Communications and PR Officer (FTC) - Ronald McDonald House Charities

£28,500 (pro-rata) • Ronald McDonald House Charities • Flexible - UK

Ronald McDonald House Charities UK has a renewed focus on growing our brand and exciting plans to build the Marketing and Communications team. Our focus for the next few years is to grow the Charity’s trust and reputation, working closely with our Mission Partner, McDonald’s, developing new brand partnerships, improving our performance across the full marketing mix and ensuring brand consistency.

This is an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to help the Charity grow awareness and understanding about what we do. You will be responsible for delivery of high quality communications, taking advantage of our full programme of marketing and fundraising activities. You will be able to use a mix of methods, data and beneficiary stories to communicate the impact donations to Ronald McDonald House Charities UK can have on families with a sick child in hospital.

You will have an eye for a good story and be able to develop effective relationships with journalists and other stakeholders. Working closely with the Communications and PR Manager, Marketing Manager, Social Media Officer, Content Specialist, Fundraising Team and Service Delivery Team, you will ensure that messaging is clear and on brand for all internal and external communications. Your remit will span messaging, PR, crisis communications, stakeholder engagement, public affairs, influencer and celebrity management and internal communications.

• Contract - 17.5 hours per week over 3 to 5 days. Six-month fixed term contract.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop family stories including conducting interviews and writing inspiring content to be used across our various communications platforms.
• Build strong relationships with our Service Delivery and Income Generation teams, to enable smooth working practices and the generation of regular press releases and news stories.
• Identify press opportunities and story ideas to help the Charity achieve targeted, high quality media coverage.
• Support the Communications and PR Manager by writing press releases and selling in stories as needed.
• Develop and nurture media relationships, nationally and regionally, and with trade press.
• Support the Marketing and Communications Coordinator with the production of the Charity’s fortnightly internal newsletter, including content gathering, writing and editing copy.
• Support the Communications and PR Manager with the transmission of regular live broadcasts to all staff, from our CEO.
• Regularly attend House and fundraising events to capture written content and quotes to showcase the work we do.
• Edit and proofread documents written by third parties, staff or volunteers, to ensure key messages and branding are accurate.
• Manage our media monitoring service to generate reports on our coverage to measure success and educate internal stakeholders on how best to maximise charity stories.
• Maintain and regularly update our media contact list.
• Work closely with the Social Media Officer to engage with target audiences through social media and ensure Ronald McDonald House Charities UK’s media and communications activities are actively promoted across all social media platforms.
• Support the Communications and PR Manager with the planning and delivery of key stakeholder and VIP events, including those targeted at politicians, dignitaries, celebrities and influencers.
• Ensure that all communications are carried out within fundraising and GDPR legislation.
• Support on other MarComms projects when needed.

Knowledge and Experience

• Experience working in a communications and/or PR role for at least two years
• Experience of copywriting and editing
• Experience of working with the media and engaging in PR activities
• Good press contacts and relationships
• Knowledge of the charity sector

Skills

• Exceptional written and communication skills, with an excellent grasp of grammar
• The ability to write for a variety of audiences and channels
• A can-do attitude and self-starter
• Excellent interpersonal skills – able to build strong working relationships with stakeholders and colleagues
• Highly organised with the ability to prioritise
• Excellent team-working skills
• Friendly, outgoing and willing to help in all areas of the Charity
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to work at pace, without compromising standards
• Ability to converse authentically and empathetically with families who may be going through, or have recently gone through a difficult or traumatic experience
• Experience working with Microsoft Office and a CRM database

Our Diversity Statement

We aim to cultivate a culture of inclusion for all employees that respects their individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe that our differences should be celebrated as this enables us to be a better team - one that makes better decisions, drives innovation, and delivers better results.