Disclaimer: I understand that if I want a policy that reflects the latest legislation and is appropriate to my organisation, I will seek

specialist legal advice. Policies, job descriptions and person specifications are intended for guidance only and do not act as a substitute for professional advice. I understand that if my organisation decides to rely on a document obtained from the NCVO's HRBank, it does so at its own risk. JOB DESCRIPTION Job title: Reports to: Responsible for: Press Office Manager Head of Media and PR Staff: Media and PR Officer and the Media and PR Executive.

Budget: The post holder will support the Head of Media and PR in managing the budget, specifically responsible for the Press Office budget of X. Hours: 37.5 hours/week. Some weekend and evening on call work to support the Media out of hours service will be required for this role, but reasonable time off in lieu will be given to take account of this. XXX

Location: Job Purpose:

To support the Head of Media and PR, deputising as appropriate, in ensuring that key messages about XXX and The Charity are communicated persuasively and coherently to the media, public and supporters, raising the profile of the cause of XXX and of the Charity, managing the activity of the Charitys Press Office and protecting the Charitys reputation. Team: The Media and PR team (currently six members of staff) provides the Media and PR function for all aspects of the work of The XXX Charity. Organisation chart: Head of Media and PR

Press Office Manager

VIP Relations Manager

Media and PR Manager

Media and PR Officer

Media and PR Executive

Duties and key responsibilities Press Office Management

To develop and maintain systems to identify at an early stage emerging themes in XXX and their implications for the Charitys Media and PR activities. To work with the Head of Media and PR in reinforcing the Charitys position as the prime source of media reference, taking ownership of developing and implementing response protocols. To oversee new media channels, including daily monitoring and communicating using social networking sites including Twitter and Facebook. To oversee the smooth running of the Press Office, including the creation and management of appropriate administrative systems for recording activity, and storing information. To ensure the capture and effective reporting of key Media and PR information, within the Charitys overall Knowledge Management arrangements.

Media and PR activity and monitoring

To play a key role in developing the concept, messaging, theme and the delivery and execution of major Charity campaigns, including XXX Awareness Month and XXX. To manage relationships with PR agencies, and partner press teams, as appropriate, including assisting in the briefing process, providing effective liaison and the approval of communications materials. To create a wide range of engaging materials, including news releases, statements, feature articles and briefings, and to disseminate them to the media, circulating updates to staff and trustees as appropriate. To develop, and communicate effectively with, a wide network of contacts in all relevant stakeholder groups, particularly with the media and clinical advisors, to achieve increased awareness of XXX and the work of the Charity To contribute strongly to the Media and PR Teams evaluation process, ensuring that activity is accurately represented. To manage the development of the Media Talkers programme, including effective recruitment, that regular contact is made and that training and information needs are met. To work with the VIP Relations Manager, as appropriate, to ensure media opportunities arising from celebrity support are maximised. To organise media training sessions for the organisation, as appropriate.

Cross-organisational activity

To work closely with the Policy and Campaigns Team, providing comprehensive media and PR support for major campaigns, including the development of appropriate key messages, as well as creating and delivering long range plans to develop communications in this area. To work closely with the Head of Research to develop the Charitys science communications to support the effective promotion of the Charitys own research programme, as well as ensuring, all enquiries on external research programmes are met with engaging and timely information.

Deputising and planning

To deputise, as appropriate, for the Head of Media and PR, ensuring that the department maintains professional relationships externally and internally.

To make a strong contribution to the development of the Charitys Media and PR strategy, plans and budgets.

Line management

To provide effective management and leadership, and conduct performance and development reviews of staff managed by the job holder, ensuring motivated performance, high quality service delivery and achievement of the business plan To develop and support effective team working by staff managed by the job holder

Budget management To ensure the proper management, reporting and reforecasting of budgets under the job holders control, and participate in budgeting and financial management at departmental level as required

General responsibilities To contribute to team meetings and organisational priorities To be proactive in keeping up to date with developments affecting the role To carry out other associated duties as may arise, develop or be assigned in line with the broad remit of the post To abide by organisational policies and practices, and the Charitys values To support diversity and equality of opportunity in the workplace

PERSON SPECIFICATION Job Title: Press Office Manager

This person specification sets out the essential, minimum qualities we are seeking for this post. Please ensure that your application demonstrates how you meet the criteria. You may include voluntary, unpaid and paid work. Criteria . Capable of managing multiple projects (both complex and operational) and of managing a busy workload, to tight deadlines Highly developed verbal and oral communication skills, with a wide range of groups and individuals, in particular with the media Ability to identify and develop newsworthy stories Writing skills Capacity to turn complex material into eyecatching copy Prioritising and decision making skills Ability to execute successful media campaigns Proficient in Microsoft applications, including Word and Excel Ability to form effective relationships with a wide range of groups and individuals and to work effectively in a team Criteria tested at Application Interview

Skills and Abilities

Test

Experience

Solid experience in a media or public relations function using specialist skills Staff management experience, leading, supervising, supporting and motivating Experience of devising and implementing project-specific Media and PR plans Working with VIPs and maximising resulting media opportunities from celebrity engagement

Education, training, qualifications

Educated to graduate level or equivalent experience Evidence of ongoing, relevant professional development, e.g. by qualification recognised by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations

Knowledge Knowledge of best practice in media and PR management

Application

Interview

Test

Other requirements Ability to travel as necessary in the UK (mainly within London) and work flexible hours, including some evening and weekend commitments Participation in an out of hours rota at least once per month Empathy for the cause of XXX Enthusiasm and willingness to be flexible in achieving targets and outcomes Commitment to the Charity and our values

Desirable

Working in a voluntary organisation, either on a paid or voluntary basis Experience of strategic planning and budget management Experience of XXX communications and/or supporting policy and campaigning activity with media relations