A new vacancy exists within the Communications and International department for an Apprentice Public Relations & Communications Assistant.
- Apprenticeship standard: Public Relations and Communications Assistant Level 4 (Higher national Certificate)
- Qualification delivered by: PA Media Academy
- Apprenticeship duration: 12-18 months
- Apprenticeship start date: October 2024
We are looking for candidates who are educated to at least A-level or equivalent in any discipline and able to prove an aptitude for writing. GCSE or equivalent English (Grade 6 or above) and Maths (Grade 4 and above) are required, as well as an understanding of social media platforms and experience of using IT systems including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
Please see further details below.
PURPOSE OF POST:
- Promote SMMT and the UK automotive industry to ensure a positive public profile through media relations, coverage and events.
- Liaise with member companies, and internal and external stakeholders to identify news and communications opportunities to support the delivery of SMMT’s communications objectives and business plan.
- Build and maintain positive media relationships, responding efficiently and effectively to media enquiries to support the delivery of a first-class press office service.
- Promote the SMMT Group and UK automotive sector issues, events and activities through digital and social media channels, newsletters and other publications and communications as required.
QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS / ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED BY JOB HOLDER:
- An interest in the automotive sector and a clear understanding of SMMT’s role
- A love of the media – both social and traditional – and a keen follower of the national news agenda
- First-class written and verbal English skills
- Strong interpersonal abilities and the ability to forge and maintain relationships
- Outstanding organisational and prioritisation skills, attention to detail and the ability to multi-task
- A positive and enthusiastic approach to team work
- Ability to work on own initiative and under pressure to deliver to tight deadlines
- Education to at least A-level or equivalent
- Basic IT skills – eg Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
- Confidentiality and diplomacy
MAIN DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
- Support the delivery of communications activity, including compiling and updating media lists, pitching stories and events, administrating media attendance, and distributing press releases.
- Respond effectively and efficiently to media enquiries of all types, facilitating spokespeople for comment as appropriate and in accordance with SMMT policy.
- Produce and proof-read press releases, digital and social media communications and other content as required, ensuring messages and branding are consistent with broader communications activity and house style.
- Liaise with other SMMT teams, and member and stakeholder PR departments; and represent SMMT at meetings and events relating to the sector as required.
- Manage SMMT’s communications calendar; curate press releases, briefing documents and statements, messaging and statistics documents.
- Undertake media and digital media monitoring, ensure metrics and interview logs are updated monthly and as required, and produce coverage and evaluation reports and presentations detailing SMMT’s activity, profile and emerging industry issues.
- Manage SMMT’s digital and print media subscriptions, ensuring timely renewal and value for money in accordance with departmental budgets.
- Support the Secretariat for SMMT’s communications focused member committees, including the production, coordination and distribution of agendas, presentations and minutes; coordination of member attendance; salesforce management and meeting organisation.
- Support media events management, ensuing quality and relevance of attendees across all channels, from print and online to broadcast, video bloggers and influencers to deliver maximum value for SMMT and members.
- Support the Head of Digital & Brand in the execution of a digital and cross-platform social media strategy to promote SMMT and the industry. Assist with any digital media activities as required.
- Under the guidance of the Head of Digital & Brand, be responsible for the maintenance of SMMT’s website, curating, updating and posting new content as necessary and liaising with the IT department and relevant service providers on day-to-day digital issues.
- Assist in the production of SMMT reports, publications, presentations and other materials, including fact checking, proofing and other tasks as required.
- Source, curate and produce digital assets, including graphics. photography and video, liaising with member companies and content agencies/ photographers to organise shoots, developing detailed briefs and scripts.
- Other duties as required.
- Note, the role may require out of hours work, including event attendance and handling media enquiries.
Prospective candidates should contact hr@smmt.co.uk with a CV and covering letter by 21 June 2024.
