Head of Communications, Campaigns and external relations (Scotland)

Transcription

1 MS SOCIETY JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: Location: Reports to: Press & PR Officer Scotland Office, Ratho Station near Edinburgh Head of Communications, Campaigns and external relations (Scotland) Introduction to MS Society Over 100,000 of us in the UK have multiple sclerosis (MS). It s unpredictable and different for everyone. It s often painful and exhausting, and can cause problems with how we walk, move, see, think and feel. It can make it hard for us to work, and do the things we enjoy. But it doesn t have to be this way. We re the MS Society a community of people living with MS, scientists, campaigners, volunteers and fundraisers. We understand what life s like with MS, and we support each other through the highs, lows and everything in between. And we re driving research into more and better treatments. For everyone. Together, we are strong enough to stop MS. Purpose To raise awareness of the MS Society s work and increase its profile by promoting its activities through the appropriate media and communications channels, in particular increasing the reach of campaigns, fundraising and services. To contribute to the overall implementation of the Policy and Communications team s objectives. Key Relationships: Internal The post holder works closely with Head of Communications, Campaigns and External Relations, Scotland Colleagues in the Policy and Communications team. Press, PR and campaigns colleagues across the Society Heads of departments, managers and staff across the Society, in particular: Fundraising, Digital, External Affairs, Research, Services and Support. External The post holder works closely with Press officers and communications staff at other charities supporting people with long-term conditions (eg on joint initiatives such as Carers Week) Press contacts in local and national media People with MS, in particular press and campaigns volunteers 1of 5

2 Key Accountabilities: The MS Society Press & PR Officer will support delivery of the Society s Marketing and Communications strategy to deliver the MS Society s strategic goals by: 1. Business plan implementation 1a Promote the work of the MS Society with a particular emphasis on supporting fundraising, campaigning and service activity 1b Manage media enquiries and uphold the reputation of the charity 1c Manage the MS Society s case study database/first Person Voice programme 1d Monitor and distribute MS Society press coverage and other media coverage relating to the charity s work 2. Monitoring and reporting on performance General Our values All MS Society staff are expected to model and promote our values: Bold We are brave and innovative. We re not afraid to take risks and speak out, even when it is not easy. We are pioneering and dynamic in our approach to achieving our goals. We will campaign and push boundaries, and will not give up until we have beaten MS. Expert People with MS are experts in their own condition. We bring together their own experience and knowledge, along with that of staff, volunteers and professionals, and the best available evidence, to improve the lives of people affected by MS. Ambitious We do not accept the status quo. We set high standards and work hard to reach them, driving real change. We push the boundaries and are positive about beating MS. Together We achieve success by working with the whole MS community. We are collaborative and inclusive in our approach to succeed in delivering our goals. Everything we do shows we support and care about each other. Detailed Responsibilities: 1. Business plan implementation 95% Planning work to ensure the achievement of deadlines. Focussing work to deliver the team s business plan and contribute to the achievement of the Society s strategic aims and priorities. Contributing to a clear focus on driving improvements in quality, impact and performance. 1a Promote the work of the MS Society with a particular emphasis on supporting fundraising, campaigning and service activity (55%) To work with colleagues to devise and deliver media strategies to promote the MS Society s work. To work specifically with colleagues on devising and delivering media strategies in support of proactive fundraising and profile-raising programmes. 2of5

3 To provide high quality written copy for internal and external publications including press releases, articles and web copy. To write press releases about national, regional and local MS Society stories to promote our work. To work with colleagues in Fundraising and Services and Support to promote MS Society events, community fundraising initiatives, and service delivery including selling in positive stories about MS Society participants and volunteers to appropriate media. To work with colleagues in Fundraising to promote corporate partnerships, including representing the MS Society in meetings with existing and potential corporate partners when needed. To plan, monitor and create content for MS Society Scotland social media channels. 1b Manage media enquiries and uphold the reputation of the charity (20%) To handle interview bids from media, selecting and briefing appropriate spokespeople, and identifying key external spokespeople (e.g. prominent fundraisers, people who will benefit from our fundraising) who can speak on behalf of the MS Society. To act as a point of contact for press enquiries to the MS Society during working hours (9am until 5pm) and occasionally out of hours. To respond to press enquiries using the agreed course of actions with the Policy and Communications Team in Scotland and the UK wide press team, in time to meet press deadlines and maintaining the reputation of the MS Society for promoting evidence-based information. To act as an MS Society spokesperson when appropriate, whether for TV, radio, print or internet media, delivering the MS Society s position clearly and accurately in accordance with the agreed line to take. To represent the MS Society at internal and external events in a professional manner. To champion the charity s corporate brand, values and vision. 1c Help develop the MS Society s case study database/first person Voice Programme (15%) To help develop and maintain the MS Society s case study database as part of the First Person Voice Programme (Scotland), including interviewing case studies of people affected by MS. To develop the First Person Voice Programme/case studies for use in support of media relations, PR, fundraising support and other parts of the organisation. 1d Monitor and distribute MS Society press coverage and other media coverage relating to the charity s work (5%) To monitor press coverage of MS-related stories and distribute press clippings to staff and volunteers within agreed timescales, in partnership with press office colleagues. To maintain an up-to-date media contacts list. To monitor media opportunities and support the Policy and Communications team s proactive media contact programme. To stay continually abreast of key media channels for the Society, flagging regular slots and acting on opportunities as they arise. 3of5

4 2. Monitoring and Reporting on Performance 5% Monitoring performance information against objectives, outcomes and KPIs. Taking corrective action in a timely manner when necessary. Contribute to the impact measurement of the teams work in accordance with the MS Society s outcomes framework. General Compliance with MSS s governance procedures, MSS policies and procedures. Contribute to a positive working environment in which equality and diversity are valued and staff are enabled to do their best. Contribute to the work of the broader team. Responsible for the effective use of financial and other resources. Other Duties To be prepared to travel to meetings across the UK and be away from home overnight, as the job reasonably demands. To undertake any other works as could be expected of a Press & PR Officer. Person Specification Qualifications Essential A levels/equivalent qualification or Relevant professional experience, which demonstrates equivalent academic skills Evidence of continuous professional development. Desirable Professional qualification in PR (CIPR affiliated). Experience Experience of working in a press office, PR, communications or journalism Experience in digital communications and social media Desirable Experience of the charity and/or health and social care sector Experience promoting fundraising events and activities Experience of working with volunteers Experience working flexibly, including responding to media issues out of normal office hours when necessary Knowledge and skills Working knowledge of the Scottish and UK media Demonstrable commitment to collaborative team work Demonstrable commitment to inclusive working, ensuring equality and valuing diversity Excellent interpersonal skills, and able to influence/persuade/work with members of the public and colleagues at all levels Excellent written and verbal communication skills, [with the ability to communicate effectively in a wide range of media and audiences/amend as appropriate] Good organisational and workload management skills, with the ability to work to tight deadlines and under pressure Excellent IT skills, in particular MS Word, Outlook and Excel 4of5

5 Employment terms Grade: Band E Level 1 Signed by post holder Signed by Executive Director Date Date 5of5