Press Officer

Role Purpose:

Working with and reporting to the Press Manager, the post holder will develop and execute PR and communications plans to effectively promote the National Portrait Gallery's activity to its audiences. Integrated within the wider Communications team, the Press Officer will also play a key role in contributing to the Gallery's overall communications strategy and proactively seeking to achieve quality coverage across a range of media.

The successful candidate will have previous experience of working in a PR capacity ideally within a museum, arts or heritage organisation or similar environment; have extensive media contacts in all fields; be experienced in drafting text including press releases and have delivered effective PR and press campaigns on time and to budget. They will be an exceptional communicator (verbal and written), culturally engaged with the current trends in communications, media and digital space; with the ability to forge effective business relationships with stakeholders, suppliers and colleagues at all levels.

With blockbuster shows upcoming and a new Director in post, this is a really exciting time for the Gallery, and an opportunity for the postholder to help shape communications at the NPG as we continue into our new chapter.

Key Accountabilities:

• Together with the Press Manager, work with colleagues across the Communications team on campaigns that promote the Gallery's permanent Collection, temporary exhibitions, displays, events and other activities in exciting ways, ensuring an integrated approach from start to finish.
• Plan and manage your own campaign launches, producing detailed campaign strategies and creative pitches, working to set budgets.
• Identify relevant stories from the Gallery's Collection and strategically sell these to the media, in person, over the telephone and via press literature.
• Select key publicity images, clear copyright and maintain a library of high quality materials for media and promotional use.
• Draft and distribute press information, including press releases, image sheets and reactive statements. Create written documents and give verbal briefs to media spokespeople.
• Organise and run media events including photocalls, press views and media conferences.
• Manage and filter film crew and photographer applications; seeking out the most effective promotional opportunities to ensure appropriate credits for the Gallery and its Collection. Co-ordinate and brief internal staff as appropriate and supervise crews on site.
• Monitor and respond to email and telephone enquiries made by press contacts, acting as the main day-to-day contact for the media.Provide a speedy and professional service by answering queries and offering appropriate advice (including re-directing requests for information, seeking spokespeople and sourcing and providing press literature and images).
• Report on communications activity, contributing to future planning by spotting trends.
• Evaluate media coverage, clipping and monitoring coverage and distributing press cuttings to key internal staff.

The above list is indicative but not exhaustive. As such, in addition to the key accountabilities and responsibilities listed the post holder may be required to perform other duties commensurate with the scope and/or level of the role

To read the full job description, please follow the link: Press Officer Job Description

Key Experience, Skills and Criteria:

• Demonstrable previous experience of working in the arts, ideally in a museum or heritage organisation or similar environment in a PR capacity.
• A degree or similar relevant qualification (or equivalent experience).
• Experience of, and an empathy with, working within the not-for-profit cultural and heritage sector in the UK.
• Reasonable knowledge of the Gallery's key subject areas (History, Biography, Photography, Art) and a willingness to expand this knowledge.
• Extensive media contacts in all fields, especially art, photography and news.
• Solid experience of drafting text including press releases in a literate and accurate manner and selecting winning images.
• Experience of pitching to and dealing directly with members of the press in a diplomatic and effective way, on a range of campaigns.
• Demonstrable ability to deliver PR and press campaigns on time and to budget, demonstrating effectiveness and value for money.
• Creative originator of headline stories and strong campaign messages.
• High level of proficiency working with standard business software including MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• An exceptional communicator (verbal and written) with excellent interpersonal skills and an audience-led mindset.
• Strong interest in developing new audiences within the cultural sector.
• Culturally engaged and up to speed with trends in the communications, media and digital space.
• Creativity and imagination in implementing and evaluating press campaigns.
• Proven ability to forge and maintain effective business relationships with relevant organisations, groups and promotional partners, suppliers and colleagues at all levels.
• Excellent organisational skills and sound judgement, with the ability to read situations quickly, identify a suitable approach and respond promptly and appropriately.
• Proven ability to work under pressure, prioritise, problem-solve and manage multiple and competing tasks and workloads to deliver results and meet agreed deadlines.
• Meticulous attention to detail, including excellent proofreading skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with colleagues within Communications and across the Gallery.
• Ability to communicate to others a passion for the Gallery's work and ambitions.

We offer a competitive benefits package, including:

• Generous pension scheme
• 27 days annual leave allowance, in addition to bank holidays
• Interest free season ticket and bicycle loans
• Rental deposit scheme
• Membership of the Civil Service Sports & Leisure club
• Access to independent, low cost healthcare schemes
• Employee assistance programme
• Free entry to many UK museums, galleries and exhibitions
• Staff discounts on purchases in online shop
• Professional & personal development opportunities

Closing date for returned applications is 9:00am on Wednesday the 8th of January, 2025.

First round interviews will take place on the Monday the 13th of January, 2025, in person.

Please indicate on the notes section of your application form, if you will be unable to make these dates.

We are committed to the employment and development of disabled people. When assessing and shortlisting our candidate pool for interviews, we are committed to removing any bias through our process to ensure all individuals with a disability are included. To be invited to the interview stage, you must show through your application that you meet the minimum criteria and/or the desirable skills required for the role. If you tell us that you have a disability we can make reasonable adjustments at interview, and, if you join us, to your work arrangements.