At a Glance
- Tasks: Create engaging news stories and manage media relations to promote the Council's work.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Wirral Council, making a real impact in the community.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a supportive culture with opportunities to influence local governance.
- Why this job: Shape public perception and engage with key decision-makers in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Journalism, Marketing, or related field; strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
- Research, write and publish news releases in response to media enquiries.
- Proactively pin-point future stories and ensure they are covered by relevant local, regional, national and specialist media.
- Respond to media enquiries with appropriate statements and information, researching and producing media releases on specific issues to promote, protect and develop the reputation of the council.
- Create news stories and effective content to promote the work of the Council and keep residents well informed.
- Ensure effective communication channels are maintained both internally and externally, supporting marketing campaigns where required.
- Monitor the performance of the press and public relations function, ensuring continuous improvement is achieved.
- Assist the Senior Press, PR & Digital Manager in the development and delivery of the Councils Media Protocol.
Communication, Engagement and Training:
- Cultivate good relationships with key decision makers and opinion formers to attract support for the Council at all levels, including local, regional and national media.
- Advise colleagues at all levels of the organisation, including Committee Members, regarding communications and reputational issues.
- Safeguard and promote the reputation of Wirral Council through producing clear, engaging communications to internal and external stakeholders related to Council priorities.
- Liaise with the Media, providing advice and support as necessary.
- Manage the work of external contractors and partners as required, such as photographers, marketing and PR agencies and event management support.
- Communicate clear information to stakeholders, including staff, about the Council and its services.
Compliance:
- Adhere to and comply with all relevant corporate policies and procedures including Health & Safety, General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), Corporate Governance and Code of Conduct.
- Ensure that all service initiatives adhere to relevant legislation, policies and practices.
Other:
- Any other duties commensurate with the grade.
Role Specific Knowledge, Experience And Skills
Qualifications
- Essential: Educated to degree level or equivalent, preferably in a related field such as Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, Advertising or Communications.
Knowledge & Skills
- Essential: Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work to tight deadlines and effectively manage conflicting priorities.
- Ability to work in confidence and make judgements on reputational matters in a sensitive environment.
Experience
- Essential: Demonstrable ability and experience of working with and influencing colleagues at a high organisational level.
- Experience of working in a related position.
- Desirable: Experience of working in local government.
- Experience of working in a political organisation.
- Experience of media related work, including journalism, writing press releases, working with journalists and managing PR projects.
Additional Information
- Ability to travel across the Borough and work from various locations.
- Work hybrid, with a flexible working approach to accommodate service needs.
- On occasion, able to work outside traditional hours, of a weekend and evening as required, adopting a flexible working approach in response to business requirements.
Health & Safety Considerations:
- Lone working
- Working outside
- Work with VDUs (Video Display Unit) (>5hrs per week)
Press and PR Officer in Chester employer: JOB SWITCH LTD
Contact Detail:
JOB SWITCH LTD Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Press and PR Officer in Chester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals for a chat. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best press releases, articles, or any PR campaigns you've worked on. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can do and set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its recent media coverage. Be ready to discuss how you can help enhance their reputation and engage with the community. Tailor your responses to show you understand their values and goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Press and PR Officer in Chester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills: As a Press and PR Officer, your writing will be key! Make sure your application showcases your ability to craft clear and engaging content. Use examples from your past work to highlight your skills in writing press releases or articles.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific duties and responsibilities mentioned in the job description. Show us how your experience aligns with what we’re looking for.
Research is Key: Before you hit send, do a bit of research on Wirral Council and its recent initiatives. This will not only help you understand our values but also allow you to mention relevant points in your application that demonstrate your interest and knowledge.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and allows you to keep track of your application status easily!
How to prepare for a job interview at JOB SWITCH LTD
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the council's recent press releases and media coverage. Familiarise yourself with their communication style and key messages. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Writing Skills
As a Press and PR Officer, your writing skills are crucial. Bring along samples of your previous work, like press releases or articles you've written. Be ready to discuss your thought process behind them and how they achieved their intended impact.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle sensitive reputational matters. Think of examples from your past experience where you successfully managed a challenging situation or turned a negative story into a positive one. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and judgement.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just wait for questions; engage with your interviewers. Ask them about their current PR strategies or challenges they face. This shows your proactive nature and helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and working style.