Media & Digital Relations Executive- Trade Association/ Retail Industry

The industry is going through a turbulent period. Covid changed the industry – with the industry still adjusting to changing consumer behaviour. Meanwhile the cost-of-living crisis presents and clear challenge for both retailers and their customers. Their purpose is to make a positive difference to the industry and the customers it serves, today and in the future. This means ensuring that the industry thrives through this period of change, and it is a positive reinvention.

Corporate Affairs Team

The corporate affairs team tells the story of this transformation in retail. Our role is twofold:

• To protect & promote the reputation of the industry: ensuring that stakeholders understand the transformation in the industry and how retailers are adapting to be fit for the future; building awareness of corporate responsibility initiatives across the industry and the positive impact on society they create; protecting brands of member companies through effective management of high-profile media issues.

• Using our expertise and influence to shape a policy environment that will allow retail businesses to thrive in the future.

We have a number of priority campaign areas: Business rates, sustainability, trade, skills, nutrition, and crime. Our communications team (three, including this position) sits within a very busy and highly motivated Corporate Affairs team.

THE ROLE

Reporting to the Head of Communications, you will:

• Raise the profile, credibility and influence with key internal, member and external stakeholder groups.

• Lead on the development, execution and monitoring of an effective social media strategy to raise the reputation and to develop a narrative of success of the business and how it works to support the industry and our members. Use social media to monitor key stakeholders and find opportunities to put forward the their key messages.

• Support the communications team manage the day-to-day media relations activities of the Corporate Affairs team, ensuring timely, salient responses to media enquiries, help with the monitoring, journalist management and press releases.

• Support the communications team in developing productive and trusted relationships with their members.

• Write speech notes and media briefings ahead of external events.

• Supporting the Corporate Affairs Team to develop and maintain a proactive communications grid enabling it to coordinate all of its external communications and stakeholder influencing efforts to maximum effect.

Skills & Knowledge

• A superb communicator verbally and visually, with a strong feel for original storytelling and developing compelling and creative narratives

• Someone with a passion for politics and current affairs, with a ‘can-do’ attitude to make news happen

• A strong, creative writer with a strong grasp of English style and grammar and an ability to flex that style for different audiences

• An organised, efficient co-ordinator of multiple activities and tasks, with the ability to remain calm and professional under pressure

• A trusted and pro-active team player, supporting team colleagues in driving a culture of constant improvement

• A strong grasp of traditional and digital media

This role pays between c£27,000-£31,000 DOE

In addition, here is a list of benefits that might be of interest:

• Discretionary bonus

• An excellent range of employee benefits, including life assurance (4x salary), private pension (salary sacrifice 4% employee-6% employer), a medical cash plan, private medical and dental insurance, bike scheme & exercise allowance

• 26 days of annual leave (increasing to 27 after 5 years of service/ 28 days after 10 years of service) + 1 discretionary day around Christmas

• investment in your professional development as well as a range of health & wellbeing programmes.

• Flexible ways of working. They operate core hours from 10 am-4 pm, working hybrid, remotely or office based. They require presence at their Central London office once a quarter for team meetings and events.

For more information regarding the role, skills and experience required, please contact Edwina Goldman @ JFL Recruit – edwina@jflrecruit.com