Regional Media Officer - PR, Media, Public Relations

hyphen has an excellent opportunity available for a large utilities client based in Leicestershire. This is to cover a maternity period initially, starting in March 2013, but could extend afterwards. This would suit candidates with longer than usual notice periods, as well as flexible candidates looking to secure work in the New Year.

As a Media Officer you will provide media relations support to the organisation's gas, electricity and property activities in Eastern England and enhance the company's reputation in the region's media.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

- Demonstrable knowledge and experience of media relations and crisis communications.
- First class oral and written communication skills.
- In-house or consultancy PR experience.
- Ability to influence and interact with a wide range of internal and external audiences.
- Strategic thinking, with the ability to develop, recommend and implement strategy.
- Demonstrable knowledge of external communications models and techniques.
- Effective team player with an ability to work on varied projects simultaneously whilst meeting deadlines and customer expectations.
- A willingness to set challenging targets for themselves and internal/external partners.
- Ability to work with minimum supervision.

A CIPR/CAM Diploma or recognised journalistic qualification (NCTJ certificate) or appropriate degree (eg Public Relations) would be an advantage.

Full driving licence will be required to accommodate travel as part of the role.

MAIN INTERFACES

Key interfaces with UK Senior Managers, Media Relations management team, Corporate Affairs team, PR agencies working on behalf of the company, and numerous external/stakeholder/media/PR contacts.

KEY TASKS

-To deliver an effective 24/7 crisis/issues communications service including attendance at site of incident if required, undertaking media interviews when required and advising operational managers on media interviews. This includes spending approximately one week a month on call as the duty press officer to deal with out of hours media enquiries
-To initiate news releases, articles and campaigns on the company's activities and initiatives and other business matters (eg community initiatives) to drive positive coverage of the company in both traditional and digital/online/social media, keep the media and public informed and to respond to media enquiries.
-Responsibility for delivering or managing the delivery of media relations support for the company's electricity, gas and property work in the region.
-Ensure consistent public messaging and oversee delivery of media relations support for company projects, including attendance at project meetings away from the office when required.
-Support the development and help manage the implementation of a media relations strategy to position UK business objectives with external audiences, with the aim of contributing to business performance.
-Managing PR agencies, at both a tactical and strategic level, delivering media relations on behalf of the company.
-Support the Head of UK Regional Media Relations and the Senior Regional Media Relations Officer in developing and implementing media campaigns as required.

Candidates MUST show evidence of the above in their CV in order to be considered.

If you are looking for your next role and this vacancy is of interest to you then please forward your CV and suitable candidates will be contacted immediately!

Please be advised if you haven't heard from us within 24 hours then unfortunately your application has not been successful on this occasion.

hyphen is an employment consultancy and operates as an equal opportunities employer.

hy-phen Limited is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.