Senior Press Officer

Main purpose and scope of the job

Ensure the NRLA stays at the heart of the media debate surrounding the future of the UK private rented sector. Support the operation of a fast-paced press office, taking the lead in monitoring and fielding national, trade and local media queries on a short turnaround time. Agile, working both independently and collaboratively as part of a team as appropriate, with strong writing skills and an understanding of what makes for a compelling narrative. An awareness of what drives a news cycle, what journalists want in the way of compelling content, and the ways in which organisations can shape their sector’s agenda.

Duties and Key Responsibilities

Press office and media liaison

• Fielding inbound press inbox queries, comment requests and interview opportunities from media outlets

• Creating media content such as press releases and reactive statements, which is consistent with our wider messaging and communications strategy

• Ensuring that the NRLA’s tone of voice is consistent across all PR content

• Overseeing and growing the NRLA’s member case study database

• Maintaining our media lists of press contacts

• Helping, in partnership with the Head of Media Relations and other team members, to oversee the NRLA’s press line. Some out of hours work may be required in certain circumstances

• Building relationships with national, trade and local journalists at target media outlets through networking

Create and coordinate proactive media opportunities

• Using your creative skills to generate strong media angles which can be sold in to target media

• Monitoring and identifying forward feature opportunities and journalist portals which the NRLA can use to engage with target media outlets

• Writing compelling and incisive short and long form pro-active content, such as articles, blogs and commentary

Advise and coach spokespeople in support of NRLA messaging

• Briefing spokespeople on how to deal with press interviews

• Looking for, and advising on, innovating ways to interact with audiences, including arranging live and interactive discussions on social media and other platforms

• Closely monitor our audience profile and develop and understanding of the various issues facing the private rented sector

Work collaboratively in cross-functional teams to maximise impact

• Liaising with our communications, campaigns, policy, marketing, commercial and events colleagues to ensure we are delivering the right messages, through the right channels, to the right people

• Play a pivotal role, in partnership with these teams, in the forward planning process for PR content

• Work with our research team to draw out key insights from our reports on the state of the private rented sector

Person Specification

Qualifications

Relevant university degree or equivalent is desirable but not essential

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent editorial skills, the ability to write and edit engagingly, targeting varied audiences

• A strong understanding of what makes the UK’s national, trade and local media tick

• Able to work pro-actively and collaboratively with other teams

• Experience of working at pace in high-intensity, short turnaround situations and managing work effectively during these periods

Experience

Essential

• At least 3 years’ experience working on communications campaigns in a fast-paced professional services environment

• An ability to work independently and display initiative in a busy press office

• An understanding of how to act as a driving force on projects to deliver maximum impact

Desirable

• Familiarity with social media platforms and AI-driven comms tactics

• A background working within a membership organisation

• Experience of housing issues, especially private rented housing

• Awareness of how to adopt an ‘audience first’ approach in a digital context

Knowledge

• An understanding of data protection principles in relation to traditional and digital communications

• An awareness of how to use media platforms such as CisionOne to assess overall media impact

• Understanding of how digital communications can complement more traditional communications channels such as media relations, member engagement etc.

Personal Attributes and Other Requirements

• The successful candidate will be someone who has strong interpersonal skills, is well-organised, and who is able to hit the ground running

• Be a good team worker demonstrating loyalty and commitment to the organisation and team members

The NRLA package:

• 25 days annual leave increasing to 26 days with three years’ service, 27 days with five years’ service and 28 days with seven years’ service

• Additional annual day off for your birthday

• Salary exchange Pension scheme

• Life assurance

• Cash plan health and wellbeing benefit including Employee Assistance Programme and counselling service

• Sick pay

• Cycle purchase loans, season tickets loans and interest free staff loans

• Complimentary NRLA membership

• Non contractual annual performance-related bonus scheme

• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay