Responsibilities

• To provide a high quality proactive and reactive media relations service on IOPC investigations, including writing and distributing press releases, monitoring national and specialist media, taking the initiative to rebut inaccuracies and leading on relevant statements and briefings
• To actively seek out proactive opportunities which help explain what we do, promote our work and enhance our reputation
• To arrange interviews and provide briefings to senior managers, often at short notice
• To write and implement media handling plans for the publication of IOPC investigations, corporate reports and national policy areas, working closely with senior managers
• To liaise with Stakeholder Engagement colleagues to develop and implement integrated communications and engagement plans for controversial or significant issues
• To contribute to the strategic diary and forward planning for the communications team
• To be a committed member of the national media team and support colleagues working in other regions
• To liaise with colleagues across regions and nationally to ensure accurate, consistent and coordinated messages are disseminated to IOPC staff, stakeholders and to the public
• To contribute to the IOPC’s social media strategy by making day to day use of social media platforms to engage new and existing audiences
• To take part in the national out-of-hours duty press office rota

Requirements

• Experience in media relations in a busy press office, including dealing, on a regular basis, with controversial issues and crisis management or experience as a journalist in a busy newsroom
• High level understanding of national and local media and their priorities, including online news and social media platforms
• Experience of being able to handle emotionally sensitive subjects within a press context
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and writing skills
• Experience in creating content across digital channels
• Proven ability to translate complex issues into clear, simple narratives
• Experience providing robust and appropriate advice to senior managers
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including journalists.
• Ability to work as part of a team, contributing to shared goals, supporting colleagues and fostering a positive team environment
• Strong customer and audience focus