Senior Press Officer

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RAND Europe is a not-for-profit policy research organisation. Our mission is to help improve policy- and decision-making through evidence-based research and analysis. We deliver objective, balanced and relevant research, sharing the insights and information widely, and working in partnership with a range of clients and collaborators.

RAND Europe has around 170 staff in offices Cambridge, Brussels and Rotterdam. Our work combines the academic rigour of universities and the professional, task-orientated approach of consultancies. In addition to our strong ethos of evidence-based research, RAND Europe is a values-driven organisation, and our experience shows that our most successful employees closely align their behaviours with our value set.

RAND Europe's Communications team is evolving, and the Senior Press Officer will play a crucial role in helping to deliver strategic media coverage and building the organisation's reputation as a trusted source of policy research and analysis in Europe. The Senior Press Officer Reports to the Head of Communications, and works with research staff and within the communications team to raise the profile and impact of RAND Europe's research.

We are looking for a talented, ambitious and dynamic media relations professional or journalist who will lead our media relations work, increase our coverage in key outlets and allow RAND Europe's research and experts to make an impact with our key audiences. You understand the policy contexts in which we operate and will tease out the toplines and craft the narratives that cut through the noise and add value to policy discourses and will have worked in a similar or adjacent role and ready for a role where you can lead on strategy while delivering results.

Key responsibilities

• Build upon and maintain your network of journalists, editors and producers in key, quality outlets and across channels to raise RAND Europe's profile and to influence policy makers, decision makers and key stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to connect RAND Europe's research and expertise with the news agenda, both proactively and reactively, in line with the communications strategy. Manage incoming media requests.
• Produce strategic media plans for prioritised projects and contribute to cross-disciplinary communications initiatives.
• Use storytelling and journalistic techniques to craft compelling narratives and added value information which meets the needs of an always-on press and competitive thought leadership landscape.
• Work collaboratively with research colleagues to improve their media skills across owned and earned channels - from op-eds and blogs to broadcast and podcast interviews to killer tweets - and to become effective spokespeople for RAND Europe and its robust research while identifying training needs.
• Produce media assets such as messaging documents, press releases, advisories, reactives and briefings, and contribute to the wider communications output when needed.
• Identify opportunities for, and manage, press events, including digital, hybrid and in-person events.
• Manage and grow media lists.
• Monitor, evaluate and report on media coverage, providing insights and continually improving our performance based on data and evidence.
• Input into crisis communications plans.
• Liaise and collaborate with colleagues and partners in the UK, Europe and the US on coordinated media opportunities.

Requirements

Essential:

• Significant experience in a comparable media relations or journalism role
• Proven success of gaining coverage in quality media outlets to reach policy and business audiences in some of RAND Europe's key subject areas
• A depth of knowledge of the media landscape and external environment, and a sharp editorial sense for what makes compelling stories for journalists, editors and producers
• Able to turn complex research into accessible messaging and stories for general and specialist audiences
• Excellent communication, writing and editing skills across channels and formats and with legacy as well as digital media brands and trends
• Creative and critical thinking skills.
• Collaborative and collegial approach
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues at all levels and manage key stakeholder relationships

Desirable:

• A network of media and industry contacts in one or more of RAND Europe's research areas
• Proficiency in another European language
• Experience in European markets
• Qualification in communications, public policy, public affairs, or journalism desired but not essential

Salary

Circa £40,000 per annum DOE

Benefits

• Pension - 8% Employer contribution;
• 33 days holiday allowance, including the Bank Holidays
• Annual salary review;
• BUPA medical insurance;
• Generous company sick pay;
• Enhanced family friendly policies;
• Group income protection scheme;
• Group life assurance;
• Compassionate leave;
• Flexible working arrangements;
• Learning and development opportunities;
• Employee wellbeing training and support;
• Fresh fruit in the office every day;
• Free on-site parking;
• Cycle to work scheme;
• Access to company bikes;
• Service awards.

How to Apply

If you believe you are suited to the above role, please submit an application comprising of a CV and covering letter via the link below.

First stage interviews likely to take place week commencing 30th September, with 2nd stage interviews likely week commencing 14th October.

If you have not been contacted within 30 days of application deadline, please assume your application has not been successful.