PR & Communications Manager

PLEASE DO NOT UPLOAD A CV OR A COVER LETTER AS THESE ARE NOT ACCEPTED.

Please complete and upload the application form via Breathe HR. Your application will be rejected without a completed application form (Please see vacancy documents at the bottom to download the form)

If you have any problems with attaching the form, please send it to talent @ bookmarkreading . org

At Bookmark Reading Charity, we exist to change children’s life stories through the joy of reading. Bookmark Reading Charity is seeking a flexible, experienced and dynamic PR & Communications Manager to lead our public relations efforts, manage key partnerships, and work with ambassadors to grow and enhance our profile and achieve our marketing goals. This role is essential to driving forward our wider strategy and ensuring that our message reaches a broad audience, ultimately contributing to the charity's key performance indicators. You will be managing our communications strategy in close collaboration with the Head of Marketing & Communications.

Key Responsibilities:

Public Relations:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive PR, communications & partnerships strategy to increase awareness and visibility of Bookmark’s brand, mission and reputation. 
• Build and deliver Bookmarks external communications calendar, driving reach and depth to support the Marketing team’s KPIs and objectives.
• Help create and implement a plan for communicating Bookmark’s strategy, impact, and school programs.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with media outlets, journalists, and influencers to secure coverage in national and regional media.
• Write and distribute press releases, pitch stories, engaging content and manage media inquiries.
• Monitor and report on PR activities, measuring the impact on brand awareness and engagement.
• Manage relationships with any external pro-bono PR agencies.
• Own and manage the charity's crisis communications strategy.
• Provide leaders where needed with trusted communications advice and guidance on external communications.

Partnerships:

• Identify and establish strategic partnerships with corporate sponsors, educational institutions, and other non-profits to support Bookmark’s goals.
• Negotiate and manage partnership agreements, ensuring mutual benefits and alignment with the charity's objectives.
• Collaborate with partners to develop joint campaigns, events, and initiatives that promote volunteer recruitment and fundraising.
• Manage and maintain positive relationships with media contacts, influencers, and key stakeholders to secure media coverage and maximize brand exposure.

Ambassador Programme:

• Create, manage and expand a network of ambassadors, including authors, celebrities, and influencers who advocate for the charity.
•  Develop and implement strategies to effectively engage ambassadors in PR activities, events, and campaigns.
• Coordinate ambassador appearances, endorsements, and social media collaborations to amplify our message.

Marketing Integration:

• Work closely with the Head of Marketing & Communications to align PR, partnership, and ambassador activities with the overall marketing strategy.
• Contribute to the development of content and messaging that resonates with target audiences across all communication channels.
• Support the achievement of marketing KPIs, including volunteer registrations, completed applications, and brand awareness metrics.
• Identify and lead projects to improve Bookmark’s external communications.
• Collaborate with support teams to supply communication support for various initiatives, including program launches, corporate announcements, and crisis management.

Person Specification:

Experience:

• Proven experience in a PR, communications, or similar role, ideally within the charity, education, or non-profit sectors.
• Demonstrable success in securing media coverage, managing partnerships, and working with high-profile ambassadors.
• Experience in developing and executing PR strategies that align with wider marketing goals.

Skills:

• A degree in marketing, communications, media, or equivalent experience or qualification.
• Proven experience in external communications, either in a PR team, or at a PR agency, with some experience of managing contractors or an agency.
• You’ll have outstanding writing, editing and proofreading skills with excellent attention to detail, and ideally, experience in a B2B, third sector, or commercial environment.
• You’ll have the ability to craft compelling stories, press releases and pitches.
• You have experience of working directly with the media, with relevant media contacts a very big advantage. 
• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to develop and execute plans that deliver measurable results.
• Proficiency in using PR and communication tools and platforms, such as media monitoring services and CRM systems where needed.

Attributes:

• A proactive team player, willing to learn and seek out information, with strong relationship-building skills. 
• Excellent communication skills: the ability and confidence to communicate with people at all levels, both inside and outside of Bookmark Reading Charity.
• Passionate about literacy and education, with a commitment to Bookmark’s mission.
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines and you can work under pressure. 
• You’re comfortable working at all levels of an organization and working with confidential information. 
• Creative and proactive, with a solutions-oriented approach to challenges.
• Team player who thrives in a collaborative environment.

Contract type: Permanent, Part-time- two days a week
Salary: £16,800 (42,000 per annum FTE)
Reporting to : Head of Marketing & Communications
Location: Bookmark Reading Charity, Charles House, 5-11 Regent Street Saint James's, London SW1Y 4LR​. Flexibility around coming in but minimum one day per week based at the Bookmark office​ is encouraged.
Hours: 15 hours per week
Deadline: 11 September 2024 11:59pm