We're hiring! Can you help us advocate on behalf of the indie news sector and become a key ambassador for our mission?
The Public Interest News Foundation (PINF) seeks a new Campaigns and Communications Manager to lead on our campaigning efforts and translate the work we do for different audiences and stakeholders.
As Campaigns and Communications Manager you will be responsible for the strategic development and operational delivery of all PINF campaigns and communications. Acting as a key ambassador for PINF, you will support the Executive Director to develop and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders and to increase the profile of PINF and the indie news sector in the UK.
You will work alongside the Executive Director and other staff to contribute to PINF's overall strategy and operational plan, and help to translate these into innovative campaigns and clear and compelling communications which support our overall vision.
You will be expected to build on the work we have been carrying out in this workstream since 2022, which includes (but is not limited to):
The News for All campaign, through which we engaged policymakers on the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act to ensure independent publishers can benefit from a new digital regulatory regime in the UK.
The Local News Commission, a policy advocacy project involving 13 influential commissioners from the worlds of business, trade unions, civil society and journalism.
Indie News Week and the Indie News Fund, a fundraising and awareness campaign for independent news publishers and a match fund to double the money publishers raised during the campaign.
We held an informal information session on Wednesday 24 July, where we gave an outline of the role and recruitment process, and answered (anonymous) questions from prospective candidates.
The specifics:
This is a remote, full-time position, with an in-person team meeting at least once a month and regular external in-person meetings.
Salary: £42,000/yr
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
Application closing date: 9 August 2024.
Starting date: as soon as possible after 1 October 2024.
Flexible working arrangements available.
May be based anywhere in the UK.
12-month contract, with the possibility of extension or development into a permanent role pending further funding.
28 days paid leave, including bank holidays.
Matching pension contributions of 5%.
About the organisation
At PINF, we want everyone in the UK to benefit from public interest news that speaks to them, for them and with them. We work with print and digital news providers of all shapes and sizes, focusing in particular on independent providers with turnover below £2m. These innovative social enterprises are developing new models of journalism, but they face great challenges.
Since we started work in March 2020, we have provided independent news providers with funding, networking and leadership development opportunities backed up by original research, all while advocating on behalf of the sector with the public and policymakers at all levels.
We are a small, dedicated team with big ambitions. We work remotely from home or in co-working spaces, with get-togethers at least once a month. We all contribute to PINF’s evolving strategy, and we support and stretch each other to do our best work.
We are committed to building a diverse team who can bring their experiences from work and home into this role. Therefore, we actively encourage applications from Black, Asian or minoritised groups, LGBTQ+ people and people with disabilities. We particularly encourage applications from people whose backgrounds are under-represented in the news media.
Who you are
This is a dynamic role that requires a blend of skills. The successful candidate will have most of the following skills and attributes:
Advocacy. You should be able to develop and deliver an effective campaign, drawing on your excellent knowledge and understanding of the UK’s political framework to build effective working relationships with Ministers, MPs and Peers, members of the devolved administrations, civil servants and regulators.
Communications. You should be able to use your outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including copy-writing and public speaking, to draft and deliver compelling content including speeches, consultation responses, blog posts and comment pieces.
Media. You should be able to engage effectively with print, digital and broadcast journalists, and manage PINF’s social media channels.
Policy. You should be able to distil complex policy issues into clear and compelling positions by drawing on internal and external research. You do not have to be a sector specialist when you start the role, (though you should be able to build your knowledge and understanding rapidly) but you will have a track record of the design and delivery of campaigns which create awareness, engage the wider public and/or strive to change policy.
Partnerships. You should be able to build a coalition of organisations and individuals, drawing on your skill for effective working relationships and your instinct for collaboration to engage and empower people from all backgrounds and experiences.
Management. You should have experience of managing campaigns and projects. Experience of managing organisers or other staff would be a bonus.
Strategy. You should have experience of developing strategy, such as a Strategic Communications Plan and/or working collaboratively to shape and inform organisational strategy and operational plans.
Administration. You should be able to stay on top of your workload by using relevant software (including Microsoft Office, e-campaigning tools and content management systems), keeping accurate and up-to-date records, and prioritising between competing tasks.
So if your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, but you know this is the role for you – please tell us!
If you have any questions, please reach out to contact@publicinterestnews.org.uk.
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