About Company
Rushcliffe Borough Council is dedicated to providing high-quality services and fostering a thriving community across the Rushcliffe area, which includes the vibrant market town of Bingham. We are committed to transparency, community engagement, and making a positive impact on the lives of our residents. Our diverse range of services covers everything from planning and environmental health to leisure facilities and community support. We believe in empowering our employees to make a real difference and offer a supportive, inclusive work environment where innovation and collaboration are highly valued. Join a team that is passionate about public service and committed to the continued prosperity and well-being of Rushcliffe.
Job Description
Rushcliffe Borough Council is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Public Relations Officer with a strong focus on Media Handling to join our dynamic Communications team. Based in the vibrant community of Bingham, Nottingham, this pivotal role will be instrumental in shaping public perception, fostering positive media relationships, and effectively communicating the Council’s initiatives, services, and achievements to residents and stakeholders.
As a Public Relations Officer specializing in Media Handling, you will be at the forefront of our external communications efforts. You will be responsible for developing and implementing proactive media strategies, responding to media enquiries, managing press conferences, and ensuring consistent messaging across all platforms. This role demands a keen eye for news, excellent judgment, and the ability to operate effectively under pressure, particularly during sensitive issues or crisis situations. You will act as a key liaison between the Council and local, regional, and national media outlets, building robust relationships that enhance our reputation and transparency.
Your day-to-day will involve crafting compelling press releases, statements, and articles that highlight the positive impact of our work on the community. You will also monitor media coverage, analyse trends, and provide strategic advice to senior leadership on media relations and reputation management. A significant part of this role will be preparing spokespeople for interviews, providing media training, and ensuring that all public-facing communications align with the Council’s strategic objectives and values. We are looking for someone who can not only manage reactive media situations with calm and professionalism but also identify opportunities to generate positive coverage and promote our commitment to serving the people of Rushcliffe. This is an exciting opportunity to make a tangible difference in a local government setting, working with diverse teams and engaging with the community on issues that truly matter. The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of the media landscape, strong ethical principles, and an unwavering commitment to public service.
This role is hybrid, offering the flexibility of both office-based collaboration at our Bingham location and remote work, allowing for an optimal balance between team integration and individual productivity. You’ll be part of a supportive environment where your contributions are valued, and your professional growth is encouraged. Join us in making Rushcliffe a better place to live, work, and visit.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement comprehensive media relations strategies to promote Council initiatives and services.
- Act as the primary point of contact for media enquiries, ensuring timely and accurate responses.
- Draft and distribute compelling press releases, media statements, articles, and other communication materials.
- Monitor traditional and social media for relevant coverage and public sentiment, providing regular reports and analysis.
- Manage media events, press conferences, and interviews, including logistics and spokesperson preparation.
- Provide expert media advice and training to Council leadership and internal teams.
- Assist in the development and execution of crisis communication plans, effectively managing reputation during sensitive periods.
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with journalists and media representatives at local, regional, and national levels.
- Ensure all public communications align with Council policies, branding, and strategic objectives.
- Collaborate with internal departments to identify newsworthy stories and communication opportunities.
Required Skills
- Proven experience in public relations, with a strong emphasis on media handling.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a portfolio of successful media materials.
- Demonstrable ability to build and maintain strong relationships with media contacts.
- Experience in crisis communications and reputation management.
- Proficiency in media monitoring tools and analytics.
- Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple deadlines.
- High level of professionalism, discretion, and ethical conduct.
Preferred Qualifications
- A Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
- Experience working within a local government or public sector environment.
- Membership in a relevant professional body (e.g., CIPR, PRCA).
- Familiarity with the political landscape and community issues within Nottinghamshire.
- Experience with digital PR and social media management for a public entity.
Perks & Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays.
- Enrollment in the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work model.
- Access to a comprehensive employee assistance program.
- Opportunities for professional development and training.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Discounted gym membership.
- Supportive and collaborative team environment.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by clicking on the application link below. Please ensure your CV and a compelling cover letter outlining your suitability for this role, with specific examples of your media handling experience, are attached. Your cover letter should address how your skills and experience align with the responsibilities and requirements detailed in this job post. We look forward to reviewing your application and exploring how you can contribute to our team.