Senior National Press Officer (2481)

Do you want to create a better world for animals? At the RSPCA, we believe all animals deserve kindness and respect. We work for the benefit of every animal – as well as pets, that includes farmed animals, wildlife, and animals used in science. Choose a career with us and make a difference for every kind.

We are looking for a new team member to cover a period of maternity leave for a 12-month period.

As Senior National Press Officer, you will be working as part of a busy and prolific Press team, reporting into the National Media Manager.  

• Contract: 12 month fixed term contract, to cover a period of maternity leave. 
• Working hours: 35 hours per week.
• Hybrid role: Your base will be at Home and your nearest hub. Our hubs are in Horsham (West Sussex), Blackfriars (London) or Cardiff (South Wales). You will be expected to travel to various locations for interviews, filming, meetings and events as and when required. 

We role model our values through our people culture and keep connected through regular/daily check-in's and team meetings, your colleagues are always on hand to support or chat. It's important to us that you feel part of our team from the get go! 

Here at RSPCA we know it's a cliche but no two days are the same. We've added a short summary of what a typical day might look like, for a full insight please refer to the attached job description.

Tasks:

• Write and research press releases, statements for journalists, Q&As and other output on a wealth of animal welfare topics; ensuring these are in line with RSPCA policies.
• Respond quickly and effectively to queries from the media on the work, policies and campaigns of the RSPCA by writing statements and following the sign off procedure.
• Support the National Media Manager with the sign off of press releases and statements, and deputise for them in meetings as required.
• Be a national and local spokesperson on general and speciality animal welfare issues, undertaking radio/TV interviews as required.
• Respond reactively to local and national journalists calls, emails and enquiries.
• Gather and generate news stories from across the organisation - on a variety of topics, including RSPCA campaigns, pets up for rehoming, statistical trends, education and more.
• Promote the RSPCA's frontline, campaigns and policy work, by devising communications plans and formulating ideas for press releases, media launches and other tools to engage with journalists.
• Analyse and report on the impact of RSPCA press output - both in terms of media coverage gained; traction with key target media; but also its wider impact in supporting the organisational objectives and new RSPCA Strategy.
• Develop and formulate relationships with key media outlets and journalists, including the successful pitching of stories.
• Maintain an excellent working knowledge of key animal subject portfolio areas, and campaigns, and brief journalists on these topics as required.
• Initiate and maintain contacts with all relevant journalists, broadcasters and PR agencies, internal departments and other departments.
• Collate and analyse key RSPCA and animal welfare statistics.
• Brief RSPCA spokespeople before media appearances and interviews; preparing them appropriately and in line with the charity's policies and strategy.
• Monitor the media landscape as it relates to the RSPCA, animal welfare and the third sector; and produce reports as required in relation to coverage.
• Write copy on RSPCA court stories, utilising a knowledge of media law and court reporting to ensure output adheres to legal requirements and RSPCA processes. 
• Writing for and adding content to the RSPCA website; and working closely with the RSPCA's social media, broadcast, web and other comms-focussed teams to communicate key messages to supporters and the wider public. 

You'll have:

• Previous experience working either as a journalist, a press officer or in a PR/comms environment, combined with the ability to build good working relationships both within and outside of the organisation.
• Ability to deliver to deadlines, working off your own initiative.
• A proactive and independent approach to work and newsgathering.
• Either an NCTJ qualification - which includes the modules of media law and court reporting; a relevant PR, Media or Communications qualification, or demonstrable relevant experience.
• Good working knowledge of Google applications/Word and typing skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel to RSPCA locations and events, if necessary.
• Ability to prioritise own workload and take a flexible approach to work duties.
• Willingness to work occasional unsociable hours.

So, if you have a positive can-do approach to daily tasks and thrive in an inclusive people orientated environment then we'd love to hear from you!

Please note that this role is being offered as a 12 month fixed term contract, to cover a period of maternity leave. 

Successful candidates for certain RSPCA roles will need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK - We are unable to sponsor visas at RSPCA

Interviews will take place remotely on the 25th of September. 

We want to ensure we do all we can to give you a positive candidate experience through our recruitment. Whilst we do try to give feedback where we can, sometimes due to receiving high levels of applications, this may not always be possible

We are building the future of a diverse Society, and our priority is to support animal welfare by finding people from all backgrounds who are committed  to our mission.  For this reason we actively encourage a wide diversity of applications - in particular from members of minority ethnic groups, and people with disabilities - as these candidates are currently under-represented at the RSPCA. Your transferable skills & lived experiences could make you a valuable addition to our RSPCA Family! 

Should you need any support with your application or interview process please contact resourcingteam@rspca.org.uk / 0300 123 0685.

Our mission is to ensure animals have a good life by rescuing and caring for those in need, by advocating on behalf of all animals and by inspiring everyone to treat them with compassion and respect