Communication Officer

Role summary

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) represents over 300 companies producing, importing, exporting, transporting and selling wines and spirits in the United Kingdom. We campaign for a vibrant and sustainable wine and spirit industry, helping to build a future in which alcohol is produced, sold and enjoyed responsibly.  

The WSTA requires a communication professional to assist with internal and external communication and media relations. We are looking for an adaptable, motivated team member who is willing to take on a wide ranging brief.

Key Responsibilities

Media relations

• Developing, maintaining and nurturing relationships with trade media
• Supporting the Director of Communication as first point of contact for media enquiries and as WSTA spokesperson as required
• Working across the WSTA team to source, develop and communicate press stories relating to the industry and WSTA members
• Managing Media Database and WSTA media contact list through CRM
• Supporting Director of Communication organising and delivering media events

Internal communication

• Supporting the development and delivery of the WSTA Strategic Plan objective to be a “positive, unifying and influential voice for the wine and spirit industry”
• Working closely with the Director of Communication to manage communication with WSTA members, as well as communication with the WSTA team and Board
• Supporting the Operations & Events Manager with the WSTA’s events including its Annual Industry Summit
• Working closely with the WSTA Public Affairs team and supporting the delivery of the WSTA Public Affairs Strategy and campaigns
• Conducting media monitoring, updating members through the WSTA Media Summary and weekly Newsletter
• Taking meeting minutes

External communications

• Assisting Director of Communication with development of the WSTA media strategy
• Developing a social media and online strategy and managing the WSTA Twitter and Linkedin account
• Procuring, developing and producing content and maintaining the WSTA website
• Assisting WSTA communication with potential members and the wider trade
• Drafting a range of WSTA materials including: press releases, blogs, publications, reports, press quotes and articles
• Designing infographics, producing vox pops, video clips and tweet cards

Qualifications, Experience and Skills Required

Please see the full job advert including skills and experience requirements in the supporting document pdf or here: https://www.wsta.co.uk/archives/job/wsta-communication-officer

To apply

Please send your CV and covering letter setting out how you meet the essential skills, particularly those that will be assessed at application (see full job advert link above), to Gemma Keyes at [email protected]

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Lucy Panton, Director of Communication ([email protected])

The successful candidate will need to provide proof that they have the right to work in the UK and provide suitable references before appointment. We do not require this information at the application stage.

Diversity and Inclusion

The WSTA is committed to building an inclusive organisation and attracting diverse talent and encourages applications from all regardless of age, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, disability, socio-economic background, religion or beliefs. As part of this commitment, Gemma will anonymise your CV and covering letter before they are reviewed by the recruitment panel.

Closing date for applications: 17:00, Sunday 1 August

Employment type: Full-time 

Interviews: Interviews will aim to be held in the week commencing 16 August

Location: Mainly WSTA Office in London with scope for some remote working subject to relevant rules, guidance and meeting needs of the role