Public Engagement Officer
Job Title: Public Engagement Officer
Employer: Scott Ainslie MEP (Green Party MEP for London)
Location: Brixton, London
Length: Fixed term contract to 31st October 2019, with the potential to extend should the UK remain in the EU
Start date: 1 August 2019 (if possible)
Key relationships: Scott’s Brussels and London staff
Hours: 35 hours per week, some flexibility in timing required due to the parliamentary calendar. Some evening and weekend work may be required, for which there will be time off in lieu.
Salary: £35,000 p/a (inc. London weighting)
Want to be part of a dynamic team fighting for the UK to remain in the European Union and tackle the climate crisis?
Scott Ainslie, London’s new Green Party MEP, is looking to build a small, creative, enthusiastic and strategic team to help him work towards these goals.
He has a strong track record of challenging injustice and inequality, and will be bringing this energy to his new role in the European Parliament.
As London-based Public Engagement Officer, you will lead on maximising Scott’s engagement with constituents, NGOs and civil society organisations in London.
The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic, persuasive and bursting with ideas to help enhance Scott’s public profile and win support for his causes. They will know the UK’s political landscape inside out, be comfortable speaking with a range of people and personalities, and enjoy working in a dynamic and ideas-driven team.
Job description:
Devise a public engagement strategy
1. Develop, monitor and deliver a positive public profile for Scott Ainslie MEP.
2. Devise and implement a proactive, creative public engagement strategy, in close partnership with the Press Officer, which takes account of the political context and Scott priority issues. This will involve developing a sound grasp of Scott’s work in his London constituency and the European Parliament.
3. Work closely with Scott’s Press Officer, and within a tight budget, to devise and develop tools and materials to maximise Scott’s engagement with constituents, NGOs and civil society organisations.
4. Identify and liaise with external campaigners, NGOs and European Parliament staff around Scott’s special areas of interest to produce opportunities to promote his work - including arranging a programme of events, visits and speaking opportunities in cooperation with London/Brussels staff.
5. Work closely with the teams of other UK MEPs to ensure “Team Scott’s” work reaches as wide an audience as possible, which may include helping to write, edit and oversee production and distribution of any joint newsletters and occasional one-off joint publications.
6. Create a London events calendar and build relationships with key external groups and organisations, representing Scott when required.
7. Work with Brussels-based staff to arrange visits to the European Parliament from the constituency, organising travel arrangements and potentially leading visits out from London to Brussels.
Build a database of contacts
8. Maintain a shared database of public engagement contacts, and keep records of public engagement work.
9. Regularly update other relevant bodies on Scott’s recent work and future plans, and contribute to wider media planning.
10. Build-up a good knowledge of the region, and develop and maintain effective relationships with local parties - particularly local party coordinators and press officers.
Assist with media enquiries / social media
11. Assist with posting on Scott’s social media channels (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) and updating the website.
12. Assist with answering queries from media, individuals and other organisations via telephone, email or social media.
13. Provide an out-of-hours media contact point as necessary.
14. Other duties which may be appropriate from time to time
Person specification
Essential
- Excellent planning and organisational skills, with experience in devising strategies and delivering successful results.
- Takes initiative and is able to energetically lead on projects and see them through to successful completion.
- Excellent understanding of current affairs, particularly related to Brexit, and has a strong understanding of how the EU works.
- Familiarity with the political landscape in London, including key issues affecting the region.
- Clear, persuasive writing style.
- Excellent knowledge of the political landscape in the UK, including key campaign groups working on Brexit-related issues.
- Experience using social media, particularly Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for maximum impact.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to influence others.
- Good team player who is willing to take on flexible work as agreed beforehand.
- Commitment to Green values.
- Ability to work well under pressure.
Desirable
- Existing contacts and experience of networking with NGOs and/or civil society organisations.
To apply, submit a CV and cover letter (as email attachments) outlining how your skills and experience meet the job description and person specification.
Deadline: 11pm on Sunday 7th July 2019.
Send these to [email protected], naming the role you are applying for in the subject line.
Interviews will be conducted via Skype during the w/c 8th July.