Media & Communications Lead

POSITION:           Media and Communications Lead

EMPLOYER:        Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade

POSITION STATUS:  Permanent, Full time
REPORTS TO:      External Affairs Director
LOCATION:         Hybrid with 2 days a week in our Central London office  

SALARY BANDING:       E     (Core)

SALARY:               £55,000 - £60,000

 

JOB BRIEF

The Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade (CIE&IT) is looking to appoint a new Media & Communications Lead, a key role within its External Affairs department. The role holder will lead the Chartered Institute’s media engagement, serving as the first point of contact for journalist enquiries and proactively driving interest in our work and expertise.  

The Media & Communications Lead will be responsible for driving a proactive media strategy which aligns with business objectives and values, working closely with colleagues in the External Affairs department and wider organisation.  

The successful candidate will report to the External Affairs Director and will need exceptional communication skills, a proven ability to secure print and broadcast coverage (including global tier 1) and a keen interest in international trade. Experience is a fast-paced, proactive work environment such as PR consultancy would be an advantage.  

This is a hybrid role with requirement to be in our London office 2 days a week.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Own the Chartered Institute’s media relations strategy to effectively engage outlets relevant to, or interested in, CIE&IT and its work. 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with media outlets, journalists and thought leaders in international trade, including HM Government stakeholders. 

• Secure coverage through pitching story ideas, news releases, CIE&IT research, commentary and expertise to national and international media. 

• Manage reactive media interest in an effective, timely manner.  

• Proactively pitch ‘reaction comments’ from experts on relevant international trade developments and other relevant issues. 

• Prepare high-quality briefings for senior executives in advance of interviews and meetings with journalists. 

• Play a key role in driving communication initiatives, including internal communications, events and awards, across the business, collaborating with colleagues in other departments.  

• Line management of a Social Media and Video Production Executive.  

• Monitor, analyse and report on media coverage (including social channels), its impact and value to the Chartered Institute using tools including Vuelio and Politico Pro. 

 

DESIRED SKILLS SET AND EXPERIENCE:

• Strong understanding and proven experience of working within the UK and international media landscape.  

• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to build trusted working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. 

• Experience building relationships with journalists.  

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.  

• Ability to prioritise workloads. You must be adept at prioritising competing demands, contending with fast-moving events and handling unscheduled requests.  

• Ability to distil complex information into clear and concise pitch and briefing materials 

• Excellent attention to detail, organisation and planning skills. 

• Strong team player and collaborative mindset.  

 

BENEFITS: 

• 36.5 hours per week including 4pm Friday finish
• 25 days annual leave and day off for your birthday too
• Annual performance-related bonus
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Private healthcare including Optician/Dental costs
• Life Assurance (Salary x4)
• Personalised training
• A range of discounts for shopping, holidays and cinema attendance 
• 2 days volunteering a year

ABOUT THE CIE&IT: 

The Chartered Institute is the leading association of exporters and importers, providing education and training to professionalise the UK’s international traders. 

Founded in 1935, we were granted a Royal Charter by His Majesty King Charles III in 2023 in recognition of our contribution to international trade. 

With offices in Peterborough, London, Brussels and Nairobi (Kenya), the CIE&IT is fast-growing as demand for our digital training and education products grows after the UK’s transition from the EU.  

As a partner with UK government, we deliver national and international programmes, acting as champions for the UK, and establishing UK processes and standards globally. 

 

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: 

Life would be boring if we were all the same! The Chartered Institute is a company with a charitable status that believes in diversity and inclusion, as shown in the hiring and progression of our team members. The workforce is truly diverse – in age, nationality, gender and location. 

With a passion for nurturing, supporting and including all team members – no matter who you are – we celebrate identity. We are proud of who we are and where we come from.  

As an Investors in People accredited organisation, we care about and prioritise all of our team members daily. We ensure to engage with and listen to everyone.

Our Disability Confident and Mindful Employer accreditations express our commitment to the specialist needs and mental health of our team members.  

Having family-friendly policies allows our employees to partake in a flexible work environment so they can take care of children and loved ones. 

 

HOW TO APPLY:

Fill in your details below and upload your CV for review by the Talent Acquisition team.