PR Lead

Purpose of Job

The role will be responsible, in conjunction with the Head of Strategic Comms and Public Affairs, for developing our PR strategy for local and national media. You will be responsible for developing and executing a year-round PR strategy for fundraising campaigns and projects, events, partnerships. These campaigns will play an essential role in communicating the positive work that Comic Relief does with its many partners.

You will help to prepare for any reputational risk and crisis management arising from consumer facing campaigns.

Key responsibilities:

Lead on the development, implementation and evaluation of Comic Relief’s consumer PR strategy that will support the brand, drive awareness, strengthen the organisation’s reputation and contribute to organisational and fundraising objectives.
Develop PR strategies to support Red Nose Day, Sport Relief and other fundraising campaigns and events, funding and corporate partnerships (eg. BA, Sainsbury’s, GSK, Gates Foundation, FCDO) to deliver strategic media coverage which also supports organisation objectives, including across the Nations and Regions. Delivering campaigns that are closely integrated with the overall marcomms proposition.
Act as a trusted advisor to key stakeholders within the organisation, identifying strategic media opportunities to promote their work as part of the wider Comic Relief strategic objectives and priorities.
Oversee the development of a digitally focused public relations team.
Anticipate, prepare for and implement responses to crisis situations where there is a risk of damage to Comic Relief’s reputation
Work closely with the Head Of Strategic Comms and Public Affairs to help develop the Comic Relief strategic communications narrative and messaging.
Work closely with the fundraising teams to support integrative creative campaigns and their PR needs
Have responsibility for recruiting and managing additional staff and agencies where necessary for busy campaign periods.
Work closely with the relevant BBC Publicity teams for Red Nose Day and Sport Relief to ensure cohesive work practices.
Serve as one of the key media contacts for Comic Relief and hold strong key editorial relationships with print, broadcast and digital media.

Essential Criteria

Strong relevant journalist relationships across National print and online media, and proven experience in handling high profile issues.
Public relations experience
Strong collaborative skills
Experience and knowledge of the Broadcast industry
Experience and knowledge of the charity and fundraising sector.
Significant experience of consumer facing PR campaigns
A commitment to Comic Relief and it’s core values.