Assistant Public Relations Officer

Overview

Are you eager to build a career in public relations and join a meaningful and impactful organisation? We are seeking a proactive and enthusiastic Assistant Public Relations Officer to play a crucial role enhancing the profile and support for the Royal British Legion through strategic PR and media activity. Come and be part of the UK\’s largest Armed Forces charity, making a difference to the lives of those who have served to keep us safe and protect our way of life.

In this role, you\’ll be the backbone of the PR team, supporting both the National and Regional teams in their work maintaining the RBL’s positive public image. You’ll be part of a friendly, sociable team, and will play a vital role in supporting people in the Armed Forces, veterans and their families by helping us to raise awareness of our services, campaigns, and Remembrance. From the annual Poppy Appeal and national commemorative events like hosting the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day, through to supporting Team UK at the Invictus Games, you’ll work across some of the UK’s most high-profile and meaningful moments.

Our London Hub, Haig House, is the contracted location. Under our Future Working framework, there will be some flexibility for working remotely/at home, using our collaboration tools to work with colleagues, but with a minimum expectation of two days/week connecting directly face-to-face with colleagues at the hub.

Responsibilities

• Handle reactive media enquiries and proactively pitch stories, as well as draft on-message press releases and collate targeted media lists.
• Maintain the team’s reactive media log, facilitate smooth handovers of complex enquiries to senior team members, and manage relationships with our press office system suppliers.
• Support the team with financial processes, such as handling purchase orders and expenses, and assist in organising events that promote our mission and campaigns.

Other duties may include supporting national and regional teams in their PR activities and helping raise awareness of services, campaigns, and Remembrance.

Requirements

• Experience in media relations, public relations or journalism; suitable for a PR Executive in-agency moving in-house, or a journalist seeking an introduction to PR.
• Interest in reading, listening and watching a range of media, with an ability to identify opportunities to secure coverage and bring creative PR ideas.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks during busy periods, including handling requests for case study stories and managing the forward planner.
• Strong Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills.

Benefits

• 28 days paid holiday (plus bank holidays) increasing with service, with optional annual leave purchase scheme up to 5 working days
• Generous pension contributions, with Employer contributions ranging from 6% to 14%
• Range of flexible working options may be available, depending on your role
• Employee Assistance Programme with confidential counselling, financial and legal advice
• Learning and development opportunities, including courses delivered by learning specialists
• Opportunities to volunteer
• Travel loans, Cycle to Work, and more

For more detailed information about the role, please see our Vacancy Information Pack attached to our direct advert.

RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics.

We may close this vacancy early if we believe we have enough strong applications to be able to successfully fill the role(s). Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.