exclusion. You'll also play a key role in working with colleagues, volunteers and people accessing our services to uncover and share stories that demonstrate the impact of Cyrenians' work. This requires sensitivity, sound judgement and a commitment to ensuring stories are shared ethically and with dignity.
About You
You'll have experience in media, public relations, communications or a similar field and be an excellent communicator who can quickly spot a story and turn it into engaging content for media audiences. You'll be confident building relationships with journalists and responding to media enquiries, while remaining calm and professional when working to deadlines. Most importantly, you'll understand the responsibility that comes with sharing the experiences of people facing homelessness, poverty and social exclusion. You'll be committed to ethical storytelling and recognise the importance of consent, safeguarding and dignity in all communications activity. Like us, you'll be values-led and relationship-focused in everything you do.
How We’ll Support You
Working closely with colleagues across fundraising, policy, communications and frontline services, you'll be warmly supported by people who share your passion for tackling homelessness and its root causes. Cyrenians is a place where people quickly feel at home, and we want your experience with us to be as rewarding and enjoyable as possible. You will be supported to attend training and networking opportunities to deepen your understanding of homelessness, social exclusion, media relations and ethical communications practice.
Media and Stories Officer employer: Cyrenians
Cyrenians is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant community of Leith, Edinburgh, where you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of residents. With a strong focus on person-centred care, our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and trust, while offering comprehensive training and opportunities for personal growth. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values your contributions and prioritises the well-being of both staff and residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Media and Stories Officer
✨Get Involved in PR Events
Dive into local PR meetups and workshops. Events like these are perfect for getting your face out there, chatting with industry pros, and spotting potential job openings at companies like Cyrenians. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to learn about trends and make lasting connections.
✨Showcase Your PR Skills
Start building your personal brand as a PR ace. Use platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to share your thoughts on current events or PR campaigns you admire. Tagging companies you want to work for, like Cyrenians, can catch their eye—especially if your insights resonate!
✨Leverage Your Network
Reach out to friends, family, or connections in the PR field. Even a casual chat can lead to opportunities. If you've got mutual contacts, ask for introductions when applying. Personal recommendations can give your application a nice little boost!
✨Tailor Your Approach
When applying for a full-time PR role, make sure to research Cyrenians inside and out. Understanding their campaigns, values, and style allows us to directly align our application and impress during interviews. Don't hesitate to apply through our website—going direct can make a real difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Media and Stories Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Story Straight:In public relations, storytelling is everything! Make sure your CV highlights your experience in crafting compelling narratives and managing media relations. Share specific examples of campaigns you've worked on, and don’t forget to include any press coverage you've generated—it's impressive proof of your skills!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since PR is all about communication, we want to see your best writing samples. Include pieces like press releases, blog posts, or social media content that you've created. This gives us a taste of your voice and your ability to convey messages clearly and effectively, which is crucial for a role in this field.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a recap of your CV; it’s your chance to shine! Emphasise why PR excites you and how your background fits with the mission of Cyrenians. Show us that you’ve done your homework and speak to why you’re passionate about the work we do.
Connect the Dots:When you’re writing your application, think about how your past experiences link to the responsibilities of the role. Mention any internships, volunteer work, or projects that involved public speaking, event planning, or strategic communication. This will help us see how you can seamlessly bring your skills into a full-time position at Cyrenians.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cyrenians
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
In public relations, storytelling is key. We should prepare compelling narratives about past campaigns or projects we’ve worked on. Think about how we can illustrate our impact and creativity in those stories—be ready to discuss specific examples that showcase our skills in managing media relationships and crafting messages.
✨Know Your PR Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with PR tools like Cision or Meltwater is crucial. We need to be able to discuss how we’ve used these tools in past roles or projects. If we've worked on media lists, press releases, or analytics reports, let’s have those experiences ready to share along with metrics we’ve achieved to back up our claims.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
We’ve got to stay sharp on the latest trends and events impacting the public relations field. Having a few insights ready about recent campaigns or shifts in media landscapes can show that we’re engaged and knowledgeable. This will also help us make connections between our experiences and the current state of the industry.
✨Showcase Our Versatility
As full-time PR professionals, we need to demonstrate our adaptability. Be ready to talk about how we've handled challenging situations, managed crises, or adapted strategies on the fly. Employers will appreciate our ability to pivot and find solutions under pressure, so let’s have those scenarios at our fingertips to discuss.
