Communications and PR Officer, Somerset or Dorset
Are you excited by a fast-paced and varied role within our Communications team? Would you like to be part of our incredible lifesaving charity serving the counties of Dorset and Somerset? If the answer is yes, then we want to hear from you.
About Us:
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) provides relief from sickness and injury for the people of Dorset and Somerset, by the provision of an air ambulance service, with an air and road delivered critical care capability providing critical care where it is needed most.
Job Overview:
This role will help to drive the communication efforts of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA), ensuring that the charity's message reaches a wide audience through various media channels. The role involves working closely with the Communications Manager and Digital Communications Officer, internal teams, external media and stakeholders, to promote the charity's work, fundraising campaigns and achievements.
Key Responsibilities:
Communications Strategy, Planning & Delivery:
Actively support the planning, implementation and review of the charity's communications strategy and annual plans, to enhance visibility and public engagement.
Drive the development, execution and evaluation of effective cross-channel communication campaigns, whilst ensuring consistent messaging and brand across all channels.
Develop audience focused communications by working closely with colleagues to understand target audiences and resources needed.
Generate and evaluate communication plans for charity led events, key calendar dates and projects.
Work with the communications team to build, implement and manage an annual communications calendar.
Content Creation:
Work with the Communications Manager and external suppliers to plan, write, proofread and deliver the charity's bi-annual magazine.
Craft compelling stories about the charity's work, our patients and our people, to engage donors and the wider public.
Create and curate content that supports and promotes fundraising events, volunteer initiatives and public awareness campaigns.
Write content for direct mail campaigns, e-newsletters, website and where needed, social media channels.
Produce engaging multimedia content, including videos, photos and infographics to support campaigns and fundraising initiatives.
Assist in the writing of award nominations for DSAA people or innovative projects, both local and national.
Attend events to manage media, provide live updates and gather post-event content creation.
Digital Communications:
Work collaboratively with the Digital Communications Officer to ensure relevant news is as balanced and far reaching as possible and communicated via website and social media channels.
Develop content for a monthly internal communications update, direct mail campaigns, e-newsletters, website and where needed social media channels.
Support digital communications by engaging with and responding to supporters via our social media channels (Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn).
Provide cover of the Digital Communications role during times of holiday and sickness.
Media/PR:
Establish and maintain strong relationships with media contacts.
Build and maintain an up-to-date media contacts database.
Write and distribute press releases and statements.
Coordinate media coverage of patient stories, events, campaigns and charity milestones, ensuring positive brand representation.
Respond and facilitate media requests in a timely and efficient manner, ensuring any DSAA spokespersons are fully briefed.
Monitor and evaluate press coverage.
Crisis Comms:
Be prepared to support or manage any crisis communications, liaising with the media and ensuring a clear and accurate response.
Patients and Families:
Respond timely and appropriately to enquiries from patients and their families.
Provide support to the charity's patient and family liaison team with regards to patient airbase visits and requests for contact with our clinical team.
Capture patient/family feedback, write case studies and gain approval for their use by all parties as per the Communications Policy.
Brand:
Drive the charity's visual identity to create engaging imagery, video and content - often working with external photography, videography and creative design suppliers.
Maintain the integrity of the charity's brand, ensuring consistency in messaging, tone of voice and visual identity across all platforms and following brand guidelines.
Support internal stakeholders in maintaining brand consistency across all forms of communication, to ensure branding is consistent both online and in print.
Ensure DSAA's image library is current, structured and maintained.
Key Skills & Competencies:
Excellent Written and Verbal Communication: Ability to write and convey messages clearly and effectively to a range of audiences.
Empathy and Compassion: Deeply connected to the charity's mission, able to communicate with compassion and manage communications effectively in sensitive situations.
Media Relations: Experience of writing press releases, handling press enquiries and securing media coverage.
Creativity: Capable of creating engaging content and finding innovative ways to communicate the charity's message.
Digital Savvy: Proficient in managing websites, social media platforms and digital marketing tools.
Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to engage and communicate effectively with employees, volunteers, supporters, general public and stakeholders alike.
Time Management: Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Crisis Management: Experience in handling sensitive issues and working under pressure.
Attention to Detail: High standard of accuracy in content creation and editing.
Desirable:
Knowledge of the healthcare sector or emergency services (advantageous).
Education and Qualifications:
Essential: GCSEs Level 5 or above or equivalent in Maths and English.
Essential: Degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field.
Previous Experience:
Essential:
Knowledge of SEO and digital marketing strategies.
Experience with content creation, social media management and digital tools. A variety of examples include: Mailchimp, Hootsuite, WordPress, Enthuse, Canva, Adobe.
Desirable:
Experience working in communications, PR, or marketing, preferably within the charity or non-profit sector.
Benefits:
Competitive salary of up to £33,000 (depending on experience) 37.5 hours per week.
Hybrid working available.
28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (pro rata for part-time hours).
Generous pension scheme (8% Charity Contribution) and benefits package.
A supportive and passionate team environment.
Full-Time:
Full-Time: 37.5 hours per week, (Monday to Friday).
Location:
This role can be based in either Wellington in Somerset or Wimborne in Dorset.
If you feel you have the right skills, experience and knowledge, and would like to join our passionate and friendly team, we would love to hear from you!
For more information or to have an informal chat, please contact Tracy Bartram by calling: 07817 536440.
Recruitment Process:
Closing Date: Friday 1st November 2024.
Interviews to take place: week commencing 14th October 2024.
To apply: Please email your CV and a covering letter to: ****** or post to: Julie Plowden, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Landacre House, Chelston Business Park, Castle Road, Wellington TA21 9JQ.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent.
Pay: Up to £33,000.00 per year.
Benefits:
Company pension.
Life insurance.
On-site parking.
Sick pay.
Education:
Bachelor's (preferred).
Experience:
Communications or PR: 2 years (required).
Licence/Certification:
Driving Licence (required).
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Wellington.
Application deadline: 01/11/2024.
Reference ID: Communications and PR Officer.
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