SMMT News Uncategorised

Press Officer

02 June 2015 #SMMT News #Uncategorised

Purpose of the Post:

  • To promote SMMT and the UK automotive industry to ensure a positive public profile through media coverage and events.
  • To liaise with member companies, internal departments and stakeholders to identify news and communications opportunities to support the delivery of SMMT’s communications objectives and business plan.
  • To build and maintain positive media relationships and respond efficiently and effectively to media enquiries to support the delivery of a first-class press office service.

Qualifications/Skills/Attributes required:

  • A clear understanding of SMMT’s role in the industry, and member requirements.
  • An understanding of automotive issues, the national news agenda and public affairs.
  • Education to degree level or beyond.
  • Outstanding organisational skills and the ability to multi-task.
  • First-class written and verbal English skills.
  • Strong interpersonal abilities and the ability to forge and maintain relationships.
  • A positive and enthusiastic approach to team work.
  • Ability to work on own initiative and under pressure to deliver to tight deadlines.
  • A clear understanding of media requirements.
  • Competent IT skills –Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Internet Explorer.
  • Confidentiality and diplomacy.

Main duties include:

  • Help to develop and uphold a digital and social media strategy to promote the work of SMMT. Assist, where needed with other SMMT Group digital properties (Motor Codes, Industry Forum) and the Automotive Council.
  • Identify, produce and edit news and other content, ensuring messages and branding is consistent with the broader communications activity.
  • Ensure all relevant web content is coordinated and effectively communicated through the site homepages and all digital channels (websites, social media, blogs etc).
  • Identify and activate opportunities to develop the SMMT group’s digital media activity to support the delivery of SMMT’s business objectives.
  • Liaise with the IT department on any day-to-day developments of SMMT’s websites. [Note: The IT and Membership department are responsible for the functionality of the members area of the website and anything beyond the login process]
  • Produce regular statistics and reports on the use of all digital media channels.
  • Respond effectively and efficiently to media enquiries of all types, facilitating spokespeople for comment as appropriate and in accordance with SMMT policy.
  • Under the guidance of the Director of Communications and International and/or Senior Media Manager, project management of specific issues, developing key messages and activity plans to deliver the appropriate profile for the issue, SMMT and member companies.
  • Produce monthly press releases on car registrations, manufacturing and pre-registration figures and writing other press releases and articles as required.
  • Proactively build and maintain media relationships, identifying news angles and pitching stories continuously striving to increase SMMT’s media profile.
  • Attend meetings, events and exhibitions relating to the sector as necessary, representing SMMT and its members as required.
  • Liaise with members’ and stakeholders’ PR departments to improve the flow of information.
  • Ensure relevant media information is disseminated internally at SMMT and to SMMT members.
  • Assist with vehicle schedule for the SMMT showroom to showcase the British Automotive Industry
  • Other duties as required.
  • Please note, the role may require out of hours work including media calls and event attendance. There is a duty press office system in place.

Salary and benefits package:

The package includes private medical insurance, company pension scheme, flexi time, 25 days annual leave, childcare vouchers, interest free season ticket loan (after 6 months).

Deadline for Applications:

12 June 2015

Method of Application:

Prospective candidates should e-mail jobsweb@smmt.co.uk with a CV and covering letter quoting your salary expectations.

Early applications are encouraged as interviews will take place and the position offered before this date if a suitable candidate is found.

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