Media and Public Relations Officer

Neath Port Talbot Council; Wales; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A public service organisation in Wales is seeking an experienced Media and Public Relations Officer. This role requires a strong background in media relations and a knack for communication. As a member of Team NPT, you will lead media campaigns and contribute to the council's public image. The position offers a hybrid working environment and a competitive employee package, including generous holiday entitlements and a substantial pension plan.

Benefits

22.4% employer pension contribution

25 days holiday, increasing to 32 after 5 years

Discounted gym membership

Cycle to work scheme

Tusker salary sacrifice for car purchase

Exclusive discounts at local retailers

Qualifications

• Proven experience in media, PR, or communications.
• Strong understanding of the media landscape.
• Experience of managing media relations and writing press releases.
• Willingness to work flexibly including out-of-hours support.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships with media outlets.
• Draft and distribute press releases and media statements.
• Monitor media coverage and public sentiment.
• Organise press conferences and media events.
• Support crisis communications and reputation management.
• Write engaging content for various platforms.

Skills

Media relations expertise

Excellent written and verbal communication

Crisis communication

Ability to handle multiple priorities

Education

Degree in Public Relations, Communications, or Journalism

Job description

Media and Public Relations Officer

Job description

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 37hrs Full Time

Working Style: Your workstyle will be a mobile hybrid worker in this role which gives you the flexibility to work from home and from a variety of council workplaces.

Are you a communications professional with a passion for public service and media engagement? Then join Our Team as a Media and Public Relations Officer!

Your media insight, ideas and expertise will play a key role in shaping the public image of the council. You will lead media relations, manage press enquiries, and deliver impactful PR campaigns that support our priorities and services.

This role is perfect for an experienced media relations professional and skilled communicator who can hit the ground running, loves making a positive difference through talent and teamwork, and relishes a fast-paced environment.

Youll be an agile operator with strong media and political knowledge, communications skills and an eye for detail. You are confident at juggling multiple communications challenges with speed not haste, and you&©ll be comfortable leading or contributing to operational and strategic tasks through clear action or advice.

If you&©re creative, politically aware, and committed to public service values, we want to hear from you.

Your key responsibilities include:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with media outlets
• Draft and distribute press releases and media statements
• Monitor media coverage and public sentiment
• Organise press conferences and media events
• Support crisis communications and reputation management
• Write engaging content for various platforms

About you:

• Proven experience in media, PR, or communications
• A strong understanding of the media landscape, how to engage with journalists and reputation management
• Experience of managing media relations, including handling enquiries and writing press releases
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities under pressure
• Degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or related field
• Willingness to work flexibly including out-of-hours support

About us:

We believe in rewarding and recognising our colleagues' efforts and achievements. We also believe that there’s life at work and life outside of work. We want everyone to be healthy and happy and have the financial resources and support they need.

Choose to work for us and youll be rewarded with a range of attractive benefits and support to help you live your best life.

Hybrid working (in some roles) and flexible working schemes to improve your work life balance.

Benefits

• Benefit from a competitive employee package with a remarkable 22.4% employer pension contribution
• Enjoy a holiday entitlement of 25 days, increasing to 32 days after 5 years&© service (not forgetting the additional 8 bank holidays too)
• Access discounted gym membership with Celtic Leisure
• Utilise the cycle to work scheme with up to 40% off bikes and cycling equipment
• Purchase a new car through Tusker salary sacrifice scheme
• Enjoy exclusive discounts at local and national retailers with the Smart Spend app through our staff wellbeing group.

If you would like to start a rewarding career with an organisation that values and invests in its employees and you have the necessary experience and qualifications, this could be your dream job and we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion, please contact Sylvia Griffiths on [e-mail]

DBS requirements:

This post is not subject to a DBS check

Welsh Language Requirements:

Welsh Language skills are desirable

Additional Information:

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who have a disability and armed forces veterans. In support of employees of Tata Steel who are at risk of redundancy, or have been made redundant in 2024, Neath Port Talbot Council is offering a guaranteed interview for jobs across the Council. Please note that applicants must meet all the essential criteria, as shown in the person specification, to qualify for a guaranteed interview. If you are or going to be affected by the job losses at Tata Steel then we would welcome an application from you. Just make it known on your application form that you are currently at risk of redundancy or you have been made redundant.

At Team NPT, we all work together to serve the people, communities and businesses of Neath Port Talbot.

We are committed to providing training opportunities and the professional development of all our employees.

We look forward to welcoming you to Team NPT.