Press Officer

Royal Hospital Chelsea Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Royal Hospital Chelsea seeks a proactive Press Officer to deliver pro-active and reactive PR, telling the Chelsea Pensioners' stories to local, regional and national audiences. You’ll join a passionate team, drafting releases and coordinating media visits while safeguarding GDPR-compliant records.

The role requires strong writing, media contacts, and the ability to manage multiple projects with sensitivity to personal stories and reputational considerations.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to write clear, compelling press content.
• Experience in PR or journalism, preferably in charity.
• Ability to build relationships with media.
• Strong organisational skills and deadline discipline.

Responsibilities

• Deliver proactive and reactive PR activity to secure coverage.
• Manage editorial calendar around key dates like Founder’s Day and Remembrance.
• Draft press releases, media briefings and case studies.
• Coordinate media visits and arrange interviews with Chelsea Pensioners.
• Monitor coverage and report on results.
• Gather digital/social content to support marcomms.
• Ensure GDPR-compliant records.

Skills

Strong writing

Media relations

Storytelling

PR experience

Journalism background

Tools

Microsoft Office

Media monitoring tools

Job description

Founded in 1681 by King Charles II, the Royal Hospital Chelsea has stood for centuries as a national symbol of gratitude to the soldiers who have served our country, and is home to the iconic Chelsea Pensioners. Today, the Hospital’s role remains to ensure that those who have served are always supported.

We are now looking for a proactive and creative Press Officer to support the delivery of our press and media, helping bring the stories of the Chelsea Pensioners to life and ensuring they reach audiences across local, regional and national media.

If you’re an excellent writer with a strong news instinct, some experience in PR or journalism, and a desire to work with meaningful, human stories – this could be the role for you.

Where you fit in

You’ll join an ambitious Development, Marketing and Communications team focused on raising the Royal Hospital’s profile, increasing fundraising income, and building new audiences through compelling, emotive storytelling.

Supporting the Communications and PR Manager, you’ll play a key role in delivering an ‘always-on’ press office, ensuring our stories land where they matter and contribute to organisational objectives.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll support the delivery of proactive and reactive PR activity, helping to generate consistent coverage and maintain strong media relationships.

You will:

• Support the delivery of ‘always-on’ PR, securing regular local and national coverage
• Manage the observance calendar to identify opportunities around key dates such as Founder’s Day and Remembrance
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists and media contacts
• Draft press releases, media briefings and Chelsea Pensioner case studies
• Play a key role in the day-to-day running of a busy press office, handling media enquiries quickly and effectively
• Coordinate media visits, facilitating interviews with Chelsea Pensioners and spokespeople
• Monitor and evaluate coverage, maintaining tracking and reporting tools
• Support the team with gathering of digital/social content to support the Royal Hospital’s press and wider marcomms objectives.
• Ensure records are accurate, up to date and GDPR compliant

We’re looking for someone who is:

• A strong writer, able to produce clear, compelling content tailored to different audiences
• Experienced in PR, communications or journalism (ideally within a charity or purpose-led organisation)
• Developing relationships with media and building a strong contacts base
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Confident working both independently and as part of a team
• Sensitive and empathetic when working with personal and beneficiary stories
• Calm under pressure, with a good understanding of reputational considerations
• IT literate, including Microsoft Office and media monitoring tools

This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your career in PR within a national institution, working on stories that have real impact and meaning.

The ethos of the Royal Hospital is one that puts a premium on selflessness and companionship. Our values of nurturing belonging, respect individuals, encourage pride and enjoy life underpin that ethos. We are united in a shared purpose, living and working together and ensuring everyone has a place in our diverse social and military community.

The Royal Hospital Chelsea is dedicated to equality, diversity, and inclusion, where all backgrounds and abilities can reach their full potential. We pride ourselves on attracting a wide range of talent, removing potential barriers, and promoting equal opportunities. We know, the more varied and inclusive our teams are, the better our organisation will be for our community. We are a Disability Confident employer dedicated to hiring diverse talent and ensuring you are treated with respect throughout the recruitment process and upon joining our community.