Communications Officer (Hybrid, Dorking/Westminster)

Job Title: Communications Officer

Working For: Chris Coghlan MP (Dorking and Horley)

Location: Hybrid, Dorking/Westminster

Salary: In line with IPSA pay scale

Length of Contract: 12 months, initially

Job Details

Initially a 12 month contract with a view to making it permanent. We are trying to get Chris' team up and running as quick as possible, we may look to reconfigure the team in future.

Part time, full time, and location of work up for discussion.

Main duties

• Research local and national issues to support the work of the MP
• Draft responses to policy questions from constituents
• Manage, monitor and update a social media and online presence for both MPs in their constituencies. Produce online graphics and video content, as well as news alerts etc.
• Follow up on social media queries and comments
• Manage and monitor social media enquiries, dealing with cases that do not need to be transferred to a higher level
• Ensure all enquiries are dealt with in a timely manner
• Monitor media coverage, liaise with media, prepare press releases as required (on constituency, nonparty-political matters). Retain records and information confidentially and in line with the Data Protection Act
• Attend events with the MPs as and when required
• Support building relationships with local journalists
• Send press releases to local media 
• There may be a requirement for the role holder to work outside of the normal working hours and travel for work occasionally

Skills required

Essential:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience of copywriting for different audiences
• Strong awareness and understanding of current political issues
• Highly proficient on social media communications
• Effective digital design skills
• Ability to create and execute a multi-week multi-channel communications plan
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to prioritise a demanding workload to meet strict deadlines
• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to handle challenging situations
• Able to work independently and as part of a small team
• Sympathetic to Liberal Democrat values

Desirable:

• Excellent research skills
• Good knowledge of social media trends
• Project management experience
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work within a sensitive and public facing role

Upon appointment you will be required to apply for security clearance, undertaken by the Security Vetting and Pass Office. See Members’ Staff Security Clearance page for further info. MPs generally pay staff in accordance with IPSA guidelines.

Closing Date: 29 July 2024

Interview/Start Dates

Closing Date: 23:59 on 29 July 2024

Interview Date: Interviews will be held throughout the application process.

Start Date: The start date is as soon as possible.

Application Details

Applicants should send a covering letter (maximum two pages) and a CV (maximum two pages) to organiser@molevalleylibdems.co.uk with the subject line ‘Communications Officer Application: YOUR NAME'.

Regrettably, it will not be possible to respond to each applicant -- if you have not heard back by Monday 5th August you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Website: https://www.molevalleylibdems.org.uk/our-team/parliamentary-candidates/chris-coghlan