PR & Media Officer

Job Title:  PR & Media Officer

Based at:  Flexible – hybrid working. London based (or other ramblers’ office location)

Contract: Permanent 

Hours: 35 hours per week (open to flexible or part-time working)

Salary: Band 4 (£36,400 - £41,600 pa)

Department: Marketing, Communications & Brand

Interviews will be held on a rolling basis, so the role may close earlier if an appointment is made.

It’s a very exciting time to join the Ramblers. We have been instrumental in helping Britain experience the great outdoors for almost 90 years. But we are looking to the future, not the past.

We know not everyone has the same access to the outdoors, so we’re continue to fight for change. We campaign, protect paths and lead walks so no matter who you are, you can enjoy the benefits of getting out into the fresh air and wide-open spaces.

We need your drive, knowledge, skills, and creativity to help us raise awareness of the Ramblers and what we stand for, helping the charity grow its supporter base and meet our brand goals. Ultimately, you will help open up the joys and wellbeing benefits of walking to many more people.

About us

You might know us for our group walks, thousands of which take place every week across England, Scotland and Wales.

But there’s a lot more to the Ramblers. Since 1935, we’ve been fighting for the public’s right to enjoy Britain’s landscapes. We do it through campaigning for changes in legislation, opening up green routes in cities, maintaining paths and signposts, saving lost paths … and so much more.

Purpose of Role

This role will be pivotal in changing the way people think and feel about the Ramblers. You will lead our work to build awareness of the work we do to open up walking to all. You will help us tell the story of the Ramblers and demonstrate the need for support.

You will report to the Strategic Communications & Planning Manager and create opportunities to promote the Ramblers, developing and delivering high impact PR plans, while managing media enquiries through the press office.

You will work collaboratively with the Strategic Communications & Planning manager to manage reputational risk and build high profile support for the brand. You will also work to upskill people across the organisation – including volunteers - to achieve greater impact with communications.

The role

Proactive PR – Create and implement PR plans to deliver high profile coverage in support of advocacy campaigns and other initiatives across the organisation.

Press office - Respond in a timely and appropriate manner to media enquiries, prioritising resource in line with the strategic communications plan and the potential for high impact coverage. 

Producing communications – increase positive engagement with the Ramblers projects/products by developing press releases, media packs, briefings and other PR materials.

Message delivery – work in partnership with channel leads to ensure that communications are delivered effectively across all relevant channels.

Crisis communications – work with the Strategic Communications & Planning Manager when there is a crisis or potential for reputational risk, using your PR experience to advise on the best approach to mitigate negative media attention.

Relationship management – Build strong working relationships with a network of contacts, both internally and externally, which can be drawn upon for proactive media work.

Upskill colleagues - plan and deliver a programme of communications training, coaching and support for other staff and volunteers.

Insight – analyse the results of previous communications to gather learnings and insights to shape future messaging, content, and approaches to improve engagement.

Undertake such other duties as may be reasonably required of the post holder by the Ramblers.

The person 

Knowledge and Experience 

PR - a minimum of three years’ experience of working in a busy press office or PR agency, with proven PR campaign planning & delivery skills.

Planning – experience of developing and delivering creative PR campaigns to meet business objectives.

Copywriting – experience of writing for different audiences ensuring key messages are delivered in the brand tone of voice/

Communication - ability to engage a range of stakeholders using relationship building and influencing skills.

Branding – understanding of the importance of branding and experience of developing brand building communications.

Insights – a curious mind that allows you to develop and apply data and audience insights to strengthen performance.

Media monitoring – experience using a media monitoring system and maintaining a database of media contacts.

Legal - a broad understanding of copyright and data protection laws.

Personal attributes  

Creativity – in all senses – visually, technically, problem solving etc

Drive – to do a great job – and to keep delivering stronger results

The Ramblers promote diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community.  

Values and Behaviours

Our values are the core principles that guide us daily in our work and our membership of the Ramblers. We all share the passion that walking is for everyone and by living our shared values we can ensure the Ramblers is an organisation to be proud of. Our values will earn trust for the Ramblers brand which will allow us to open up a world of walking opportunities for even more people.

Inclusive – We make everyone feel welcome and part of the Ramblers community. We make sure we all feel respected and accepted and know our contributions make a difference in achieving our mission.

Inspiring – We strive to inspire people through the way we act and the things we say. We channel our passion and ambition so others are moved to help us achieve our mission.

Empowering – We empower and encourage each other to make a positive contribution to our teams and the Ramblers. We do all we can to make sure everyone has the ability, and feels confident, to take action.

Responsible – We take responsibility for ourselves and those around us seriously, by always acting in a safe and supportive way. We care about the environment and make sure we do what we say we will do.