JOB DESCRIPTION
POST TITLE:
Press and Communications Officer
RESPONSIBLE TO:
Chief Executive and the Head of Marketing
LOCATION:
Incorporated Society of Musicians (the “ISM”)
10 Stratford Place
London
W1C 1AA
Salary:
£30,000 - £35,000
Vision of the ISM
Championing the art of music, supporting the music professional
Values of the ISM
Professional
Independent
Innovative
Authoritative
Trusted
Inclusive
Customer Focussed
Outward Looking
JOB PURPOSE
Increase the profile and reputation the ISM.
Use the increased profile to stimulate the recruitment and retention of members (both
individual and corporate).
Take the lead on all communications and manage them under the guidance of the Chief
Executive and the Head of Marketing.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Work closely with the Head of Marketing and the CEO to develop, coordinate and deliver the
ISM’s communications strategies.
Deliver the ISM’s communications plans (both proactive and reactive) across all channels,
and implement integrated communications campaigns to external audiences and ISM
members.
Coordinate the ISM’s press relations through the building of relationships with key contacts,
the generation of stories and the professional handling of press enquiries and releases.
Be the first point of contact for press enquiries and maintain and develop the ISM press
contact list.
Fully exploit key ISM activities such as public affairs and membership services (professional
development and legal) by leading the generation and publication of media stories, working
with the teams to identify content.
Manage the public-facing sections of the ISM website – including news, blog, features, press
– proactively identifying, writing and publishing content on a regular basis.
Develop relationships and partnerships with key targets for the ISM with a view to
generating growth.
Provide marketing support to services such as professional development.
Work with the CEO to co-ordinate plans for news and features in ISM’s bi-monthly
magazine, Music Journal.
Be one of the principal writers for the full range of ISM communications, including Music
Journal, website news, blogs, social media, magazine and e-newsletters. Assist colleagues
with writing style.
Provide input and support to the Marketing Officer to align ISM’s activity on a range of social
media to the overall communications plan.
Monitor the external environment and take appropriate steps to manage the ISM’s
reputation and build its profile.
Maintain a continuous record of ISM media activity, analyse impact and how this can be
increased.
Draft content for new informational and promotional materials, including co-ordinating the
production of printed materials and advertising from design to manufacture and distribution.
Other duties as requested by the CEO and the Head of Marketing.
Core values for all staff
To perform the tasks of the job description to the best of your ability.
To work for the delivery of our agreed objectives and maintain our reputation of working at
the forefront of supporting the music profession.
To treat all colleagues and people you come in contact with as a result of your work at the
ISM with fairness and respect in accordance with our belief in equal opportunities.
To take responsibility for your own health and safety and responsibility for the reporting of
hazards that you believe could impact on the health and safety within the ISM and other
premises used by the ISM.
Staff are expected to take part in the appraisal process and to undertake continuous
professional development and training such as may be necessary to meet our business
objectives.
To ensure effective, efficient and timely communication with all colleagues and
stakeholders.
To carry out any other duties commensurate with the general level of responsibility of the
post.
Please note this job description provides a broad outline of the duties and requirements of
the post and is subject to review to meet changing operational needs.
ISM August 2013
PERSON SPECIFICATION
POST TITLE:
Press and Communications Officer
ESSENTIAL
At least two previous communications/press roles
A proven track record of building the profile of organisations
Sound experience around reputation management
Comprehensive contacts in the UK media and excellent networking skills
Extensive experience of implementing successful integrated communications plans
Understanding of marketing principles and their inter-relationship with communications
An exceptionally dynamic, proactive and self-starting nature
Knowledge of website and social media publishing techniques
High level of emotional intelligence and creativity
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work well in a team
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Excellent attention to detail
Good levels of computer literacy in standard office software, with the ability to learn new
software (e.g. website content management system) quickly
Educated to degree level
A professional qualification in communications or marketing
DESIRABLE
Knowledge of the music sector and the challenges it faces
Interest in music and other performing arts
ISM August 2013