Draft Job description for Synod Press Officer

Note: The job description is written on the basis that it is the postholder’s sole responsibility. It could be a part-time paid appointment or a position for a volunteer with aptitude or expertise.

JOB TITLE:

/ Synod Press Officer

RESPONSIBLE TO:

/ Synod Moderator?
Or another member of the Synod staff team?

SALARY:

/ Volunteer or paid

JOB SUMMARY: To promote the mission of the United Reformed Church, and particularly of churches within the ……….. (Synod) through the press, radio, TV and other media.

Principal responsibilities

  • To encourage and assist individual churches to identify and exploit “good news” within their local area.
  • To identify “good news” initiatives within the Synod area that could arouse media interest- and national stories that could be made newsworthy, by being given a local or regional perspective.
  • To identify and liaise with media outlets (eg. newspapers, radio and television stations) with a view to promoting the Church.
  • To undertake training, and deliver or arrange training in media relations for representatives of local churches
  • To develop and facilitate a network of press (or publicity, or communications) officers serving local churches, which might provide encouragement, mutual self-help, and sharing of expertise.
  • To form a working relationship with the national URC press office.
  • To assist and advise the Synod Moderator on handling more sensitive situations, involving the national URC press office where appropriate.

Health and Safety at Work:

The person appointed will be required to take reasonable care of the health and safety of him/herself and others who may be affected by his/her acts or omissions at work, and to co-operate with the United Reformed Church in adhering to statutory safety regulations.

Equal Opportunities:

The Church will behave as an equal opportunity organisation and not discriminate on the grounds of gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, disability, religious beliefs, colour, ethnic or national origin, marital status or age.

This list is an indication of the main tasks to be performed. It is not an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities and may be subject to amendments to take account of changing circumstances.

Person specification follows on separate sheet

Person specification

JOB TITLE:Synod Press Officer

REQUIREMENTS /

ESSENTIAL

/

DESIRABLE

/

MEASUREMENT

Education and qualifications / Fluency in English, spoken and written
Member (lay or ordained) of the United Reformed Church or one of its ecumenical partner churches / Education to degree level standard or equivalent / Application form Interview
Written english test
Experience / Experience of working in the media, or a related field
Experience of delivering training / Application form Interview
Knowledge / Knowledge of the United Reformed Church, its ethos and structures, and commitment to promoting the Church’s aims
Understanding of the media / Knowledge of how journalists think and work / Application form Interview
Skills and
Abilities / Ability to handle sensitive information in confidence
Good judgment
Good communication skills
Computer literate. Fluency in electronic communication.
Understanding of the importance ofdeadlines and able to work tothem
Ability to work quickly, and
accurately, under pressure
Ability to relate well to people
Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Creative and innovative; open to new ideas / Application form Interview

Drafted 04 January 2008

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