Comms and PR Manager - Maternity Cover in Durham

Based: Durham or Newcastle plus hybrid working

Department: Policy

Contract: Fixed term

Working Hours: 35 hours per week, Mon-Fri

Salary: Circa. £40,000

ROLE OVERVIEW

We are looking for an experienced media and communications professional with a great writing style and a flair for effective media and PR relations. In the Chamber you’ll have an interesting role writing about everything from Chamber events and awards, to helping shape a response to the Chancellor’s Budget. We get media enquiries from regional and national media, looking for our insights and comments on major issues. You’ll need to be confident building relationships with the media, but don’t worry about getting your head around difficult topics as our experienced policy team, which you will be a part of, can quickly help you shape our response. Our media releases, features and content are particularly important parts of our communications, and you’ll work closely with teams right across the business, particularly the marketing and events teams, creating engaging stories and content.

What you’ll be doing

This role involves producing press releases for local, regional and national media, as well working on both internal and external communications. Other key tasks include:

• Develop and deliver a proactive PR and communications strategy, including supporting with creation of effective social media content, aligned to business activities to achieve maximum exposure.
• Work with teams across the business to ensure consistent brand and company messaging.
• Ensure Chamber PR is clearly monitored and evaluated with outcomes reported as appropriate.
• Develop, plan, and deliver PR and communications campaigns and statements.
• Respond effectively to media enquiries.
• Capture key media performance outputs.
• Liaise with the marketing team to ensure PR and communications activity contributes to and complements other Chamber marketing activity.
• Write speeches for key Chamber figures to deliver at internal and external events, sourcing information and content from other teams.
• Create, proof and manage written comms across online and print, including reports and e-newsletters.
• Where appropriate, share member news to promote North East business.
• Adherence to all Chamber policies and procedures.
• Work with marketing colleagues to develop and deliver a comprehensive social media strategy.

What we need to see

The Chamber team is passionate about the North East, our business community and our members. We work hard to achieve outcomes for our business and our members. Skills and experience are important but what is important above all else is character and willingness to learn and achieve. It is vitally important that we find the right person who fits into our beliefs and culture here at the Chamber.

Some of the other skills and experience that we are looking for include:

• Minimum of 5 GCSE’s or equivalent, including Maths and English.
• Relevant degree or equivalent e.g., of a media/journalism/PR interest or equivalent professional experience.
• CIPR qualification desirable but not essential.
• Ability to plan, organise and prioritise workload to achieve agreed deadlines.
• Excellent interviewing and writing skills.
• Proven knowledge of news values and current affairs.
• Ensuring consistent branding and company messaging.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Experience in building and maintaining relationships with Chamber members, journalists and media outlets.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Experience in crisis communications and reputation management issues.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively under pressure.
• Ability to maintain and promote good working relationships internally and externally.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work in flexible locations and flexible hours, where needed.
• Comfortable working independently and as a team.
• Drive and enthusiasm in supporting the North East and our business community.

WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER YOU

We have a great culture at the Chamber and supporting a healthy work life balance is important to us. We actively promote a professional, engaging, friendly and supportive environment, with our people and our members at the heart of everything we do. We offer several benefits including:

• 25 days annual leave, increasing with each year of service, up to 30 days plus public holidays each year.
• An additional days leave on your birthday.
• Life assurance four-times basic salary.
• Contribution to one professional membership each year.
• Employee assistance programme.
• A motivating, encouraging environment to work, based out of our modern offices in Newcastle city centre and on the edge Durham city centre with on-site car parking.
• Flexible working supporting work life balance, with a mix of home and office working.
• Salary exchange pension scheme with 4% Chamber contributions.
• Long service and colleague awards.
• Salary sacrifice schemes, such as: cycle to work and car leasing.
• Health cash plan paid by the Chamber and provided by Westfield Health.
• Colleague events including summer social and Christmas party.