Communications Officer

Please note: we reserve the right to close any of our vacancies early.

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a confident, committed and experienced communications officer to join an award-winning team in one of the UK’s best loved and most trusted charities.

It’s an exciting time as we embark on a new 5 year strategy to meet our ambition of a future where every person with sight loss has the confidence and support to live their lives to the full.

Vacancy Details

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: Burghfield Common, Reading

Hours: 35 hours per week

Working pattern: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Interview dates: 19^th and 2^2nd October.

We cannot provide sponsorship for the role.

The role

With the support of the Marketing Communications Manager, to develop and implement integrated communications campaigns which promote, protect and raise Guide Dogs’ profile amongst key target audiences including the media; influencers and decision-makers.

This is a wide-ranging, creative role where you will be required to work closely alongside key stakeholders including a diverse Communications team which has a broad remit consisting of internal communications; national PR and media relations, ambassador and celebrity management, and stakeholder engagement.

In your application, you will need to evidence, using specific examples, how your skills and experience meet the criteria laid out in the person specification, within the Job Description below.

The ideal candidate will have the following demonstrable experience:

• Be a natural storyteller with a strong understanding of the media landscape and a keen sense for what makes a good news story and engaging content
• Solid experience of working within a busy press office and as part of an integrated communications team
• A track record of identifying, developing and securing high quality media opportunities which meet strategic objectives and KPIs
• Be comfortable pitching to media on a regular basis including national broadcast; online and print as well as specialist trade
• Excellent writing and communication skills with the ability to write for a range of audiences and sectors
• The ability to tackle complex issues and transform them into concise and engaging communications
• Ability to build a rapport and strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Commitment to Guide Dogs’ purpose and values

For more information on this role, the requirements and our benefits package, please see the documents attached below.

How to apply: Applications can be made using the online application form

Working at Guide Dogs

Working at Guide Dogs is much more than just a job. Through the values that guide our work, we make a real difference, and change lives.

We believe that wellbeing at work is about creating an environment to promote a state of contentment which allows all employees to flourish and achieve their full potential for the benefit of themselves and for Guide Dogs.

As a member of staff, we offer you a wide range of benefits to suit your individual needs. These include; 26 days’ holiday plus bank holidays (rising to 28 days after 3 years' service), flexible benefits package and a defined contribution group personal pension plan.

Diversity

Guide Dogs welcomes applications from all sections of the community and actively encourages diversity to maximise achievements, creativity and good practice. We positively welcome, and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability or nationality. We encourage applications from disabled people as they are currently under-represented in the organisation and guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job.

Safeguarding

Guide Dogs is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk of harm with whom we work. We expect all our employees and volunteers to fully share this commitment.