Press & Policy Officer

Press & Policy Officer

The Institute of Directors is the professional institute for responsible directors and leaders. Our mission is to develop, support and represent skilled, knowledgeable, and responsible leaders for the benefit of the economy and society at large.

Our success relies on the knowledge, skill and commitment of our people and volunteers.

The role

As the IoD’s Press & Policy Officer, you will help to give IoD members a voice in the media, in pursuit of the IoD’s Royal Charter goal to “foster a climate favourable to entrepreneurial activity and wealth creation”. You will make sure IoD spokespeople and research feature prominently in national print and broadcast outlets, as well as regional and trade media, to maintain and raise the profile of the Institute.

Reporting into the Marketing & Communications Lead, you will be responsible for the production of regular policy and member-related content and information. Additionally, you will provide administrative and logistical support for the day-to-day functioning of the Governance and Policy Unit (GPU).

This role can be based across the UK, some travel will be required to London. We are open to discussing flexible working options.

What you’ll be doing

Key Duties

• 
  Act as the first point of contact for media enquiries, helping to arrange interviews and providing comment from IoD spokespersons.
• Prepare media strategies for GPU reports and initiatives, including the drafting of accompanying press releases.
• Create content for the IoD social media channels, website, and newsletters, and support the production of the IoD's podcasts series.
• Monitor media coverage and assist in providing reports to the IoD's senior executives and board.
• Seek ways to maximise the awareness of the IoD members and colleagues of policy outputs.
• Liaise with other IoD departments, in particular PD, IAS, Membership and Marketing.
• Build relationships with the IoD's external stakeholders to advance the IoD's voice with external influencers.
• Help ensure that all GPU output is of high quality, and is consistent with the IoD's Purpose, Strategy, and Core Values.
• Team administration - responsible for a variety of tasks that support the day-to-day workings of the GPU and the IoD Centre for Corporate Governance, e.g. organising meetings, events, maintaining planning documents, corresponding with members and other stakeholders, etc.

Who you are

• 
  Self-starter: Motivated, with a positive and professional approach, able to take forward, support, and coordinate GPU activities.
• Team-player: Able to work co-operatively with others and prepared to be flexible to achieve a common goal. Comfortable with sharing of ideas, expertise and experience with wider team.
• Ability to work under pressure: Remains focussed and prioritises effectively when under pressure, responding in a timely manner to emerging developments.
• Planning and organisation: Able to work efficiently and on own initiative to establish a course of action to accomplish short and longer term work goals. Can apply appropriate procedures to ensure progress towards goals, monitoring and evaluating the results.
• Results driven: Maintains focus on results to be achieved, persisting in the face of difficulties and/or obstacles, able to adapt to changing priorities when the situation demands flexibility.

The successful candidate

Knowledge & skills

• 
  Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate confidently and diplomatically with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, able to work collaboratively with a team-focused approach.
• An ability to work with numbers and statistics; experience of working with databases, data analysis, and market research would be an advantage.
• Good presentation skills, with the ability to present to members and colleagues in a straightforward and engaging manner.
• Affinity with the IoD's goals of fostering good governance, a responsible business community, and a climate favourable to enterprise and wealth creation.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills (esp. Word and Excel) with a strong technical aptitude.

Qualifications & experiences

• 
  Degree qualified, with a good first degree in a relevant subject.
• Experience of working within a media or policy environment e.g. an internship or entry-level role.
• A strong understanding of the UK's political, media and policy landscape, with an inherent interest in current affairs, policy ideas and debates.
• Experience of acting in accordance with the IoD's key values, Teamwork, Leadership, Agility & Respect.