The External Communications Team at Avanti West Coast manages proactive and reactive media communications to enhance and protect the company's reputation. This role involves handling media relations within the West Coast Partnership, promoting the brand positively, anticipating issues, advising senior management, supporting the Head of News, and participating in the press office function, including on-call duties.
To ensure the media strategy is effectively implemented within the region, you will focus on several key areas.
This role can be based in our London or Birmingham office.
Key Accountabilities
* Stories that have an impact: Work on stories with national, regional or trade significance and develop narratives that resonate broadly.
* Deal with reactive issues: Respond quickly and timely to complex queries or issues that may have an impact on reputation.
* Staff Engagement: Engage with staff of all levels to source stories, spot newsworthy opportunities, and leverage contacts for positive coverage.
* Media Connections: Maintain relationships with key journalists and manage media coverage effectively.
* Stakeholder Relationships: Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to be seen as an integral part of the region.
* On-Call Duties and Event Management: Be prepared for on-call duties as well as being the focal point for media for the major events held on the route.
Ideal Person Specifications
* Strong Communication Skills: Ability to influence, persuade, challenge, and inform both internal (e.g., Head of News, Public Affairs, Social Media Teams, Director level) and external groups (e.g., Media Outlets, Network Rail).
* National Media Knowledge: Essential understanding of the national and regional media landscape.
* Excellent Writing and Detail: Attention to detail, with the ability to function in a complex environment like the rail industry.
* Relationship Building: Proven ability to build new contacts and relationships.
* PR and Journalism Experience: Extensive experience in public relations or journalism at regional or national level, with a track record in delivering earned media as well as handling breaking news and crises.
Benefits Include
* Final salary pension
* Free travel on Avanti West Coast for you/spouse/partner/dependents
* Privilege Travel card (75% off other train operators fares for leisure travel)
* 30 days holiday rising by 1 for every completed year of service to a maximum of 37 days (inclusive of bank holidays)
* 10 free journeys on other First Group Train Operator
Apply now and be part of a team that's dedicated to creating an outstanding workplace culture.
At Avanti West Coast, we value the differences that make each of us unique! Avanti West Coast recognises the benefits of building a diverse workforce and employing people from diverse backgrounds, which includes their race, religion, age, gender, gender identity, disability and sexual orientation.
Everyone who joins Avanti West Coast becomes part of our close knit team. We're committed to ensuring that Avanti West Coast is inclusive, a place where people are encouraged to be themselves, and not an edited version to fit in. A place where differences are welcomed, recognised, accepted and put to good use! #J-18808-Ljbffr