Communications Officer

Communications Officer

Harrogate, North Yorkshire (with some travel across Yorkshire)
 

We offer hybrid working and we are committed to paying the Real Living Wage.

About Us

Yorkshire is one of the regions hardest hit by cancer. Together, we can change this.

Yorkshire Cancer Research is a charity dedicated to funding research so that you and those you love live longer healthier lives, free of cancer.

Thanks to supporters, the charity funds vital cancer research and pioneers innovative new services for people with cancer. These life-giving medical breakthroughs are helping more people survive cancer – in Yorkshire, and beyond.

As an inclusive employer, our aim is to ensure our workforce reflects the rich diversity of our region. We believe a diverse workforce is vital to us taking action to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer more effectively in Yorkshire. We offer equal opportunities regardless of race, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnerships.

The Benefits

We offer all employees a wide range of benefits including an enhanced contributory pension scheme, 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service), flexible working arrangements, private medical insurance, enhanced maternity leave, career progression, learning and development, wellbeing initiatives, offices within walking distance of Hornbeam Park train station, free onsite parking and a whole lot more.

We’ve got a strong set of values that inform everything we do and we’re looking for people who are aligned with these. As our Communications Officer, you will put people in Yorkshire at the heart of everything you do, unite with colleagues and other organisations in this cause, and dare to think big and bold to make positive solutions happen.

The Role
As our Communications Officer, you will be responsible for planning and delivering a wide range of communications that contribute to increased brand awareness of the charity, demonstrate the charity’s expertise and impact, educate the public about cancer prevention, signs, symptoms and screening and support the generation of income for the charity.

Specifically, you will:

• Plan, research, create and distribute creative media content, including press releases, blog posts, case studies and videos, to support research, services, cancer insight, fundraising, events, retail, corporate partnerships and campaigns.
• Proactively seek, identify and engage in media opportunities, such as attending events, organising photo opportunities and meeting face-to-face with case studies.
• Manage third-party suppliers such as photographers and film production agencies, obtaining quotes, providing clear briefings and ensuring work is delivered on time and within budget. Respond to press enquiries efficiently and to a high standard.
• Understand which media enquiries are appropriate for the charity’s brand and key messages and those which are not, so that the charity prioritises only those which are value-adding.
• Organise TV, radio and press interview opportunities for the Chief Executive, Directors and Heads of.
• Prepare clear briefings for interviewees.
• Demonstrate and convey professionalism at all times and represent the charity when communicating with the media, members of the public, volunteers and supporters to demonstrate the charity’s core values.
• Monitor and evaluate the charity’s media coverage and the digital impact of PR content, providing a monthly media clippings report.
• Provide PR input to the charity’s Leadership Team, Board reports and performance dashboards.
• Maintain continuous awareness of industry news and regularly update colleagues on key developments.

About You

To be considered for this role, you will need:

• To be educated to a degree or equivalent level of education or have relevant experience in a similar role at a similar level.
• Previous media experience, whether through journalism or a PR / in house media assistant role.
• Experience in building relationships with colleagues and journalists and managing media opportunities such as interviews, broadcast opportunities and photocalls.
• An ability to write compelling copy for multiple audiences, and media channels, often translating complicated information into a format that is easily understood by readers.
• An agile media mind, able to spot the key storyline that will maximise the possibility of media coverage and attract the attention of the media.
• An evaluative mindset, supporting continual improvement by analysing coverage and associated data from media activity.
• An ability to keep a calm head when faced with a reactive media situation in a manner that best protects the reputation of the charity.
• A thoughtful and empathetic outlook, able to engage with people affected by cancer with sensitivity and respect.  

Application

Before applying, please visit our Careers Page to view the full role profile and find out more about working for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

To apply please submit a CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to Claire Wooldridge, Head of People, ([email protected]) before 21 May 2024. Please read our privacy notice before applying.

Yorkshire Cancer Research is a responsible and flexible employer.  We welcome any discussion for flexible working at the interview/offer stage where we will consider an individual’s circumstances against the needs of the charity.

We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from all backgrounds. If we can make any reasonable adjustments to support your application please contact us.