Media Relations Officer

Client

Local Authority in Croydon

Job Title

Communications and Engagement Officer

Pay Rate

£19.18 an hour PAYE

Hours

36 Hours a week (Mon-Fri)

Duration

3 Month Contract

Location

Hybrid - two days in the Croydon office

Description

Providing high quality Media Relations support to the council including: advice on the best way to communicate the organisation's message through the media and social media; planning media strategies and delivering high-quality accurate and engaging targeted media activity; protecting, defending and enhancing the councils reputation through sound advice and media handling; working across broadcast, print, digital and social media to promote positive activity; producing and ensuring accurate high quality copy for the councils key communications channels and publications.
Advising members and senior council officers on all aspects of Media Relations.

Key Elements:
>Providing expert advice and guidance on how to best convey news stories (positive and negative)
>To create and sub-edit a wide range of written media and communication materials including news releases and statements, briefing documents and key messages, email bulletins and digital content.
>To ensure a forward plan of media opportunities and risks is in place against the key strategic communications priorities
>To identify and deliver a forward plan of national and regional media opportunities via press interviews, briefings, media releases, case studies.
>To meet targets of positive press coverage as set by the head of communications
>To be proactive and astute in highlighting to departments the potential implications in the decisions they are making.
>Provide early warning of issues that could harm the council's reputation and provide sound advice on the best way to handle.
>To work closely with chief officers and cabinet members on key issues, advising on all aspect of Media Relations activity incl. strategies, statements, press releases, briefings, key messages etc.
>To work across digital and social media channels as well as traditional media, and to ensure the contacts database in up to date
>To build and maintain excellent working relationships with the media and to help build those relationships between elected members and senior officers.
>To ensure effective partnership working, fostering key relationships across the council and externally
>To support the delivery of a best in class media function ensuring the council is seen as a highly effective, innovative and well-led organisation