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We are seeking a Communications Officer to join the Communications and Development team at The Hepworth Wakefield. The team is responsible for maintaining and growing the gallery’s reputation as a world-class cultural centre, for developing audiences for the diverse mix of programming we present and increasing income from a wide variety of fundraising and commercial sources.
The Communications Officer will be responsible for devising and implementing creative media campaigns to secure positive press coverage for The Hepworth Wakefield, continuing to build the profile of the gallery regionally, nationally and internationally, and play a key role in contributing to The Hepworth Wakefield digital and social media strategies. You will have a proven track record of delivering high profile media campaigns, excellent planning and organisation skills, a range of media contacts and knowledge of the current media landscape.
It is an exciting time to join the team as The Hepworth Wakefield Garden has recently opened to the public and the gallery will be celebrating its 10th birthday in 2021.
Responsibilities
To work with THW’s appointed PR agency to devise and implement creative, high-profile media campaigns for THW and its activities across a broad range of media nationally and internationally in support of the audience development strategy and to meet agreed visitor targets.
Take a lead in generating regular local media coverage for THW.
To work closely with Senior Marketing Manager and Communications Assistant to develop integrated, innovative and consistent campaigns across all available platforms.
To build and sustain excellent media contacts for THW locally, nationally and internationally, maintaining an effective and accurate media database and managing the timely distribution of press releases, invitations, statements and images for maximum impact.
To actively seek out opportunities for gaining positive media and social media coverage for THW, creatively communicating our core values, cultural offer, programme and business offer to a wide external audience to attract visitors.
To act as the main point of contact for media enquiries, responding to requests quickly and efficiently, drafting effective statements, briefing notes and Q&A documents in consultation with the Director of Communications and Development.
Play a key role in contributing to THW’s digital and social media strategies, developing creative and engaging digital campaigns, and work with the Senior Marketing Manager to develop THW’s website and e-mail marketing.
To research, write and distribute captivating press releases. Manage the press images, clearing copyright as necessary, and ensuring THW’s online media centre is kept up to date.
To organise media events including press previews, conferences, photocalls and press trips of the highest standard, ensuring that the gallery is represented in an appropriate and consistent manner.
To arrange and oversee filming and photography within the gallery.
To monitor and analyse THW press coverage, circulating regular press reports internally, to Board and other stakeholders such as funders and sponsors. To contribute information about the reach and impact of press activities for funding applications and proposals to potential sponsors and donors.
To work closely with sponsors, stakeholders, artists, galleries, agents, internal and external spokespeople in relation to press matters, including providing background information and briefing notes and securing sponsor credits where possible.
Keep abreast of the media (and social media) landscape, industry news stories and new developments in the sector and participate in local, national and international professional networks beneficial to The Hepworth Wakefield and its audience.
To act as deputy for the Senior Marketing Manager as and when required.
Actively contribute to partnership communications strategies such as Yorkshire Sculpture International and Wakefield Cultural Consortium, and develop relationships with tourism agencies and other cultural destinations in the region.
Requirements
Essential
A strong track record of delivering high profile media campaigns using the full range of platforms available.
Excellent planning and organisation skills with a proven ability to arrange and implement high quality events within budget and to deadline.
Experience of working with an external PR agency to achieve maximum impact.
Excellent inter-personal skills with the ability to act with confidence to advise colleagues, work effectively with partner organisations and sponsors and to manage external agencies, suppliers and photographers.
Excellent communications skills, both written and verbal, with a strong attention to detail.
Excellent range of media contacts and knowledge of current media landscape.
The ability to remain calm under pressure and juggle multiple projects and priorities.
A demonstrable interest in art
The ability to work flexible hours including some early mornings, evenings and weekends for which time off in lieu will be offered
Desirable
Educated to degree level or equivalent press qualification
Knowledge of copyright law
BASIC TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The salary offered for this position is £24,000 per annum.
This is a permanent position.
Full-time, 37 hours per week.
There will be an occasional requirement to work evenings and weekends, for which TOIL will be granted.
Probationary period of 6 months.
The place of work is The Hepworth Wakefield, Gallery Walk, Wakefield, WF1 5AW.
25 days annual leave per annum plus bank holidays (pro rata), rising by a day each year of service up to a maximum of 28 days. The leave year runs from 1 April to 31 March.
New employees meeting the criteria will be auto-erolled into a pension scheme run by Royal London, including an employer contribution of up to 6%.
Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption entitlements.
Enhanced sick pay entitlements.
Employee Assistance Programme offering confidential support services.
Free eye tests run by Specsavers.
Staff discount in the shop and café.