Head of Media and Public Relations

We are Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS), and we fight every day to save lives. We are Team KSS, a close-knit team of dedicated, skilled, sector-leading experts with an incredible level of expertise. We are passionate about what we do which drives us to always deliver our very best.

We're driven by our purpose of saving lives and ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients. Last year alone we responded to over 3,000 incidents. We are fearless and tireless in fighting to save every life.

Our charity headquarters and forward operating base are located at Rochester Airport, with our aircraft hangar and maintained at Redhill Aerodrome. When the call comes, we can reach any part of Kent, Surrey or Sussex in under 30 minutes.

Key Responsibilities

As Head of Media and Public Relations, you'll be an expert in public engagement communications and storytelling, and a key member of our ambitious Marketing Communications Team. You will lead the implementation of our Media and Public Relations strategy, ensuring its integration into our broader MarComms strategy, Income Generation Marketing Communications Directorate, and five-year organisational plan. Your responsibilities will include leading our press office, managing media coverage, handling reactive media scenarios, and developing media content for TV, radio, podcasts, and digital platforms. You'll also drive our public affairs strategy, collaborating with Government, MPs, and community leaders to advocate for our lifesaving services and policy changes.

In addition, you'll develop and lead our ambassador strategy, working with high-profile dignitaries, business leaders, celebrities, and influencers to raise our profile and garner support. You will play a vital role in creating and executing PR, brand awareness, and fundraising campaigns across all channels, including media and social media. As a strategic, self-motivated, and creative individual, you'll help make a significant impact on the communities we serve, fostering relationships with media, government leaders, ambassadors, and other stakeholders. We emphasize The KSS Way, our cultural and strategic framework, which supports wellbeing, growth, learning, and development within a dynamic and collaborative environment.

For further information on the role please refer to the Job Description which accompanies this job advert.

The Directorate

The Communications Team sits within the Marketing and Communications (MarComms) Team. The MarComms Team builds brand awareness and engagement among the public, builds our profile with the media and key stakeholders, and supports fundraising activities to generate fundraising income to keep the service running. The team also engages, motivates and unites staff across the organisation to help KSS deliver on its purpose and achieve its vision of an end to preventable loss of life from medical emergency.

Application and Interview Process

We ask all applicants to ensure that they provide us with an up-to-date CV and a covering statement that is relevant to the role of Head of Media and Public Relations. Your covering statement is your first opportunity to express your experience, knowledge, and interest in the role, and we outline in our job description the essential and desirable requirements for this role to help you tailor your statement to the competencies we are looking for.

All shortlisted candidates will then undertake a two-stage interview process, which will be held over Microsoft Teams. Both stages will be formalised interviews, with the first stage being held with the Director of Communications and Engagement, who is the line manager for this role. The second stage interview will include the Executive Director of Business Development, who oversees the MarComms Directorate, and other key stakeholders who the successful candidate will collaborate with in this role.

The closing date for this role is 16 th January 2024. Please note, we will begin interviewing candidates before the closing date, and the role may close early if a suitable candidate is found.

Inclusion and Diversity

KSS is committed to creating an equal, diverse and truly inclusive culture where everyone feels welcome and able to be their authentic selves.

We believe that everyone has the right to live without fear or prejudice, and be treated fairly, and with respect and dignity regardless of race, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, social class, religion and belief.

REF-