Part 1: JOB PROFILE
1. MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB: a brief but compelling statement of why the job exists, expressed where possible, in one sentence. Describe what the ‘role’ does rather than referring to the ‘person’ holding the job.
Work to increase awareness of the devastating impact of MS on people’s lives, and of the work of the MS Society, via the media; and to maintain and protect the Society’s reputation for leading the MS agenda by being the voice of MS.
2. POSITION IN ORGANISATION: an indication of how the job fits into the departmental structure. Please include an organisational chart (in Word format if possible) showing how this job fits in with other roles in the department/team.
- Sits in Comms/CEO alongside internal comms (comms officer), reports to the Head of Comms.
- Collaborates closely with CEO, Exec Group and Senior Management, Heads of Dept and other key staff/spokespeople.
- Internal Comms.
- Branch network.
- Area Managers/teams.
- Helpline.
3 SCOPE OF JOB: using a maximum of six headings describe what the job involves.
1. Deal with media enquiries in professional, timely manner, ensuring that responses maintain the reputation of the MS Society for leading the MS agenda from an independent, evidence-based stance.
2. Devise, advise on and deliver communications strategies for Society-wide initiatives, promoting the role of the MS Society in supporting people living with MS.
3. Provide media handling advice to internal and external stakeholders, including Trustees and senior staff, volunteers and research experts, providing briefings and training where necessary.
4. Provide press officer support to the MS National Centre and to the Four Nations, maintaining, distributing and analysing MS-related press coverage, alerting internal stakeholders to relevant media developments, and being on call during evenings and weekends on a rota to ensure that PR support is always available.
5. Represent the MS Society at external and internal events, maintaining its reputation as a leading UK charity, and as the voice of the MS community across the Four Nations.
6. Advising senior staff on crisis management PR in order to minimise damage to the reputation of the MS Society, including matters relating to personnel, volunteers, patrons, projects supported by the MS Society and in all circumstances where adverse PR could have a significant negative impact on the reputation of the MS Society.
4. DECISION MAKING: consider what the biggest decision is – in terms of impact on the organisation – that the job holder can make without being required to refer it to their manager.
The press officer can put forward a spokesperson (or act as a spokesperson) for the MS Society to a UK-wide media outlet, using existing and cleared lines to take to ensure that the Society’s voice is represented at the high level; such a decision involves analysing associated risks and opportunities, and evaluating overall benefit of such activity to the Society in line with our strategy.
5. QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS LEVEL: using academic or professional qualifications as a reference point indicate the level required to do the job competently. Please remember that the level of qualifications should refer to those required for the post and not the level that the postholder may happen to have. Describe the levels & types of specialist / managerial skills needed in the role.
Two years’ relevant experience of working in a press or PR environment
Degree level (2:1 or above) or equivalent.
Specialist PR qualification (e.g. CIPR, NCTJ or equivalent) is desirable.
General knowledge of how UK media works, including print, TV and radio, and online, and how the voluntary sector is represented in it.
Experience of dealing with broadcast media as a spokesperson is desirable.
A confident communicator, able to work with a range of stakeholders (including both professionals and volunteers).
Takes a creative and innovative approach to promoting the work of the MS Society, able to ensure that our key messages cut through in a crowded marketplace.
Good IT skills, including use of the web and of MS Office.
Shorthand or speed writing desirable.
Mandatory
The following is a standard paragraph to be included in all job descriptions:
- The post holder will be working in a developing environment and he/she will therefore be expected to undertake other appropriate duties as required for the effective operation of the MS Society.
Note: In every job description HR will include a statement promoting diversity and equal opportunities. Additionally, information will be included on health and safety.
Other Duties:
These duties will be applicable to some posts. Please delete/amend those which are not relevant for this role.
- The post holder will need to travel extensively throughout their area and less frequently in other parts of England/Scotland/Wales/Northern Ireland.
- The post holder should be prepared to attend MS Society meetings in different parts of the country including MS National Centre. Some meetings may be during evenings or weekends.
- The postholder will be required to apply for a Disclosure check.