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- Tasks: Lead press engagement and manage social media for impactful campaigns.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on communications and external affairs.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days leave, birthday off, enhanced pay, and wellness support.
- Why this job: Make a difference through media influence in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in media roles, strong communication skills, and social media savvy required.
- Other info: This is a maternity cover role until April 2026 with potential for extension.
We are looking to recruit an ambitious, proactive Press and External Affairs Officer to join our small, dynamic and friendly communications and external affairs team as maternity cover. In this role, you will lead on our day-to-day press and media engagement and support our high-profile policy, campaigns and external affairs work. You will also manage our Twitter, LinkedIn and Bluesky social media accounts. The role is a hybrid role, based in our Old Street office for two days a week. Benefits: * 26 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, pro rata for part time employees * Enhanced sickness pay, employer and employee contribution pension scheme * Birthday leave so you can have a day off for your birthday dedicated to you and your well being * Enhanced sickness pay and paid bereavement leave * Regular access to internal and external learning and development opportunities * A Recruitment Referral Payment Scheme, giving you an introductory payment of up to £300 if someone you have referred to the Alliance takes up a role in the charity. * Access to our Employee Assistant Programme (EAP), which includes 24/7 helpline access, dedicated managers helpline, confidential counselling sessions delivered by accredited specialists, legal, debt and life management advice, discounts, and wellbeing content plus resources. * Savings of up to 25% on O2 Refresh Airtime Plan on any new phone or tablets * A dedicated mental health First Aider to support your mental well being Main duties: * To act as the Alliance’s first point of contact for the local and regional media. * To lead on the drafting and dissemination of both proactive and reactive press releases and comments. To gather evidence, case studies and other information as required to support the Alliance’s strategies for press, public affairs and campaigning. * To draft briefings for MPs, journalists and other opinion formers, both directly and through support networks in order to influence and persuade. * To implement the regional and local press and campaign strategies, as agreed by the Communications and External Affairs Director, liaising as appropriate with Alliance staff, members and volunteers. * To identify opportunities for positive media coverage to ensure that the Alliance increases and maintains its profile across national, sector and consumer media. * To develop and maintain an effective database of media and parliamentary contacts and their interests. * To lead on the management of the Alliance’s Twitter, LinkedIn and BlueSky social media channels. * To monitor relevant policy updates, and disseminate these through relevant communication channels including the Alliance website. Essential criteria: * Experience of working in a media / press role and sub-editing and writing articles, briefings and reports. * Demonstrate effective and creative communication skills. * Excellent knowledge and understanding of press and public affairs issues. * Experience of carrying out research to support media and/or campaigning activities. * Able to give clear press and public affairs guidance to the Alliance’s members and employees. * Able to draft briefings for MPs, journalists and other opinion formers. * Excellent interpersonal skills in order to influence and persuade MPs, journalists and other opinion formers. * Knowledge of how to effectively use social and digital media. * Experience of using IT to produce own correspondence and effectively maintain a database. * Effective time management, planning and organisational skills. * Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail. This post is a maternity cover until April 2026 with the possibility of an extension Hours per week: 35 Weeks per year: 52
Press and External Affairs Officer employer: Early Years Alliance
Contact Detail:
Early Years Alliance Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Press and External Affairs Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the current media landscape and key journalists in your field. This will help you understand who to engage with and how to tailor your communication strategies effectively.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your social media skills by actively engaging with relevant content on platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Bluesky. This not only demonstrates your expertise but also helps you build a network of contacts in the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your previous work in media relations or public affairs during the interview. Highlight any successful campaigns or press engagements you've led to illustrate your impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Alliance's recent campaigns and media coverage. Being knowledgeable about their work will allow you to speak confidently about how you can contribute to their goals and enhance their media presence.
We think you need these skills to ace Press and External Affairs Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in media and press roles. Emphasize your skills in drafting press releases, managing social media accounts, and any previous work with public affairs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the organization. Mention specific examples of your past work that align with the responsibilities listed in the job description, such as successful media campaigns or effective communication strategies.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since the role requires excellent communication skills, consider including a brief section in your application that demonstrates your ability to convey complex information clearly and persuasively. This could be a short example of a briefing you’ve written or a campaign you’ve managed.
Highlight Your Social Media Experience: Given the importance of managing social media accounts in this role, detail your experience with platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Bluesky. Include metrics or outcomes from your previous social media campaigns to showcase your effectiveness.
How to prepare for a job interview at Early Years Alliance
✨Showcase Your Media Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous roles in media or press. Highlight specific examples where you successfully managed press releases or engaged with journalists, as this will demonstrate your relevant experience.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Since effective communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider preparing a brief statement about a recent campaign or media engagement you've been involved in.
✨Familiarize Yourself with the Organization
Research the Alliance's recent campaigns, press releases, and social media presence. Understanding their current initiatives will allow you to speak knowledgeably about how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate questions that may ask how you would handle specific media situations or crises. Think through your approach to drafting press releases or managing social media during a campaign to showcase your strategic thinking.
