Media & Communications Officer

The National Autistic Society; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading charity organization in Glasgow is seeking a Media and Communications Officer to enhance public understanding of autism. The role involves developing media stories, managing social media engagement, and producing a quarterly magazine. Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills and experience in media environments. The position offers a hybrid working model with a range of employee benefits.

Benefits

Auto-enrolled Pension Scheme

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Excellent induction and training programmes

Online staff discount scheme

Healthcare Cash Plan

Life Assurance at 2 x base salary

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Free access to Headspace App

Qualifications

• Experience in media and communications environment.
• Ability to create engaging social media content.
• Experience with social media management tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and place media stories to increase public understanding of autism.
• Manage social media engagement and responses.
• Produce quarterly magazine 'News and Views' for members.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Social media management

Story development

Public relations

Job description

Since 1962 the National Autistic Society has been campaigning to transform lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people. In National Programmes we champion the rights and interests of autistic people and their families, making sure national policy and legislation to reflect their needs. We provide autism training and best practice services and want all autistic people to have access to services and support that fully meet their needs. We provide diagnostic services, training, accreditation, consultancy and conferences, designed to support all professionals and organisations.

Visit our website to find out more about who we are and what we do: https://www.autism.org.uk/

Who we are looking for

As Media and Communications Officer in Scotland, you will be central to our mission to increase public understanding and acceptance of autism.

You will have an eye for a good news story, supporting the External Affairs Manager to source, develop and place stories in print, online, and broadcast. You will be confident in providing prompt responses to media enquiries and liaising with journalists who contact us.

Particularly important to us is supporting and empowering autistic people and their families to share their experiences, which helps lead to real understanding and change.

You will have good communications skills and the ability to support individuals who want to share their experiences with the public.

You will be skilled at creating and scheduling engaging and compelling social media content, with experience of using social media management platforms and tools.

You will also have experience of working with social media in a professional setting, monitoring, managing and responding to engagement and enquiries through social media.

You will collate, edit and produce our quarterly magazine ‘News and Views’ which goes out to our members across Scotland, making sure it’s an engaging and informative publication. You will also ensure that our projects and programmes are well advertised, by developing and implementing marketing strategies alongside the teams delivering support.

Finally, you are a team player, working well in a small but busy team. You will work closely with the Policy and Public Affairs Officer, especially on campaign communications. You will connect with colleagues across the UK, with an eye for both the small and bigger picture.

Desirable is prior experience of working in a similar or related role, but ultimately, we are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, quick to learn and passionate about making change for autistic people and families.

We encourage and welcome applications from autistic individuals. Our application process is inclusive and can be adapted to suit your communication preferences. We will send all candidates the interview questions in advance.

To view the job description please click here

What we can offer you

• Auto-enrolled Pension Scheme
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Excellent induction, training and development programme including training about autism and opportunities to attend our conferences
• Online staff discount scheme for a range of benefits such as cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan & shopping discounts for places such as Asda, Tesco, Sainsburys, Halfords, Nike, Apple and loads more!
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Life Assurance at 2 x base salary
• A portfolio of fantastic new salary sacrifices benefits and other flexible benefits private health, dental insurance, car salary sacrifice scheme, activity pass, holiday trading, enhanced pension & salary deduct loans (eligibility criteria may apply)
• Access to a 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme & counselling programme
• Free access to the Headspace App – a global leader in mindfulness and you can enrol up to three friends or family for free!
• Eligibility for a Blue Light Card

Where you will be working

Hybrid – Mix of home working and office based in our Glasgow office.

About our application process

When providing a supporting statement, please refer to the job description and person specification and include any information that shows your suitability for the role.

For more information about this job please contact: Rob Holland, Director (Scotland) & UK Strategic Lead for Volunteering, [e-mail]

We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

For some roles, successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks which will include additional references and criminal background checks.

Applications for this job are sought from anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but particularly welcome from those with a diagnosis of autism.

The National Autistic Society is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults who use our services and as such expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks.

We are an equal opportunities employer. INDNPCS