Responsibilities

• Supporting forward planning and delivery of the media strategy
• Spotting and developing internal and external news stories
• Responding proactively to breaking news and pet welfare issues
• Managing media enquiries effectively and to deadline
• Championing Blue Cross brand purpose across PR activity
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with journalists
• Working with colleagues across the organisation, including senior leaders, volunteers and supporters, to maximise story reach
• Liaising with rehoming centres, veterinary teams, shops, fundraising and education teams to identify stories and share best practice
• Organising press visits, media events and filming
• Participating in the out of hours media rota

Requirements

• Experience in a media relations, PR agency or journalism role
• Proven ability to spot and respond to breaking news opportunities and develop national stories
• Experience contributing to creative PR campaigns
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Strong relationship building skills with internal and external stakeholders
• Experience managing photo calls and directing filming activity
• Experience briefing and supporting media spokespeople
• Experience using celebrity engagement to secure media coverage
• Experience integrating social media and digital opportunities into PR activity
• Ability to demonstrate understanding and application of Blue Cross values

Preferred

• Experience of reputation management
• Experience managing external agencies
• Experience working in the charity sector
• Knowledge of animal welfare issues and the wider sector

Benefits

• Full time equivalent of 38 days holiday rising to 43 with service (including Bank Holidays)
• Programmes for physical and mental wellbeing support
• Free access to GP via MetLife- 24/7 GP services, private prescriptions and more for you and your family
• Health cash plan
• Unlimited access to an employee assistance programme
• Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution
• Professional fees paid with Continuing Professional Development and personal development support.
• Life assurance
• 20% discount on Pet Plan pet insurance
• Enhanced family friendly policies