Press Officer

Press Officer - MPS

The Medical Protection Society Limited (“MPS”) is the world’s leading protection organisation for doctors, dentists and healthcare professionals. We protect and support the professional interests of more than 300,000 members around the world. Membership provides access to expert advice and support together with the right to request indemnity for any complaints or claims arising from professional practice.

Our in-house experts assist with the wide range of legal and ethical problems that arise from professional practice. This can include clinical negligence claims, complaints, medical and dental council inquiries, legal and ethical dilemmas, disciplinary procedures, inquests and fatal accident inquiries.

We are looking for an experienced Press Officer to join MPS’s media relations team. This role is based in our London office. As Press Officer, you work with the Media Relations Manager and two other Press Officers to help manage the reputation of MPS, enhance our profile, drive forward our thought leadership work whilst also providing media advice direct to MPS members. The role provides an excellent opportunity to work on a topical area and in a changing environment; implementing media activity plans in the UK and internationally including in South Africa and South East Asia.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Devise and implement media strategies to support a range of proactive campaigns
• Provide press support for MPS events and conferences
• Monitor breaking medical news in the UK and in our key international markets, and handle reactive press queries
• Collate and review media coverage and produce monthly report on key performance indicators
• Engage with national, regional and medical/dental trade media in the UK and internationally to build relationships, pitch articles and address damaging content
• Provide media handling support service to MPS members, working with lawyers and medicolegal/dentolegal experts
• Work collaboratively with public affairs/policy, corporate communications, marketing and digital teams to ensure plans are integrated
• Write and edit press releases, features, statements, social media content and interview briefings
• Organise training for MPS spokespeople

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Proven experience of working in a busy press office
• Proven experience in generating quality media coverage and devising/implementing media campaigns
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• A personal interest in news, current affairs and healthcare is desirable
• Experience in reputational management and crisis communications is desirable
• International media relations experience is desirable

In return, we offer a great working environment in conveniently located offices in the Shard. We offer an exceptional benefits package, including a 12% pension scheme, 25 days paid holiday (in addition to public holidays), private medical insurance and a health care cash plan, childcare vouchers and an annual bonus scheme. To apply or enquire, please send a CV along with salary expectation to [email protected]

The closing date for this role is 30 July 2018