JOB DESCRIPTION
Senior Press and PR Officer
Reporting to:
Communications Manager
Staff responsibility:
None initially but the post holder will be expected to
manage volunteers and interns.
Salary range:
c£28K plus contributory pension scheme
Location:
Wilcox House, 140-148 Borough High Street, London
SE1 1LB
Holiday entitlement:
25 days plus 3 between Christmas and New Year and
Statutory holidays
Working conditions:
Full time, 35 hours a week, and permanent
The post holder will be expected to work some
evenings and weekends. Time of in Lieu will be given in
line with the charity’s policy.
About Bowel Cancer UK
Bowel Cancer UK is a growing, ambitious, national charity with around 35 staff and interns
based at offices in England and Scotland and home based staff in Manchester and Northern
Ireland. Our mission is to save lives and improve the quality of life for all those affected by
bowel cancer. We achieve this by raising awareness of bowel cancer, campaigning for best
treatment and care and providing practical support and information.
Job Purpose
The role of the Communications Department is to raise awareness of bowel cancer and to
extend the charity’s impact and reach in order to save lives and the post holder will
contribute to this. The Senior Press and PR Officer will also perform an important role in
ensuring Bowel Cancer UK continues to be an effective and influential voice on bowel cancer
and bowel health amongst a variety of targeted external audiences. Under the supervision
of the Communications Manager, the post-holder will be responsible for:
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Supporting the development of a three year press and PR strategy for the charity
which positions Bowel Cancer UK as the thought-leader in bowel cancer and bowel
health issues.
Performing a key role in implementing and driving forward the press and PR strategy
Making Bowel Cancer UK the go-to place for information, case studies and expertise
on all relevant issues.
Main duties and responsibilities
1. Strategy development and implementation
Under the supervision and guidance of the Communications Manager:
 Work with colleagues across the charity to devise and implement a three year press and
PR strategy.
 Review media coverage gained over last two years & set a challenging target for
increasing quantity & quality.
 Develop key messages for the charity as a whole and on specific campaigns.
 Identify key target audiences and most effective methods of engaging them including
online.
 Develop and implement a monitoring and evaluation plan for all press and PR activity.
2. Media relations
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Act as a main contact for media enquiries including liaising with journalists and
colleagues to provide information and co-ordinate interviews.
Ensure that Bowel Cancer UK delivers an efficient, professional, appropriate and timely
response to media and broadcast enquiries.
Gain a thorough understanding of the work of the charity and key policy issues affecting
bowel cancer patients so you are able to respond and sell in stories and issues
effectively.
Work with the Communications Manager and in partnership with colleagues across the
charity to develop media lines on reactive and proactive issues.
Proactively place stories in target media and identify opportunities to promote the
charity and our key messages using all communication channels.
Proactively develop press stories and PR opportunities including drafting press releases,
web copy, media briefings and articles for publication.
Promote Bowel Cancer UK’s services, fundraising, public affairs and campaigning
activities including events and publications, through media materials, photo shoots,
articles and interviews.
With the Communications Manager and Communications Officer to run an effective out
of hours service.
3. Building and managing relationships
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With the Chief Executive, Communications Manager and other senior staff, proactively
build relationships and partnerships with key PR professionals and journalists.
Further develop the database of patient and clinical case studies.
Further develop relationships with key clinical and academic experts who are prepared
to respond quickly to media requests.
Provide information and support to charity spokespeople including patients where
appropriate.
Establish strong relationships with key colleagues in other teams and departments to
identify regular media opportunities.
To establish good working relationships with journalists of Bowel Cancer UK’s key target
media.
4. Other key tasks
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Take responsibility for the administration of the news section of the
website.
Assist in writing and proof-reading printed materials that will be promoted to the media.
Promote Bowel Cancer UK’s beliefs and values.
Undertake any other duties as may be reasonably required.
This list of tasks is not exhaustive and will be reviewed from time to time in discussion with
the post holder.
Person Specification
Experience
 Significant experience of working within a Press and PR team and a strong interest in
health.
 Successful experience of planning and executing press and PR campaigns
 Experience of building relationships with key journalists and PR professionals and
across organisational teams.
 Experience of helping to develop and implement a press and PR strategy.
 Experience of assisting with the development of a monitoring and evaluation plan for all
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press and PR activity.
Successful experience of increasing the quantity and quality of media coverage.
Skills and Abilities
 Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work with people
at all levels.
 Ability to build and manage positive relationships with key stakeholders and to act as
an ambassador for Bowel Cancer UK with high profile journalists, politicians,
celebrities and senior executives.
 A strong news sense, the ability to spot and sell in a newsworthy story and able to
develop awareness of issues affecting bowel cancer patients and their families.
 Ability to think creatively and contribute ideas to team planning and discussion
sessions.
 Ability to handle complex information and issues and be able to translate them into
clear and accessible messages.
 Excellent project management skills, the ability to work under pressure, manage
time effectively and prioritise workload.
 Good working knowledge of all Microsoft packages including Word, Excel and
Outlook.
 Understanding of and commitment to the aims and objectives of Bowel Cancer UK.
 A commitment to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice.