Right To Life UK is a campaigning and charitable organisation focused on life issues in the UK. We work to advance the recognition and preservation of human dignity, particularly through consistent protection for the right to life of every human being from conception to natural death.
We are seeking a capable, self-motivated and experienced individual to become our Public Affairs Coordinator (End of life), working closely with a Project Director and our wider Public Affairs team on the planning and day-to-day execution of an innovative public affairs and media strategy on assisted suicide.
Key responsibilities:
As Public Affairs Coordinator (End of life) you will be responsible for:
- Working closely with the Project Director and a wider group of political advisers to develop and implement an innovative public affairs and media strategy on assisted suicide;
- Developing and managing the production of communications materials including reports, briefs, press releases, thought leadership articles, speeches and presentations, and ensuring quality control on all written literature and correspondence;
- Working with media outlets to secure placement and publication of materials;
- Building and maintaining a network of influential journalists, influencers and industry commentators;
- Contributing to writing blogs and articles, identifying proactive media and event opportunities, and acting as an ambassador;
- Managing, planning, marketing and attending events;
- Regularly educating politicians, special advisers and civil servants on the issue of assisted suicide through meetings, written correspondence and coordination of parliamentary events;
- Monitoring of assisted-suicide-related policy developments in Westminster, Whitehall, devolved administrations, the courts and judiciary, the Equalities and Human Rights Commission, relevant parts of the charity sector, royal colleges and new research from the policy / research institute and university sectors;
- Working with the Project Director to identify and respond proactively to all relevant government and select committee consultations and producing briefings in order to help MPs/peers and supporters do the same;
- Keeping in close contact with and working with other organisations in the field;
- Any other related tasks as may be necessary.
Key skills and abilities
Knowledge and experience:
- Educated to degree level or equivalent in a relevant subject;
- Relevant experience interacting with major political institutions, including lobbying;
- Good knowledge of life issues and connected areas;
- A sound understanding of and commitment to the mission of Right To Life UK;
- A strong personal commitment to protecting the vulnerable by resisting assisted suicide.
A successful candidate will:
- Have demonstrable experience in public relations, media relations and political communications, in-house or for politicians;
- Have some experience in delivering public affairs strategies for clients either in agency or in-house;
- Have a deep understanding of managing, maintaining and cultivating journalist relationships;
- Have advanced written skills and experience in writing policy proposals, briefings, speeches, articles, blogs, reports, presentations, digital and campaign content etc;
- Have the ability to understand and absorb complex and nuanced pieces of information and policy and translate them into language suitable for different target audiences;
- Have excellent interpersonal skills, with an ability to communicate with and educate a range of senior policy makers in person and in writing;
- Understand and engage with the latest life-issues-related research, relevant legislation and consultation documents;
- Exhibit a rigorous approach that lends itself to methodical and accurate work produced in a timely manner to meet deadlines;
- Have strong personal and time-management skills;
- Be an excellent written and oral communicator;
- Be able to relate to people from all cultures, ethnicities and value systems;
- Be able to hold information in confidence and build trust with those around you;
- Be positive and enthusiastic;
- Have the ability to persuade, motivate and inspire others to action;
- Be able to think strategically and innovatively;
- Be able to build and maintain external relationships.
Personal attributes:
- Have an interest in working in public affairs for a life-issues-related organisation and a strong desire to play a part in influencing law and culture on the issue of assisted suicide;
- Inspired by the work of the organisation and in full agreement with the organisation’s mission and campaigning positions;
- Enjoy writing, undertaking research and presenting the final product of this research to legislators;
- When deadlines demand, flexibility and willingness to work overtime;
- When necessary, capable of working under pressure;
- Committed to both team and unsupervised working;
- Able to avoid party-political and denominational bias in your role;
- When necessary, willingness to help with tasks outside regular duties;
- An ability to bring an entrepreneurial zeal to your role and to get excited about the outcomes that you can achieve through your involvement with the organisation;
- High standards of personal discipline, reliability, honesty and integrity.
Reporting
You will report to the Director of Public Affairs.