Press Officer

Job Summary

To work across a range of briefs in the communications team, supporting key programmed and campaign work, helping to devise media strategies and achieve maximum positive media coverage for the IET. To react quickly and professionally to all media enquiries as well as proactively identifying ‘quick hit’ news releases as opposed to the more long term strategic approach. Work within the Marketing Communications Department as part of the communications team.

Hours

35 hours a week

Location

Stevenage

Main Duties and Responsibilities (Not necessarily in priority order)

Devise and implement media/campaign strategies supporting IET’s mission to achieve departmental and corporate objectives within agreed timetables and budgets.
Contribute to the development and implementation of IET’s UK media work, campaigns and devise proactive ways of achieving media coverage.
Assist the communications team in the preparation of communications strategies and plans and refining targets and goals and contributing to the corporate planning process
Initiate, plan, co-ordinate, respond to, provide advice on and implement a range of media activities to achieve IET’s communications, programmes and fundraising objectives, to secure maximum public awareness of the IET and its work.
Develop and maintain good relations with key journalists across a wide range of media.
Handle reactive press enquiries and pursue all opportunities for promoting IET’s core
messages
Contribute to the development and generation of media friendly stories.
Research and write editorials, features, letters, briefings on campaign and corporate issues
Set up photo calls, press events, briefings and press desks and attend as required
Compile press packs and assist with mail outs
Organise and maintain media lists as part of a comprehensive media database
Establish a monitoring and evaluation system and record same
To participate in an out of hours call our rota.
The post may contain occasional travel in the UK
To undertake any other duties and projects as requested by the line manager.
To be familiar with the Health and Safety and Fire policies for the organisation and to attend mandatory updates where required.

This job description is intended as a general guide to the scope of the post and may change in line with the needs of the service or at the request of the line manager.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

A relevant degree or equivalent experience in the world of journalism
A sound track record and experience of media relations, public relations or journalism obtained in a national or high profile organisation including experience of devising, formulating and implementing work plans
To have a demonstrated track record of success.
Experience of working with journalists at national or regional levels and securing significant media coverage
The ability to talk to all levels of journalists and confidently promote stories that will interest them
The ability to anticipate media opportunities and the ability to devise and deliver imaginative plans for realising their potential
The ability to present information clearly, accurately and to a range of audiences
Strong interpersonal and team working skills
Ability to plan, priorities and manage a heavy workload and a flexible and positive approach to problem solving
An up-to-date knowledge and understanding of IT and its application in a communications environment
Excellent written and oral skills

Desirable

Experience of working with a multi-faceted organisation
Experience of media in the following sectors – IT, engineering and technology
Experience of public affairs activity