CHILDREN S HOSPICE ASSOCIATION SCOTLAND JOB DESCRIPTION

Transcription

1 JOB DESCRIPTION 1. JOB IDENTIFICATION Job Title: Press Officer Job Family and Level: Support Services Non hospice Location: Head Office Responsible to: PR Manager Salary: CHAS Band 4 2. JOB PURPOSE Working within the culture, ethos and philosophy of CHAS to assist the PR Manager in the day to day running of the CHAS PR function including media monitoring, managing social media and the media contacts database, handling enquiries and providing full administrative support. 3. ORGANISATIONAL POSITION Director of Fundrasing and communication Regional Managers Relationship Manager PR Manager Retail Manager Marketing Co-ordinator Press Officer (This job) 1

2 4. MAIN TASKS Generate positive media coverage Manage all social media functions Provision of an effective press office function PR Administration 5. JOB ACTIVITIES Generate positive media coverage To assist the PR Manager in the updating of the PR Calendar and Guidelines; organising major corporate PR events, monitoring and measuring PR effectiveness; managing media relationships Prepare and distribute news releases and statements, articles and quotes, and work with staff across CHAS to assist them in the planning, production and delivery of these activities. Make follow-up calls after distribution of news releases to ensure that media has received them and to encourage the publication of articles Assist in the organisation of PR announcements and events such as press conferences/photocalls eg visits to hospices by celebrities; media launches; fundraising initiatives and campaigns Identify newsworthy families and children who use the hospices, as well as activities of media interest, such as fundraising initiatives Manage social media function Provide out of hours monitoring and cover of social media sites Chair the social media group and manage the social media budget Deliver training sessions to new social media team members and staff on the use of Twitter. Manage crisis and issues management situations in line with the social media policy Monitor trends/ new opportunities and any updates to existing platforms Compile regular monthly and campaign evaluation reports on social media activity Manage the social media policy and the online training module. Provision of an effective press office function Handle press enquiries, ensuring appropriate members of CHAS staff are informed and that press receive relevant information which meets their deadlines Communicate Press and PR Guidelines and PR Calendar to staff and ensure these are adhered to and updated as required Provide quotes and information for external organisations who wish to issue a news release about their fundraising for CHAS Set up and oversee a photography bank, providing photos to the media as required 2

3 PR Administration Ensure the circulation of press cuttings on a regular basis to staff and Board Chairperson and provide regular evaluation of the effectiveness of CHAS PR activity and press coverage Prepare articles for CHAS in-house publications Develop, maintain and update the press office on the CHAS website Provide administrative support to the PR function. For example: manage the media contacts database and news release distribution system and provide press office telephone cover Manage the media monitoring contract ensuring it remains up-to-date and effective for CHAS, along with other newspaper licences and contracts As a member of the Fundraising and Communications team, contribute to the development and maintenance of effective team working and team spirit throughout the Department As a member of the Fundraising and Communications team attend and contribute to the monthly Operational Meetings Agree and progress your own professional development programme with the PR Manager 6. DIMENSIONS Reports to the PR Manager Does not have any subordinates Assists in the co-ordination of PR activity across whole organisation Key contact for external parties re press issues 7. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE Educated to degree level or with equivalent professional experience in Public Relations or Journalism A good understanding of all Scottish media, particularly local press, as well as a knowledge of the political and social environment in Scotland A minimum of one year s experience working in a similar role Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience of drafting news releases and/or copy writing Ability to identify a good news story and sell to the media A team worker able to motivate others Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines Excellent administrative and organisational skills Ideally, some previous experience in journalism Experience of working in a charity would be useful An understanding of the voluntary sector and/or health care provision is desirable A member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations is also desirable Car driver/owner desired Committed to CHAS, its beneficiaries and donors Commitment to personal and professional development Excellence and integrity in PR practice 3

4 8. DECISIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS Use own initiative and experience to make decisions regarding workload priorities, information relayed to other members of the team from the public, press and media and give advice regarding PR issues Respond quickly and appropriately to enquiries from media, politicians and children s hospices Liaise with PR Manager to decide on best course of action regarding good / bad news stories of importance to the organisation Liaise with PR Manager to decide on press releases and recognise and accommodate the specific needs of media Regular internal communications with the Director of Fundraising and Communications, all staff including the care team and volunteers, and with families Externally, have responsibility for all communication with press and media, photographers, journalists, editors, celebrities and their managers / publicists, parliamentary officers, supporters (members of the public) 9. SPECIAL CONDITIONS Working Conditions Exposure to unpleasant working conditions is rare Equipment and Systems Regular use of telephone; including hands free set; computer; scanner; photocopier; printer; laminator; fax; external storage device and franking machine. Systems: Raiser s Edge updating and maintaining records on contacts. Adobe photo shop/corel photo house editing photographs to be used in materials. Roxio Easy CD Creator copying CDs/DVDs for CHAS purposes. External storage device accessing, storing and distributing CHAS photographs, including children and buildings. Updating and maintaining CHAS website. Packages: Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Raiser s Edge and PageMaker used depending on work involved. Physical Effort Sitting or standing in a restricted position for most of working time Mental Effort Occasional requirement for prolonged concentration and interruptions are frequent 4

5 Emotional Effort Occasional exposure to distressing or emotional circumstances. 5

6 CHILDREN S HOSPICE ASSOCIATION SCOTLAND PERSON SPECIFICATION PRESS OFFICER EDINBURGH Attributes Essential Desirable Methods of Assessment Education, Qualifications and Training Educated to degree level or with equivalent experience or professional qualification (Public relations or journalism) A member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations Skills, Abilities and Knowledge Experience Committed to own professional development A good understanding of Scottish media, particularly local press, as well as a knowledge of the political and social environment in Scotland Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience of drafting news releases and/or copy writing A good understanding of social media functions and the ability to manage, monitor and update Facebook and Twitter. Ability to identify a good news story and sell to the media Excellent administrative and organisational skills Car driver/owner A minimum of one year experience in a similar An understanding of the sensitivities around working with children and families. Previous experience of journalism 6

7 press officer role. Experience in team working, planning Experience of budgeting and managing resources Experienced in developing and maintaining effective working relationships with stakeholders. Experience of working in the public or voluntary sector and of working with volunteers Experience of working in a charity Personal Qualities High level of Integrity Friendly, outgoing manner Accountable for self, actions and decisions Customer focussed A positive can do attitude A commitment to CHAS A commitment to working with and supporting volunteers Other requirements 7