At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape stories and press releases to influence policy and public campaigns.
- Company: Join the Woodland Trust, a leader in environmental conservation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a strong pension plan.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for site visits across the UK.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental issues while developing your PR skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in media relations and a knack for storytelling required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Woodland Trust is looking for a Senior Press Officer to work as part of the national PR team to shape and create stories, quotes and press releases.
Responsibilities
- This role will focus particularly on policy and political influencing work, and public facing campaigns, creating media exposure for the Trust’s expertise on woods and trees.
- This role will work closely with internal teams such as our campaigns, policy and external affairs teams to strategically plan and secure media coverage to influence decision makers and mobilise the public.
- Develop, plan, implement and evaluate PR campaigns and activities.
- Be the briefing spokesperson for interviews and delivering media training.
- Influence and provide expert opinions and advice to internal stakeholders.
- Respond to and write communications for issues that carry reputational risk.
This is a hybrid position with a mix of home working, and from our head office in Grantham, Lincolnshire. Head office attendance would be required no more than once a month on average. Occasional site visits across the UK will also be required.
Qualifications
- Experience working in media relations and PR supporting PR related campaigns and policy change by influencing government or decision makers.
- Knowledge of how to report in media coverage with confidence using PR software and platforms.
- Experience developing successful stories with the ability to be an expert spokesperson to the media.
- Strong relationship building skills with the ability to liaise with different stakeholders such as colleagues, journalists and broadcasters.
- Knowledge of how to manage your workload and prioritise effectively.
- Experience writing articles, press releases, blogs with the ability to adapt your writing style to different audiences.
- Knowledge of basic Microsoft Office with the ability to use Teams, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Benefits and Wellbeing
- Enhanced Employer Pension
- Life Assurance
- Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
- Generous Annual Leave - 25 Days Plus Bank Holidays (pro rata’d for part-time)
- Buy and Sell Holiday Scheme
- Enhanced Parental Pay
- Employee Assistance Programme
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees. People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply. Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application.
Senior Press Officer employer: WOODLAND TRUST
The Woodland Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a flexible working environment that promotes a healthy work-life balance while contributing to meaningful conservation efforts. With generous benefits including enhanced pension schemes, 25 days of annual leave, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees are empowered to grow professionally and personally in a supportive culture that values their contributions to protecting our natural heritage.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Press Officer
✨Get Involved in PR Events
Dive into local PR meetups and workshops. Events like these are perfect for getting your face out there, chatting with industry pros, and spotting potential job openings at companies like WOODLAND TRUST. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to learn about trends and make lasting connections.
✨Showcase Your PR Skills
Start building your personal brand as a PR ace. Use platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to share your thoughts on current events or PR campaigns you admire. Tagging companies you want to work for, like WOODLAND TRUST, can catch their eye—especially if your insights resonate!
✨Leverage Your Network
Reach out to friends, family, or connections in the PR field. Even a casual chat can lead to opportunities. If you've got mutual contacts, ask for introductions when applying. Personal recommendations can give your application a nice little boost!
✨Tailor Your Approach
When applying for a full-time PR role, make sure to research WOODLAND TRUST inside and out. Understanding their campaigns, values, and style allows us to directly align our application and impress during interviews. Don't hesitate to apply through our website—going direct can make a real difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Press Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Story Straight:In public relations, storytelling is everything! Make sure your CV highlights your experience in crafting compelling narratives and managing media relations. Share specific examples of campaigns you've worked on, and don’t forget to include any press coverage you've generated—it's impressive proof of your skills!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since PR is all about communication, we want to see your best writing samples. Include pieces like press releases, blog posts, or social media content that you've created. This gives us a taste of your voice and your ability to convey messages clearly and effectively, which is crucial for a role in this field.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a recap of your CV; it’s your chance to shine! Emphasise why PR excites you and how your background fits with the mission of WOODLAND TRUST. Show us that you’ve done your homework and speak to why you’re passionate about the work we do.
Connect the Dots:When you’re writing your application, think about how your past experiences link to the responsibilities of the role. Mention any internships, volunteer work, or projects that involved public speaking, event planning, or strategic communication. This will help us see how you can seamlessly bring your skills into a full-time position at WOODLAND TRUST.
How to prepare for a job interview at WOODLAND TRUST
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
In public relations, storytelling is key. We should prepare compelling narratives about past campaigns or projects we’ve worked on. Think about how we can illustrate our impact and creativity in those stories—be ready to discuss specific examples that showcase our skills in managing media relationships and crafting messages.
✨Know Your PR Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with PR tools like Cision or Meltwater is crucial. We need to be able to discuss how we’ve used these tools in past roles or projects. If we've worked on media lists, press releases, or analytics reports, let’s have those experiences ready to share along with metrics we’ve achieved to back up our claims.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
We’ve got to stay sharp on the latest trends and events impacting the public relations field. Having a few insights ready about recent campaigns or shifts in media landscapes can show that we’re engaged and knowledgeable. This will also help us make connections between our experiences and the current state of the industry.
✨Showcase Our Versatility
As full-time PR professionals, we need to demonstrate our adaptability. Be ready to talk about how we've handled challenging situations, managed crises, or adapted strategies on the fly. Employers will appreciate our ability to pivot and find solutions under pressure, so let’s have those scenarios at our fingertips to discuss.
