At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful media campaigns and manage communications projects for a high-profile charity.
- Company: Join a reputable charity dedicated to supporting armed forces and their families.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model and a supportive, high-performing culture.
- Why this job: Make a difference while developing your media relations skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in press offices and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence political opinion and work on crisis communications.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A high-profile and reputable charity - who play a key role in supporting the armed forces and their families - is looking to recruit a Senior Communications Officer to work alongside the Head of Charity Communications, and help implement their integrated communications strategy.
The position is based in the London Office, where the Senior Communications Officer will be a crucial member of the team, working proactively and reactively to secure outstanding coverage and implement parliamentary outreach plans, to help influence political opinion. This is a hybrid role where you will have the opportunity to further develop your media relations skills, alongside public affairs. You will enjoy a supportive and high performing culture in a busy press office, working for a charity that supports the lives of people in the armed forces.
The ideal candidate will have experience working in a busy press office, aligned with strong written and communications skills. Exposure to a policy driven environment is also desirable.
Main responsibilities include:
- Developing cross-platform campaigns to promote the organisation’s communications strategy
- Leading business to business trade media and partners
- Overseeing incoming press requests, highlighting relevant PR enquiries to specialist teams and drafting news statements
- Managing major communications projects for the charity
- Working as part of the crisis comms team
- Working with teams throughout the organisation to shape the delivery of media and public affairs plans for the charity
- Developing relationships with journalists to secure high quality coverage for the charity
- Leading on the development of key corporate publications including the Annual Report
Required skills and experience include:
- Experience working on high profile media campaigns, and dealing with national and regional journalists on a daily basis
- Experience of developing and nurturing relationships with MPs/Senior Civil Servants
- Highly organised and able to manage multiple projects to strict deadlines
- Ability to manage workloads with changing priorities
- A real news hound, with an awareness of the impact that actions or decisions can have on the organisation’s brand and reputation
Senior Communications Officer employer: Ellwood Atfield
Contact Detail:
Ellwood Atfield Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Communications Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the charity sector, especially those who have experience in communications roles. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with individuals who can provide insights and potentially refer you to opportunities within their organisations.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on current affairs and issues affecting the armed forces and their families. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the charity's mission and the relevance of your communications strategies.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider volunteering or taking part in initiatives related to the armed forces. This hands-on experience can enhance your understanding of the sector and provide you with valuable stories and examples to share during your discussions with us.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential interviews by practising responses to questions about crisis communications and media relations. Think of specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to handle high-pressure situations and manage multiple projects effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Communications Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in communications, particularly in a press office environment. Emphasise your skills in managing media relations and any previous work with high-profile campaigns.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the charity's mission and demonstrate your understanding of the role. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed communications projects or developed relationships with journalists.
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since strong written communication is key for this role, consider including samples of your writing, such as press releases or articles. This will give the hiring team a clear idea of your style and capability.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, be sure to mention any experience you have with parliamentary outreach or public affairs. This will show that you understand the political landscape and can navigate it effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ellwood Atfield
✨Showcase Your Media Savvy
As a Senior Communications Officer, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of media relations. Be prepared to discuss your experience with high-profile media campaigns and how you've successfully engaged with journalists in the past.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
This role requires managing multiple projects under tight deadlines. Share specific examples of how you've effectively prioritised tasks and managed workloads in previous positions, especially in a busy press office environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Crisis Management Experience
Working as part of the crisis communications team is crucial. Be ready to talk about any past experiences where you've had to handle a crisis or sensitive situation, and how you navigated it to protect the organisation's reputation.
✨Build Rapport with the Interviewers
Since relationship-building is key in this role, take the opportunity to connect with your interviewers. Show genuine interest in their work and the charity's mission, and express how you can contribute to their goals.