Compass is looking to recruit a Media and Press Officer as we gear up to launch an ambitious new campaign in September this year.
The Media and Press Officer will take a lead on securing national media coverage and building strong relationships with leading UK journalists and media platforms to help grow awareness of our work. You should be motivated and experienced in press work and able to demonstrate a strong ability to write and pitch stories at speed. You should have a background in journalism, campaigns or public relations and a keen understanding of the political landscape in which Compass operates. You should be a self-starter, with a proven ability to self-organise and comfortable working in a small, dynamic team.
The Media and Press Officer will work closely with Compass’ campaigns teams, as well as a broad network of partners, associates and volunteers. We run campaigns linked to the idea of a progressive alliance and also host the Basic Income Conversation and this post will support our communications work across all our campaigns.
We are looking for an energetic and agile thinker, with a keen eye for a good story and a passion for progressive change. This role is suitable for someone who wants to work flexibly and hard, responding to political events as they unfold and developing a powerful narrative that could bring about a progressive majority government.
This role involves:
- Writing, pitching and selling-in stories to UK media, including legacy media and new media
- Building and growing a network of relationships on behalf of the organisation with influential journalists to place stories and coverage for key campaigns
- Helping grow our supporter base on email and social
- Contributing media expertise to the communications work of our campaigns team by identifying media interventions
- Helping develop compelling messaging and framing and ensuring message discipline across our work
Skills and competencies
- Self-organisation: able to self-motivate, be proactive and work independently to an agreed schedule
- Flexibility and adaptability: confident handling competing priorities across multiple fronts and managing the tools the organisation uses to manage communications outputs
- Creativity and imaginative flair: the skill to find the right angle for our campaign and the ability to think laterally to develop fresh messaging
- Sound political judgement: a clear understanding of the political context we work in, the culture we represent and which issues are political sensitive
- Collaborative and communicative: able to work in a small, agile team, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, online and in person
- Enthusiasm and energy: a demonstrable passion for the political change we seek and a willingness to work in pursuit of it
Experience, qualifications and knowledge
- Experience in media/PR/press role or a background in journalism and media
- Confidence and competence in contacting journalists, growing a network and fielding media inquiries
- Proven aptitude in developing messaging and narrative to secure media coverage
- Exceptional communication skills – especially in writing
- Understanding of and experience with social media or list growth (desirable, but not essential)
- Knowledge of the UK progressive political scene and support for the aims, vision and values of Compass
Benefits
Compass is a highly ambitious organisation, working to change the way we do politics. With a strong track record of bold and innovative campaigns and a wide network of members, associates and partners, Compass is rapidly expanding its political influence and reach in the emerging and challenging era of the 2020s.
This post is suitable for someone who believes in and wants to be part of creating the vision and culture of a good society and wants to work flexibly and energetically to further these goals.
With plans to rapidly scale the organisation over the coming months, you’ll be joining a lively and highly motivated team, who are preparing to launch our biggest campaign yet. This is an exciting time to take on this pivotal role, becoming the driving force behind media and press coverage for our campaign to change British politics. You will be granted a high degree of independence, so this position is suitable for someone who relishes the opportunity to both display and develop their skills as a press officer.
Pay will be in the range of 30 – 35k depending on experience, ideally but not essentially London-based, with room for flexible working in terms of hours and location. The team has an office in central London (near Vauxhall) and we expect to be slowly increasing in-person working, such that the likely candidate would need to be comfortable travelling to the office at least 1-2 times a week.
The position is full-time and permanent, subject to a 3-month probationary period, starting as soon as possible.
Compass is committed to providing equal opportunities to people regardless of background and we actively seek applications from people with backgrounds that are underrepresented in our sector, especially with regards to race and class. We recognise that representation in our sector is not good enough; this makes our politics and our campaigns weaker. As such, we particularly encourage applications from people who can demonstrate the skills, even if they have never worked in this precise field. We welcome people to apply who can demonstrate their aptitude, even if a career in politics has so far been closed off to them.
To apply for this role, click the apply button below. You will be asked to upload a CV and answer two questions relating to the position.
The application deadline is Monday 15th August and rolling and interviews will take place over the month afterward. If you think you’ll struggle to make this deadline, but are keen to apply or have any other questions about the role email frances@compassonline.org.uk.