PR and Communications Officer

Job Title: PR and Communications Officer
Department: Communications
Salary: £24,000 per annum
Location: North Finchley, London
Benefits: 20 days holiday, plus Statutory Bank Holidays & Jewish festivals when they fall on your normal working day
Auto enrolment Pension
Reports to: Director of Communications
Hours: Full time – 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Thursday; the office closes early on Fridays – 9 am to 3 pm in Summer months and 9 am to 1 pm on Fridays in Winter months

Job Purpose:

The purpose of this post is to write and distribute press releases, photos and stories on key issues, programmes and events. You will write articles for press and online and craft social media postings to engage our members and followers. You will also be responsible for editing content across the United Synagogue’s website and write content for the weekly ‘You & US’ email which goes out to more than 20,000 people. You will be responsible for the United Synagogue’s presence on Facebook and Twitter and will help us build new communication channels through, for example, Instagram. As this is a new position, there is scope for the role to develop as the successful candidate gains experience.

Key Tasks, Responsibilities of the post

To lead on writing proactive PR stories and identifying these stories across the organisation
To work with colleagues to write positive press releases
To write copy as required and within set deadlines
To distribute articles and releases to appropriate media
To update the PR planner to ensure we have strong content across our channels throughout the year
To plan social media postings and respond to engagement
To work with local US communities to help them promote their news and push the importance of our local communities’ news with the media
To draft copy for the weekly ‘You & US’ email
To manage the US website in a proactive way as well as responding to requests from colleagues

Generic other duties

You must:

Be committed to the aims of the United Synagogue and act as an ambassador for the organisation.
Comply with The United Synagogue’s policies and procedures and code of expectations.
Bring to the attention of senior staff any health and safety requirements which become obvious. In the event of any immediate danger, to take the appropriate action to reduce risk to physical danger to employees, members, contractors, volunteers, children, parents, visitors or staff.
Work collaboratively with other colleagues across the organisation to ensure the United Synagogue can achieve its vision, mission and strategy.
Undertake appropriate training as requested by your line manager in conjunction with the Human Resources Department. And be committed to own continuous professional development.
Carry out any other reasonable duties as requested by the Chief Executive or other designated senior staff.
Undertake such other duties that occasionally fall within the purpose of the post.
Maintain high levels of discretion and confidentiality at all times.

This job description and person specification is not prescriptive; it merely outlines the key tasks and responsibilities of the post. The key tasks and responsibilities are subject to change. Any changes will be made in consultation with the post holder. This Job Description is subject to alteration in response to changes in legislation or The United Synagogue’s operational procedures.

Person Specification

1. Experience

Essential:

Experience in one or more of PR, press relations, communications, media and external affairs
Writing press releases and/or articles or blogs and/or content for websites
Familiarity with the UK Jewish community

Desirable:

Working with mass distribution email systems such as MailChimp or Sign-Up.to
Operating a website’s content management system
Experience leading successful social media campaigns

2. Skills and abilities

Essential:

Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills including an ability to write promptly and fluently
Excellent interpersonal communication skills
Exemplary attention to detail
Proficient in use of social media platforms
Good knowledge of Jewish customs and practices
Ability to multitask and prioritise accordingly
Good decision-making skills
Strong computing skills and substantial experience using Microsoft Office suite
Ability and desire to work unsupervised and project manage own area of work, and deliver results within tight deadlines and objectives
Ability and desire to work in a professional manner, developing effective working relationships with colleagues and Synagogue representatives at all times

Desirable:

Ability to use a mass distribution email system
Experience using a web content management system

3. Quality and operational standards

Essential:

Ensure work is produced at a high standard and it meets the department’s key performance indicators
Provide reports on key performance indicators for use in the monthly Directors’ and Trustees’ meetings

Closing date for receipt of applications – 4th March 2019

To view the job description and apply for this position, please log on to our website www.theus.org.uk/vacancies

United Synagogue Registered Charity No. 242552