Press Officer London, England
Job description
Summary
Grade: 3B
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
Location: London
Reporting to: Government Relations & Policy Director
Division: Communications and Corporate Affairs
The Purpose of the Role
To enhance the reputation of Post Office demonstrating to journalists the economic and social value our Postmasters bring to communities.
As Post Office implements the lessons learnt from the Group Litigation Order and whilst the Horizon IT Inquiry continues, the role includes explaining to the wider media the operational and cultural transformation
The role should focus on enhancing the reputation of the Post Office as a whole and the minimisation of risk. This will require applying a wider corporate affairs lens to a range of complex issues, including an appreciation of the working of Parliament and lobby reporting, given that Post Office is owned by the Government
You should be able to flex your approach as a Press Officer to ensure the effective application of content and message to the implementation of tactics to different media outlets.
Working closely with the Director of Policy & Government Relations to draft and tailor clear messages and with the Head of Media Relations to ensure the right tactics reach the right audience at the right time
Systematic planning, delivery and measurement of Press Office tactics is critical, including both quantitative and qualitative indicators
Overall, this role is essential to the effective and efficient delivery of communications programmes; helping enhance the reputation of the Post Office
Principal Accountabilities
Accountable for preparing content and messages for journalists and wider media ready for effective and efficient delivery.
Accountable for writing press releases, demonstrating logic of argument and presentation of persuasive facts.
Accountable for speaking regularly to journalists to explain Post Office position and secure appropriate coverage.
Responsible for the implementation of media relations plans including targeting national broadcast (e.g. BBC, ITN, Sky), national print (broadsheet and tabloid), regional & local broadcast and print, and trade press.
Responsible for helping segment journalist audiences and devising a regular plan for whom to prioritise for engagement by the Post Office. This includes plans for maximising coverage for key content and messages.
Responsible for working closely with the Head of Media Relations and the Director of Communications Planning & Delivery and their teams to ensure timely delivery of high quality messages and tactics for engagement with journalists.
Qualifications, Experience & Skills
Qualifications
- Strong knowledge about the working of the media and how to present to journalists and other stakeholders
- Deep understanding of effective media tactics and what influences an audience
- Good understanding of the commercial imperatives operating in a Limited Company and how to deliver a return on an investment
- Likely to be educated to degree level but not a requirement – strong aptitude to craft and influence policy more important than formal qualifications
- 3 + years’ experience gained in a high intensity media relations setting, e.g. in-house, consultancy, government department.
- Effective crisis management experience is desirable
- Excellent communications skills with a passion for clarity of argument, clear writing and ability to flex tone of voice.
- Building strong relationships with key journalists, speaking to them regularly to help shape stories.
- Strong eye for detail to ensure high quality outcomes
- Able to command confidence across the business from the CEO and senior leaders to front-line colleagues
- Highly organised, adept at handling multiple projects simultaneously and prioritising accordingly
- A high degree of discretion when handling sensitive information
- Able to promote a culture of excellence, encouraging colleagues to delight in the best possible work
About Post Office
The Post Office has thrived at the heart of high streets and local communities across the UK for over 370 years. As one of the country’s most trusted brands, we take our commitment to providing essential services to customers across the UK very seriously. We’re the UK’s largest retail network, as well as the largest financial services provider in the UK, with over 11,600 branches nationwide – more than all of the UK’s banks and building societies put together.
We know that the best way to provide a great service for customers is to evolve our business and adapt to their changing needs. That’s why we have a range of over 170 products and services, from personal financial services like banking, insurance, payments and travel money, to telecoms and, of course, mails. And we’re improving our online and in store experience for customers. We know that our customers never stop changing, so neither will we. We're here, in person, for the people who rely on us.
Our Ways of Working underpin everything we do, they are the “How” of our business strategy. They differentiate our business and aim to inspire great behaviours and align our colleagues around specific actions in order to be the organisation we want to be, and achieve our business goals.
By living the Ways of Working each day, you will help make that vision a reality and enable our cultural transformation. In short: Working in partnership, as one team, we deliver amazing results!
The Post Office embraces diversity and inclusion in the workplace and actively promote working without discrimination. We are also a Disability Confident Employer and are committed to interviewing disabled people who meet our minimum criteria for the job.
