INTRODUCTION
We assist those in urgent need anywhere, anytime, no matter what the conditions, providing lifesaving medical and health related emergency services – often within hours. And we stay to help communities recover and build long term resilience.
We get there first
Speed and expertise is at the heart of everything we do. We maintain the world’s foremost humanitarian and medical experts permanently ready for the next emergency.
We go to the toughest places
International Medical Corps help people in the greatest need, wherever they are around the world. When disasters strike, whether an earthquake, flood, civil war or outbreak of disease, we respond to help people survive and rebuild their lives. To date International Medical Corps works in 70 countries.
We train to multiply our impact
We focus on training the next generation of doctors, nurses and midwives, wherever we work. This means communities are better prepared to withstand the next crisis. International Medical Corps now has over 4,500 staff members, 96% whom are local stakeholders based in the field.
The Resource Development & Communications Team leads International Medical Corps UK’s engagement with UK and European audiences, through private fundraising, media relationships and marketing campaigns. The team is responsible for raising both income and public and media awareness of International Medical Corps UK’s work and brand.
JOB PURPOSE
To build and develop relationships with the media and press across all channels. Specifically, you will build and maintain relationships with journalists and other media figures, focusing on a personal approach, in order to identify areas of potential growth across all channels and to deliver the maximum amount of coverage and awareness possible.
Critical objectives of the role
· Develop, co-ordinate, implement and evaluate integrated media plans to ensure relevant media opportunities are fully maximised to further our aims and increase our profile by generating regular, high-profile coverage for the organisation;
· Build and develop effective relationships with relevant media and press contacts, ensuring positive and collaborative relationships are maintained;
· Meet or exceed agreed annual media and press goals for International Medical Corps UK;
· Build working relationships with fundraising, marketing and other International Medical Corps UK staff;
· Provide extensive support managing and overseeing the communications database.
PRIMARY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
PRESS & MEDIA COVERAGE
· Deliver consistent positive media coverage for International Medical Corps UK across a range of national, regional and local print, online and broadcast channels.
· Deliver a fast, accurate response to media enquiries including the co-ordination of reasonable out–of-hours response.
· Write, co-ordinate and issue media releases and statements, briefing materials and features.
· Promote and market International Medical Corps UK events (where appropriate).
· Maintain regular detailed awareness of the national and international news agenda identifying opportunities or bringing issues to the attention of line manager as appropriate.
· Supervise up-to-date media monitoring and archive including external subscriptions; evaluating media coverage and PR activity for internal and external reports.
PRESS & MEDIA RELATIONSHIPS
· Develop and maintain a strong network of media contacts and journalists,
· Systematically manage press and media relationships and partnerships, suggesting ways to build on these to maximise engagement and awareness.
· Routinely identify and approach potential media and press relationships and partnership prospects, in order to secure increased coverage and support.
· Contribute new ideas for press and media and identify suitable initiatives and opportunities to pursue.
DATA MANAGEMENT
· Logically manage the International Medical Corps UK media and press database, ensuring cleanliness and imports of all new contacts and correspondence.
· Lead on preparation of relevant analytical press and media reporting from the database to the Director.
· Provide guidance on data segmentation and monitoring of fundraising and communication activities to supporters.
WORKING WITH FUNDRAISING & MARKETING (Digital)
· Develop and implement an effective programme of awareness and participative support of fundraising for supporters of International Medical Corps UK.
· Contribute to the production of communication collateral e.g. the Annual Review and Newsletter, including writing copy and supporter stories.
· Ensure the website media and press information is up to date.
· Contribute to identifying stories to demonstrate impact, photographs and information from the field that are suitable for fundraising purposes.
SUPPORT TO INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL CORPS STAFF:
· Alongside the Director and line manager guide, develop and coach staff on press and media approaches.
· Play an active role as the face of media and press within the organisation.
OTHER TASKS & REQUIREMENTS
· Undertake any other duties commensurate with the purpose and remit of the post.
· Encourage people to support International Medical Corps UK.
· Embrace our corporate values, mission and vision.
KEY INTERFACES/WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
· Reports to Communications (Media & PR Relations) Manager
· Work as part of the Resource Development & Communications Team
· Work as part of the wider International Medical Corps UK, in close coordination with:
Operations Team
Technical Team
Finance Team
· Work as part of the wider International Medical Corps, in close coordination with:
Resource Development Team
Communications Team
Field Teams
PERSON SPECIFRICATION
- Educated to degree level or equivalent.
- Front-line press office experience, dealing with journalists, press and media
- Knowledge of the UK media and press landscape across multiple channels
- Excellent writing skills in relation to the press and media which has resulted in positive media coverage.
- Ability to identify and translate complex news issues and stories into content useful for the media and press
- Experience using media databases and media monitoring tools to analyse and report on media coverage.
- Excellent communication skills including the ability to engage, inspire and persuade
- Ability to develop trust and strong collaborative working relationships;
- Excellent presentation skills;
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines
- A self-starter with the ability to build systems that will have a long-term impact on the organisation. Must have an entrepreneurial and creative approach to problem-solving, and the ability to take advantage of emerging opportunities;
- A high level of energy, self-confidence, and a positive “can-do” attitude are essential, as is humility and flexibility
- An individual of unquestionable integrity whose professional and personal conduct reflects International Medical Corps UK values
- Experience working in International Development or humanitarian sector is desirable
- Experience of crisis communications or reputation management situations is desirable
- Knowledge of European media markets.
- Be willing to travel during the course of your duties with possible overnight stays away from home.
HOW TO APPLY:
Qualified candidates should send C.V with a covering email/letter to:recruitment@internationalmedicalcorps.org.uk or by post to Human Resources Unit 1st Floor 254-258 Goswell Road, London, EC1V 7EB.