Reporting to the Director of Membership, Marketing & Communications, the Media & Events Executive will act as the Society’s press officer to ensure that the Society has a high profile amongst stakeholders and the public through proactive media & PR activity. They will also have responsibility for running the Society’s main events programme. This permanent post will be full-time, with a salary of £24,000 to £28,000 (depending on experience).

Key media responsibilities will be: (1) Working with the Director to develop and lead a proactive and effective media and PR activity; writing press releases and news articles for the website, and working with the Assistant Editor to identify key issues. (2) Building relationships with journalists, and acting as the main point of contact for journalist enquiries; strengthening ties with the Science Media Centre and working with them to arrange news briefings. (3) Working with the Society’s branches and special interest groups to deliver regional/specialist press work. (4) Monitoring press and broadcast coverage and feeding this information back to staff and volunteers. (5) Arranging media interviews and developing a public profile for key staff, Fellows and Members within the overall media strategy. (6) Monitoring current issues and public opinion to inform the media strategy. (7) Assist in managing the media in a potential crisis situation, including availability outside normal office hours.

Key events responsibilities will be: (1) Organising the Society’s main events – these include the annual Science Communication Awards, Photography Awards, the AGM and other ad-hoc events. This includes co-ordinating venue management, caterers, speakers, equipment hire, organising invitations and other materials, preparing delegate packs and papers, co-ordinating on the day to ensure smooth running, and carrying out post event evaluation. (2) Working with the Marketing Executive on events promotion. (3) Assisting the Education team in organising the annual British Biology Olympiad Awards Event. (4) Being the main contact for outsourced Conference Producers for the Society’s conference events. (5) Sitting on the Society’s Festivals committee. (6) Carrying out such other duties as may be required from time to time.

Person Specification: Qualifications: Degree or equivalent – essential. The qualification does not need to be in a biological science, however an interest in science is required. Experience: At least 2 years’ experience in a press/media role – essential; Demonstrable experience of strong organisational capability ideally through small and large-scale event management. Skills: Strong written and oral communication skills with contacts at all levels; An ability to pick up new and divergent topics quickly and communicate them to an educated but non-specialist audience; Excellent organisational skills; Excellent eye for detail; Ability to effectively apply IT skills through high computer literacy; Excellent at working under pressure and to tight deadlines; A proactive “can-do” attitude with enthusiasm, energy and creativity. To apply, please send your cv and covering letter by 5pm Wednesday 30 June 2010 to Jon Kudlick at [email protected] (tel: 0207 936 5907).

Society of Biology