Job Details:
Press & PR Manager

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

To communicate the vision, ambition and activities of Factory International to the media, leading innovative press campaigns to deliver positive press coverage regionally, nationally and internationally.

Working as part of the Press & PR team to support the delivery of the communications strategy for Factory International and its work including the biennial Manchester International Festival with the aim of enhancing the organisation’s reputation and profile, and supporting audience development objectives.

Actively contribute to the overall planning and strategic direction of the Audiences team and overarching Audience Development strategy.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Devise and deliver innovative press campaigns to communicate the aims and activities of the organisation to the full range of media, including print, broadcast, online and social media, regionally, nationally and internationally
• Develop and deliver strategies for communication of Factory International’s key messages across all channels
• Write and prepare clear and effective PR materials including press releases, briefing documents, statements and responses to media enquiries
• Establish, develop and maintain strong relationships with a network of key press and media contacts locally, nationally and internationally and in key specialisms as appropriate and take responsibility for maintaining accurate media contacts and mailing lists
• Successfully stage and run media and PR events and activities including press launches, securing the attendance of key critics and reviewers, interviews and photo-calls, and on-the ground co-ordination of broadcast press activity
• Work closely with colleagues across the organisation to identify and shape stories about Factory International and its work for the media including activity at Aviva Studios, Skills & Training, Public Engagement and International activity
• Actively monitor and assess developments in the media and sector and identify opportunities or threats for Factory International
• Support the Audiences team in monitoring Factory International’s digital channels and work closely with the Head of Press & PR on issues management as required
• Oversee and maintain the organisation’s media library and ensure distribution to appropriate press contacts
• Develop close working relationships with colleagues and ensure they are equipped to act effectively as ambassadors or spokespeople for the organization through preparation and circulation of internal PR briefings, and other regular liaison

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL

• Substantial experience of managing media relations, across print, broadcast and online, in a busy press office or consultancy, ideally with a focus on arts and culture
• Proven track record of pro-actively pitching stories and generating impactful media coverage
• Comfortable engaging with the media by telephone and in person and communicationg with a range of internal and external contacts and organisations
• Creative and resourceful, with the ability to look beyond the obvious
• Experience of managing events, including media launches
• Commitment to championing representation and inclusion at every level of the organisation with a proven ability to work with people from a wide range of backgrounds

DESIRABLE

• Organised, self-motivated and able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Experience of writing and researching background material, including press releases, statements and briefing materials
• Excellent IT skills, including database management, online communication, document processing, digital media archiving
• Experience of media monitoring, using cuttings agencies etc
• Experience of dealing with a range of organisations, partners and stakeholders
• Good arts/cultural media contacts
• Enthusiasm for training, mentoring and support of emerging talent

• Annual leave entitlement is 25 days a year plus public holidays (pro rata dependent on hours of work)
• Pension: Auto enrollment begins three months after start date and payments are matched for the first 5% of employee’s contribution
• Factory International offers a travel loan scheme and cycle to work scheme via salary sacrifice
• All employees have access to an Employee Assistance programme operated 
  by Health Assured 
• Medicash Health Plan: auto enrolment begins after three months service for all eligible employees.
• We are committed to supporting employees with their personal development, regularly offering organisation-wide training such as Carbon Literacy, BSL or Mental Health First Aid, along with department specific and individual training opportunities 
• Factory International have a Staff Development Fund - £200pa accessible to eligible employees who have passed their probation - for tickets, events, training, or development opportunities