Media Officer

The work undertaken by The James Hutton Group is right at the top of the global agenda when it comes to tackling problems such as the impact of climate change and threats to food and water security.The Communications Teams delivers across the remits of media, marketing, digital, events, public affairs, corporate and internal communications, all designed to support and promote the work of the James Hutton Group.Critical to successful delivery of this work is ensuring that the Institute presents itself as a dynamic, modern organisation across a range of print, online and broadcast media with a steady flow of compelling content which is tailored to its different audiences and which represents, highlights and celebrates the breadth of the work undertaken by the Institute.We are looking for a Media Officer who has excellent media relations skills, a strong understanding of the news agenda, enjoy the fast-paced environment of a busy Communications Team and have the ability to spot a media story.
Working across a wide variety of portfolios and projects, you will build positive relationships with staff and journalists and be their first point of call for media enquiries.Previous experience is essential and can involve either a suitable qualification combined with practical experience or longer-term practical experience.This post is intended to communicate the range and breadth of our work taking place across our main campuses in Dundee and Aberdeen, our three farms and our work in Edinburgh.
 This post can be filled at 28 hours although there is the option of making this post full-time.
This can be discussed with the successful candidate.
This post will be based in Dundee or Aberdeen.
The post holder is expected to be on site at least two days a week and this can be combined with hybrid (home) working if desired.More information on the detail of the post and the post holder can be found below in the job description.Main purpose of job  Creating compelling news and online content, building positive relationships with journalists and acting as their first point of call for media enquiries; all with the aim of enhancing the Institute's profile and reputation as a leading scientific research centre and which supports the aims of the organisation's corporate strategy.Main duties of postholderCreating compelling news and online content in the form of media releases, statements, photocalls, opinion pieces and blogs; working across a wide variety of portfolios and projects, building positive relationships with journalists on a local, national, international and specialist interest basis, acting as their first point of call for media enquiries.Translating complex scientific research into digestible content that can work as case studies for non-specialists.Enhancing the Hutton's profile and reputation as a leading scientific research centre.Working closely with staff of all levels across the Hutton to proactively identify opportunities to promote their work across a range of media including local, national, international and specialist/niche outlets outlets.
This includes attending departmental meetings, monitoring funding notifications and research platforms for details of research published.Advising colleagues on working with media including preparing for media appearances and providing statements.Working closely with other Comms colleagues including the Events and Engagement, Marketing and Digital Communications Team to provide media input into multi-disciplinary campaigns for flagship projects and events and engagement activities and ensure synchronicity with online and social media platforms.Developing a network of external comms and journalistic contacts to facilitate effective relationships between key staff and journalists and editors as relevant to ensure contacts are up to date.Working in partnership with stakeholder organisations such as SRUC, Rowett, Moredun, NFUS to maximise joint press coverage.Maintaining a calendar of planned media activity as part of the overall Comms Team planning schedule; monitoring and circulating media coverage, providing updates in the form of reports and dashboards as requested.Alternate with other media officer as project lead and editor on twice yearly Hutton Highlights magazineProduce podcasts featuring our work including developing scripts and editing final recording (training in using equipment will be given).Be a lead contact on various networks in agreement with Director of Comms including Chambers of Commerce, local networks etc.Qualifications/Skills/KnowledgeEssential QualificationsMinimum HND/NVQ/SVQ level 3 or equivalent professional qualification.Two years' experience in a similar environment.Essential SkillsExcellent writing and verbal communication skillsExperience in using a range of social media channels and monitoring toolsAbility to organise own work effectively, prioritising competing workloads and working to tight timescales.Good computer/software literacy essential.Good attention to detail and accuracy.Creative, proactive, flexible and able to work to agreed deadlines.Ability to work as part of a team and also use own initiative.Experience in using a range of social media monitoring toolsPersonable, able to speak comfortably to a wide range of people and engage with others.Essential ExperienceEvidence of having worked in either a comms/PR or journalism environment.Desirable ExperienceGeneral marketing, public relations or communications experience.Additional Notes and RequirementsFlexible working options are available, with the postholder expected to spend at least two days a week on site and may on occasion need to travel to other locations as required.Willingness to 'get stuck in' to whatever appropriate task may need doing in the context of Communications activities.Please note a Certificate of Sponsorship cannot be provided for this role.Interview DateInterviews are scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 26 November 2024.Benefits offeredEmployee Assistance Programme (EAP) - A confidential service available to support employees and their families with work or personal problems.
Providing access to professional counsellors, psychologists, and work-life consultants available to help and support individuals in tackling all types of problems.Annual Leave – Generous entitlement up to 40.5 days a year, with carry over possible and guaranteed time-off for Christmas.Pension - Employer Contribution of 15% in a Personal Pension Plan and employee contribution flexibility.Self-managed hours and Flexible Working – option to manage and spread your working time in line with organisational needs to create a healthy work life balance.