We’re looking for a professional and creative Policy Officer to join our Communications team. You will work on developing CIPR policy in support of our purpose and objectives, maintaining the relevance of the organisation and influencing key debates in the profession and industry. You will develop guidance, conduct and communicate research and work closely in support of the CIPR’s communication and senior management teams.
Key Responsibilities:
- Continually track political, economic, social and technological factors that may impact the public relations profession so that the Institute is best placed to anticipate change and lead the profession accordingly;
- Become an acknowledged authority on industry issues in public relations, including wider social and economic issues such as gender pay and employment in the specific context of this profession;
- Update and develop the CIPR’s existing policy platform and assist in its effective communication through all channels, particularly working closely with the CIPR’s Qualifications and Training teams, the Events team and the Editor of Influence Magazine;
- Develop and deliver the CIPR’s State of the Profession survey;
- Be responsible for the policy elements of the annual communication plan;
- Assist in the development of best practice guidelines for members and the profession, building excellent relationships with relevant bodies both nationally and internationally in support of this objective;
- Assist in managing, monitoring and moderating the CIPR social media presence;
- Assist in the effective internal communication of the CIPR’s policy positions with the aim of influencing, where necessary, the development of CIPR products and services;
- Act as Secretary to the Policy and Campaigns Committee and the Diversity and Inclusion Forum;
- Undertake other tasks as agreed with the Senior Management Team.
Person Specification:
Essential
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Experience of researching and developing policy issues, including:
- Developing, commissioning and implementing research to support policy activities;
- Tracking political, economic, technological and social issues, understanding and communicating relevance;
- Excellent communication skills, written, verbal and online;
- Excellent organisational skills, including the ability to prioritise and time manage;
- Independent outlook but with strong team working abilities;
- An understanding of how committees are administered and function;
- Proficient in use of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook;
- Proficient in use of online and social media;
- Willingness to pursue membership of the CIPR and gain an appropriate level of qualification, necessarily involving self-directed study;
- Excellent networking skills.
Desirable
- Experience of managing networks and groups of volunteers to support policy activity;
- Experience of producing creative content to communicate policy ideas;
- Willingness to pursue membership of the CIPR and gain an appropriate level of qualification, necessarily involving self-directed study;
- Due to the nature of the business, willingness to work outside of work hours to achieve objectives.
Responsible to: Deputy Chief Executive.
The CIPR is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community.
Benefits
Group Personal Pension Plan with a 5% employer’s pension contribution; Private Health Care; Permanent Health Insurance; Life Assurance; Interest Free Season Ticket Loan; Childcare Vouchers, Cycle Scheme, and support for professional development, including CIPR courses and qualifications.
Annual Leave Entitlement
23 days annual leave entitlement in the first 12 months, plus bank holidays, increasing to 25 days per year after 1 year in employment, 28 days per year after 2 years and 30 days per year after 5 years.
Probation Review
Probationary period of six months.
Working Hours
Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm. However, the nature of the role may require additional out of office hours.