Media Relations Partner
Job Description
Job Title: Media relations partnerContract Type: Fixed-Term Contract – 12 MonthsSalary: £35,641.63 (£39,226.75 is achieved after 12 months successful performance in the role)Working Hours: Full Time – 35 HoursWorking Pattern: Monday to FridayLocation: Liverpool / HybridIf you share our values and are excited about making a significant impact at Riverside, please ensure you attach a current CV and covering letter. At Riverside we recruit to potential not just on skills and experience, so we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the essential criteria on the job description.
Please note that whilst we will accept applications on the basis of any form of valid legal permission to work in the UK, we will be surrendering the Riverside Sponsorship licence, so for the avoidance of doubt, we are unable to apply for any further sponsorships whether on behalf of existing colleagues or candidates.
The difference you will make as a Media relations partner
You will be joining a high-performing and politically engaged external affairs and policy team that sits at the centre of the organisation in the Strategy & Corporate Services Directorate. The role will play a crucial part in managing and promoting the organisation’s reputation at a vital and exciting time for the sector. You will be instrumental in creating compelling communication campaigns and enhancing our reputation, placing Riverside as one of the strongest and most respected voices in the sector.
You will support the delivery of the organisation’s external affairs plan and enhance the reputation of Riverside with its customers and stakeholders, by co-ordinating its relationship with local, regional, sector and national media.
You’ll have the freedom and backing of your team to make this role your own and the opportunity to deepen your knowledge of the social housing and homelessness sectors.
About you
We are looking for someone with
• Experience in any or a combination of the following fields: public relations, external/public affairs or journalism.
• Experience working with or within the media.
• Experience working with social media platforms.
• Comfortable and confident working with senior leaders
Why Riverside?
We’re a housing association with a difference – enhancing the everyday for all our customers. For 90 years, we’ve been revitalising neighbourhoods and supporting communities by providing the homes they need to live full, fulfilling and rewarding lives.
We have a portfolio of over 75,000 affordable residential and retirement homes across the UK. Our work ranges from homelessness services to social care, employment support to retirement living, and we need the best people on board to help us.
Working with us, you’ll enjoy:
• Competitive pay & generous pension
• 28 days holidays plus bank holidays
• Flexible working options available
• Investment in your learning, personal development and technology
• A wide range of benefits
Diversity and Inclusion at Riverside:
We are inclusive. At Riverside, we value diversity in all its forms. We foster a workplace where all individuals are respected, empowered, and heard. Our commitment to inclusivity drives our success and enriches the lives of our customers and colleagues.
Riverside is a Disability Confident Employer and operates a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for any applicant who declares they have a disability. If the applicant meets the minimum requirements for the role (as set out in the role profile and/or person specification) they will be guaranteed an interview.
This role also falls under our Ethnic Diversity guaranteed interview scheme. If you are Ethnically Diverse and demonstrate you meet the minimum criteria for the role you will be guaranteed an interview.Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to be considered.
Role Profile
• Deliver media relations campaigns that develop Riverside’s brand and reflect our values.
• Work with the external affairs and policy team, wider strategy and communications department and senior directors to provide responses to media enquiries ensuring journalists receive timely and accurate information.
• Pitch positive news stories and secure coverage that communicate key Riverside objectives & messages in local, regional, national and trade media.
• Research case studies and analyse data to generate storylines that can raise the pro-file of Riverside, our schemes and our customers.
• Develop assets such as press releases and social media content to support campaigns.
• Create and maintain media lists and manage press release distribution through our media monitoring software.
• Build and grow working relationships with the media.
• Maintain an understanding of the evolving housing policy landscape.
• Monitor and evaluate coverage, including audience, key messages and data analysis to inform
planning and future campaigns and supply key KPI to the executive team’s media re-port.
• Work with colleagues across the wider Strategy and Communications Department to develop a positive culture of support and collaboration, contributing proactively to team meetings and events.
• Ensure that all information security requirements, including data protection, are met in accordance with the Group’s policy, procedures and statutory requirements.
• Ensure that health and safety requirements are met in accordance with the Group’s policy, procedures and statutory requirements.
• Ensure that all work is undertaken in a way which supports and promotes Riverside’s Values, and reinforces The Group’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Deliver media training to improve colleagues awareness of the media, reputation management and the role of the External Affairs and Policy team.
• Monitor relevant sector or breaking news to brief senior colleagues and respond with relevant and timely commentary where appropriate.
• Undertake other duties or special projects as defined by the Head of External Affairs and Policy.
Person specificationKnowledge, Skills and ExperienceEssential
• Experience in any or a combination of the following fields: public relations, external/public affairs or journalism.
• Experience working with or within the media.
• Experience working with social media platforms.
• Comfortable and confident working with senior leaders.
• Experience of drafting press releases and media responses/ briefings.
• Exceptional written English, suitable for a range of external audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and influencing skills.
• Excellent writing and editing skills with a high attention to detail.
• Experience of working within a team environment, focusing on partnership and sup-port to achieve project aims and objectives.
• Demonstrable experience of creating clear, concise, accessible written materials.
• Outcome-focused approach.
Desirable
• Experience of working in a housing-related or not-for-profit environment would be an advantage.
• Experience of planning and delivering integrated media campaigns or other engage-ment campaigns.
• Relevant media contacts or demonstrable experience of building and maintaining a network of contacts.