Intelligent Transport Systems UK (ITS UK), the voice of the transport technology sector, is looking for a Public Affairs & PR Executive to support our policy and advocacy activity, representing our 150+ members to policy makers and the media.
The Public Affairs & PR Executive will lead the organisation’s policy, public affairs and communications plan. Working as part of a small team, you will be part of all external activities relating to the membership body, including media engagement, policy development, social media, stakeholder engagement, e-mailings and partnerships. In particular:
- Policy: You will support ITS UK in the development of consultation responses, reports and studies, working with the membership and team to identify key policy areas where ITS UK should develop its position;
- Comms: You will prepare and send the weekly ITS UK Membership Newsletter and a monthly Stakeholder Newsletter, as well as maintaining the website and social media accounts;
- PR: You’ll be the main contact for all PR enquiries from national and industry journalists. You’ll monitor the press@its-uk.org inbox and issue reactive and proactive press releases as and when required;
- Public affairs: You will support the Chief Executive in delivering the ITS UK Public Affairs plan including arranging the quarterly Advocacy & Public Affairs Group meetings.
The ideal candidate will have the ability to take complicated, sometimes technical, information and to translate into effective and creative communications. The candidate will be an ‘all rounder’ - comfortable with engaging with journalists, producing social media content and using video footage, but who can also come up with imaginative ideas to reach key audiences. Work can be fast-paced so the ability to turn around content quickly is necessary. Prior knowledge of the transport industry or communications is desirable, but not essential.
£25,000 – £30,000 per annum, depending on experience + performance related bonus. We are open to applications from senior professionals looking to work part time (2-3 days a week).
Benefits include – hybrid working, pension contribution, 25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays, interest free season ticket loan.
Location: At least 50% London office based, with the option of 50% working from home. Regular travel to events and meetings in the UK will be required.
Hours: 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday / Flexible (we are open to part time working – please let us know on your application if you would like to discuss this option). Occasionally you may need to work out of hours to support events and meetings.
Reporting to: Chief Executive.
Main day-to-day duties
- Setting out a communications strategy for ITS UK and ensuring successful delivery over the year;
- Working with ITS UK members to promote the industry to key stakeholders, press and policy makers;
- Producing mailings, press releases, opinion pieces and social media content;
- Producing policy reports, consultation responses, briefing notes etc;
- Engaging with national and trade press;
- Promoting ITS UK with political stakeholders and Government officials;
- Monitoring and measuring communications activities;
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite is necessary. Experience using Canva, CRMs and video content tools is welcome, but not necessary.
Person Specification
We are looking for a driven, talented and pro-active individual who is ambitious, enthusiastic and a fast learner and someone who wants to gain experience at the heart of a growing and dynamic sector. You will be part of a small and close-knit team with the opportunity to develop yourself in a creative, innovative and interesting environment. This is the chance to be part of an organisation with ambitious plans for growth, and clear focus on delivering more and better services for the sector.
The right candidate should be a enthusiastic professional ready to develop themselves as an all-rounder in Public Affairs, PR and Policy. They should have an interest in transport policy, influencing government and working to develop positive working relationships current members and stakeholders. They should have strong written and verbal skills. A proactive attitude, energy and ability to interact effectively with others is key.
We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage and civil partnership.
When applying, please let us know if there are any additional needs you may have as part of the application or interview process.
About ITS UK
Intelligent Transport Systems UK (ITS UK) is the voice of the transport technology industry. We provide a national platform to support the roll out of technology for a cleaner, safer and more effective transport network, both at home and abroad. We support our 170+ members – from both the private and public sector, and covering all sizes and disciplines – through advocacy to policy makers, connecting people and organisations, promoting the industry overseas and supporting innovation across the intelligent transport ecosystem.
ITS UK provides its members with extensive services, including:
- Advocacy and representation to Government, clients and policy makers;
- Opportunities for networking and professional development through our 15 Forums;
- Provision of technical, commercial and policy information every week;
- Promotion of the ITS industry overseas, through briefings, visits overseas, hosting inwards visits; &
- Celebration of the sector through the ITS UK Awards, Member News Service etc.
ITS UK has a small, highly flexible and dynamic team, with the Chief Executive supported by an Operations Manager, Membership Executive and Finance Officer. The Team works collaboratively together, at pace, to deliver effectively for members.