Press Officer in Birkenhead

Press Officer in Birkenhead

Birkenhead Full-Time 28800 - 43200 Β£ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Communicate council services and news to diverse audiences through various channels.
  • Company: Join Wirral Council, dedicated to promoting and protecting community interests.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping the council's reputation and engaging with the community.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Journalism, Marketing, PR, or Communications; strong communication skills required.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration with key decision-makers.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 Β£ per year.

Purpose: Communicate internally and externally council services, initiatives and news to a wide range of audiences; supporting the Corporate Communications, PR & Engagement Manager in promoting, protecting and developing the reputation of the Council. You will ensure the council's key messages are coordinated and communicated through a variety of different channels.

Behavioural: Main Duties And Responsibilities

  • Enjoy, achieve, create impact, and thrive in the role and organisation.
  • Live our values in the role and organisation.

Corporate Communications & Marketing Duties & Responsibilities

  • Research, write and publish news releases in response to media enquiries.
  • Proactively pin-point future stories and ensuring they are covered by relevant local, regional, national and specialist media.
  • Respond to media enquiries with appropriate statements and information and researching/producing media releases on specific issues and 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, and ensuring continuous improvement is achieved.
  • Assist the Senior Press, PR & Digital Manager in the development and delivery of the Council's 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.

Qualifications Role Specific Knowledge, Experience And Skills

  • Essential: Educated to degree level or equivalent, preferably in a related field such as Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, Advertising or Communications.
  • Knowledge & Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability of working to tight deadlines and effectively managing conflicting priorities. Ability to work in confidence and make judgements on reputational matters in a sensitive environment.
  • Experience: Demonstrable ability and experience of working with and influencing colleagues at a high organisational level. Experience of working in a related position.

Press Officer in Birkenhead employer: Job Switch

As a Press Officer at Wirral Council, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to enhancing the community's voice and reputation. The council fosters a collaborative work culture that values creativity and impact, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and development. With a commitment to transparency and engagement, you'll play a crucial role in shaping communications that resonate with residents and stakeholders alike.
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Contact Detail:

Job Switch Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

We think this is how you could land Press Officer in Birkenhead

✨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 current or former employees of the council. 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 content you’ve produced. This is your chance to demonstrate your writing chops and how you can communicate effectively, just like the role requires.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the council’s recent initiatives and news. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their communication strategies. Tailor your responses to show you understand their values and how you can help promote and protect their reputation.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the time to engage with us directly.

We think you need these skills to ace Press Officer in Birkenhead

Verbal Communication Skills
Written Communication Skills
Media Relations
Content Creation
Research Skills
Public Relations
Crisis Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Project Management
Time Management
Judgement on Reputational Matters
Compliance with GDPR
Marketing Campaign Support
Relationship Building

Some tips for your application 🫑

Show Off Your Writing Skills: As a Press Officer, your writing will be under the spotlight. Make sure your application showcases your best written work. Use clear, engaging language and demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively, just like you would in a press release.

Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in communications, PR, or journalism. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed media relations or crafted compelling stories that resonate with audiences.

Research is Key: Before you hit 'send', do a bit of homework on Wirral Council. Understanding their values, recent initiatives, and communication style will help you align your application with what they’re looking for. It shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute!

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 the right people. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we stand for!

How to prepare for a job interview at Job Switch

✨Know Your Audience

Before the interview, research the council's recent initiatives and news. Understand their key messages and how they communicate with different audiences. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in their work.

✨Showcase Your Writing Skills

As a Press Officer, strong writing skills are crucial. Bring examples of your previous work, such as press releases or articles you've written. Be prepared to discuss your writing process and how you adapt your style for different channels and audiences.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions about how you'd handle specific media enquiries or reputational issues. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed similar situations. This will demonstrate your ability to think on your feet and make sound judgements.

✨Engage with the Interviewers

Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Ask insightful questions about the council's communication strategies and how they measure success. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.

Press Officer in Birkenhead
Job Switch
Location: Birkenhead

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