At a Glance
- Tasks: Help raise Skylarks' profile by sharing inspiring family stories and supporting fundraising efforts.
- Company: Skylarks Charity, dedicated to empowering children with additional needs and their families.
- Benefits: Gain valuable PR experience while making a real difference in the community.
- Why this job: Be part of a compassionate team that champions inclusion and empowerment for families.
- Qualifications: Strong writing skills and a passion for storytelling; PR experience is a plus.
- Other info: Join an award-winning charity with a commitment to inclusive recruitment.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 £ per month.
About Skylarks Charity
At Skylarks, our vision is to help create a world where children with additional needs can thrive. Skylarks provides a supportive and active community for children with disabilities and additional needs and their families. We care for the whole family, providing opportunities to join in, develop, and feel empowered while reducing the isolation families can experience. Founded in 2006 by parent volunteers, Skylarks has grown over nearly 20 years into an award winning charity supporting thousands of families. We deliver inclusive activities, therapies, advice services and programmes that are often otherwise inaccessible. Our independence allows us to respond directly to families' needs, and we do not receive statutory funding.
OUR VALUES
- Compassion – We lead with empathy and understanding.
- Inclusion – Everyone belongs. We actively remove barriers.
- Empowerment – We build confidence, skills and voice.
- Community – We are stronger together.
PURPOSE OF ROLE
The PR Volunteer helps raise the profile of Skylarks, sharing the incredible stories of our families and the impact of our services. This role is crucial for increasing awareness and supporting our fundraising and advocacy efforts through local and national media.
PRINCIPAL TASKS
- Press Releases: Occasionally drafting and sending out press releases to targeted media outlets.
- Storytelling: Highlighting the stories of our families and the specific support Skylarks provides in a respectful and impactful way.
- Media Liaison: Helping to maintain a list of local media contacts and seeking opportunities for positive exposure.
- Campaign Support: Assisting with PR for major charity events or milestones.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential: Excellent writing skills and the ability to draft professional press releases. Understanding of how to pitch stories to media outlets. The ability to handle sensitive family stories with absolute confidentiality and respect.
Desirable: Previous experience in Public Relations, Journalism, or Communications. Existing contacts within local Richmond/Hounslow or disability-sector media.
Our Commitment to Inclusive Recruitment
Skylarks is proud to be an accredited Disability Confident Employer and actively promotes inclusive recruitment practices. We welcome candidates with lived experience of additional needs and are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
Application Process
Closing date: Saturday 21st February. To apply, please submit your CV and a supporting statement outlining your experience below or to: recruit@skylarks.charity.
Volunteer - PR employer: Skylarks
Contact Detail:
Skylarks Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer - PR
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the PR field, especially those connected to charities or community work. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet potential contacts and share your passion for Skylarks.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your storytelling skills! Prepare a few examples of how you've highlighted impactful stories in the past. This will help you demonstrate your ability to connect with media outlets and convey the essence of Skylarks' mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Get familiar with local media! Research and compile a list of journalists and outlets that focus on disability issues or community stories. This will give you a head start when it comes to pitching Skylarks' amazing work.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in being part of our Skylarks family.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer - PR
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight any relevant experience in PR or communications, and don’t forget to showcase your writing skills. Tailor it to reflect how you align with Skylarks' values of compassion, inclusion, and empowerment.
Nail the Supporting Statement: This is your chance to shine! Use your supporting statement to tell us why you’re passionate about helping families with additional needs. Share specific examples of your experience and how you can contribute to our mission at Skylarks.
Showcase Your Storytelling Skills: Since storytelling is key in this role, include a brief example of a story you've told or a campaign you've worked on. This will demonstrate your ability to handle sensitive topics with respect and impact, which is super important for us.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s easy, and you’ll find all the details you need there. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to be part of our community right from the start!
How to prepare for a job interview at Skylarks
✨Know the Charity Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to really understand Skylarks and its mission. Familiarise yourself with their values, the services they provide, and the impact they have on families. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Writing Skills
Since excellent writing skills are essential for this PR Volunteer role, be prepared to discuss your writing experience. Bring examples of press releases or articles you've written, and be ready to explain how you approach storytelling, especially when it comes to sensitive topics.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Think about potential scenarios you might face in the role, such as how to handle a sensitive family story or how to pitch a story to the media. Practising your responses to these types of questions can help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Connect with Their Values
Skylarks values compassion, inclusion, empowerment, and community. During your interview, try to weave these values into your answers. Share personal experiences or insights that align with these principles, demonstrating that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the organisation's culture.