At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive impactful public affairs strategies and engage in exciting campaigns for animal welfare.
- Company: Join a leading international charity dedicated to improving the lives of donkeys and mules.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days holiday, competitive pension, life assurance, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in global animal welfare while developing your career in public affairs.
- Qualifications: Experience in public affairs or campaigns with strong communication and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
These are exciting times for the charity, and we have an excellent opportunity for a highly proactive and professional team player with outstanding interpersonal skills to join the dedicated Public Affairs, Advocacy and Campaigns team, as a Public Affairs Officer.
Position: Public Affairs Officer
Location: Devon/Hybrid, onsite attendance 2-3 days per quarter (fully remote/home working and flexible working patterns considered)
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week, 08.30-16.30, Monday-Friday
Contract: Permanent
Please note this role may close earlier than advertised so apply as soon as possible.
As Public Affairs Officer, you will bring to life the global influencing strategy and plans, with a focus on strategic public affairs and events. We are tackling the greatest threats working donkeys face locally and around the world, from the donkey skin trade to challenges working animals face in disasters. The role is critical at a point of growth in the influencing work with several priority projects to support within a high-performing team.
Alongside high-level coordination and stakeholder management, the role will take on specific projects to improve our outreach.
Working collaboratively with departments across the charity to support the development of thought leadership and influencing materials, such as blogs and policy briefs.
Engaging on cross-cutting priorities with the campaigns team, taking on roles in specific projects and protocols as agreed.
Supporting the establishment and maximisation of the Sanctuary’s network of contacts and partnerships, working closely with the Public Affairs Manager to deepen impact.
Supporting the department in assessing the perspectives, policies and work of major inter-governmental agencies and how they could link in with and/or support the work of the Sanctuary.
Preparing briefs, reports and relevant documents in support of the strategy.
Offering input on policy positions, submissions to consultations, speaking notes, reports and briefings including leading on analysis and research where appropriate.
We are looking for someone who has experience of working in the Public Affairs or Campaigns sector supporting and delivering global influencing strategies and activities.
Experience in a related field to the charity’s work.
Experience of representing externally, including at events, conferences and through civil society networks.
Experience of supporting research, having written or contributed to reports and briefings and evaluating evidence of their impact.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent organisation skills with the ability to multi-task and work with a number of different systems (including IT systems and databases).
Competitive pension. 31 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 with each full year of service. Long service awards. Free parking. Life assurance.
Join one of the UK’s largest international animal welfare charities, currently supporting projects in over 35 countries worldwide, working for a world where donkeys and mules live free from suffering and their contribution to humanity is fully valued.
The Charity is a Disability Confident Employer, committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people (children and adults) and expects all staff and volunteers to undertake this commitment. Applicants will be subject to safer recruitment processes, including an application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where required for the post.
Public Affairs Officer (Contract, Temporary) employer: The Donkey Sanctuary
The Donkey Sanctuary is an exceptional employer, offering a fulfilling opportunity for Groundworkers at our Weston farm location. With a strong commitment to animal welfare, we foster a supportive work culture that values teamwork and professional growth, providing employees with training opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of donkeys worldwide. Join us in a role where your skills will contribute to vital projects while enjoying a competitive salary and the satisfaction of working for a charity dedicated to improving animal welfare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Affairs Officer (Contract, Temporary)
✨Join PR Communities
Get involved in local PR groups or online communities where professionals gather to share opportunities and insights. Engage in conversations on platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn—spotting temporary roles often happens in these spaces.
✨Attend PR Events
Look for industry events, workshops, or conferences that focus on public relations. Not only will you learn from the pros, but you might also meet someone who's looking for temporary help, which is perfect for a gig like this!
✨Showcase Your Skills
Create a portfolio that highlights any past PR work, campaigns, or even university projects. Share it on your social media or PR forums—you want to make sure your great work is visible when the right temporary role comes up.
✨Apply Directly on Our Website
When you spot a temporary PR role with companies like The Donkey Sanctuary, don't hesitate to apply directly through our website. You'll be on the front line, making it easier for you to get noticed!
We think you need these skills to ace Public Affairs Officer (Contract, Temporary)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:When you're applying for a temporary role in public relations, your cover letter is your chance to show off your passion for the field. Highlight any relevant PR experience you have, even if it's just through internships or volunteer work. Tell us why you're excited about the opportunity at The Donkey Sanctuary and how you can help make an impact, even in a short time!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Public relations is all about communicating effectively, so make sure your CV reflects this! Use clear, concise language and showcase any writing samples you might have, such as press releases, blog posts, or social media campaigns. Including a link to a portfolio could really set you apart from other candidates.
Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability:Since this is a temporary role, we want to see how quickly you can jump in and start contributing. Mention past experiences where you successfully managed multiple tasks or quickly adapted to changing situations. It’s these qualities that will show us you can thrive at The Donkey Sanctuary even on a short-term basis!
Research The Donkey Sanctuary and the Industry:Before submitting your application, take some time to learn about The Donkey Sanctuary and its approach to PR. Mention anything specific you like about their campaigns or strategies in your cover letter. This extra effort shows us you're genuinely interested and ready to bring your unique perspective to the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Donkey Sanctuary
✨Brush Up on Your Crisis Management Skills
In public relations, handling crises is key. Be ready to discuss past situations where you managed communication challenges effectively. Bring examples that showcase your quick thinking and strategic response – they want to see you in action!
✨Show Off Your Portfolio of Campaigns
Since this is a temporary role, showcasing your portfolio is crucial. Make sure you have a collection of your best press releases, campaign plans, or media coverage. You want to prove you can hit the ground running and bring valuable experience to The Donkey Sanctuary right away!
✨Know Your Media Landscape
A strong PR candidate should be familiar with the media landscape. Brush up on key journalists, publications, and current trends in communications. Think about how you’d tailor messages to different media outlets – you might get asked about this during the interview!
✨Be Ready to Discuss Networking Strategies
Networking is a big part of PR work, especially in a temporary role. Be prepared to chat about your previous networking experiences or how you plan to build key relationships quickly at The Donkey Sanctuary. They’ll want to know you can create buzz and leverage your connections immediately!
