My client is a high-profile trade association representing nearly 300 of the leading firms providing finance, banking, markets and payments-related services in or from the UK. It is also the UK representative on a number of international trade associations including the European Banking Federation, the European Cards Payments Association, the European Payments Council and the International Banking Federation.

As Press Officer you will:

• promote the image of the organisation and the industry through external communication  
• Increase the organisation’s profile and enhance its reputation across all media, and with all relevant influencers and organisations
• Liaise with journalists, preparing press releases and press briefings
• Deliver the communications strategy for the association, ensuring alignment with the wider membership and the policy and engagement strategy
• Be part of a 24/7 busy press office, ensuring all media enquiries are handled quickly, accurately and effectively
• Build positive relationships with key journalists and influencers

Your duties and responsibilities:

• Support the Head of Media and press team in handling reactive day to day media relations: responding to press calls and drafting reactive lines, coordinating broadcast media bids, preparing press releases and press briefings
• Be part of an out of hours media service as part of a rota system (average one out of every five weeks)
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists as well as key trade publications
• Monitor news and breaking stories, developments online and social media - flagging to relevant internal teams
• Draft articles for media, CEO newsletter, blogs and speeches
• Monitor and analyse media coverage and produce regular ‘coverage reports’
• Identify proactive media opportunities to promote the organisation and industry
• Be aware of regulation surrounding industry and communications

Experience required

• Substantial experience of working in a high pressure, fast moving, media relations team
• Substantial experience of generating proactive media stories of strong interest with the media
• Strong writing skills (writing tests will form part of the interview process).