Group PR and Media Manager

Hours 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per annum

Location: Based at the Tonbridge campus, but with travel to all sites within the Hadlow Group

Are you a great story teller? Do you have the skill and experience to know what makes a good news story? Great media contacts and superb writing skills? If you are used to working in a busy press office then come and manage our PR and Media.

The Hadlow Group has developed from its roots in providing outstanding education at land-based Hadlow College into a unique business that combines education and commercial enterprise – putting student learning and experience at the heart of everything that we do. Acquiring West Kent and Ashford Colleges the Group launched in 2014 and offers a range of further and higher education courses at its campuses in Kent and S.E. London and a portfolio of commercial rural businesses that includes Betteshanger Sustainable Parks.

We are looking for an exceptional person to work across the Group to provide professional PR and Media advice and support. This is a brand new role and you’ll thrive in a busy environment where no two days are the same, working as part of the in-house marketing communications team, reporting to the Group Head of Marketing and Communications.

You will work with a diverse group of stakeholders, identifying news opportunities, writing releases, managing PR activities and content for traditional and digital channels; liaising and developing relationships with key media. You will play a key role in enhancing and protecting our reputation and in raising our profile.

Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Advanced Certificate or Diploma in Public Relations preferred, however, working towards CIPR or an equivalent qualification in Public Relations will be accepted. Experience of working within an education environment, would be desirable, but not essential. You will need to have a proven track record of PR planning and execution, demonstrable experience in generating and securing quality coverage and excellent influencing skills. Level 2 English and Maths is required.

In return, the Group offers many benefits including access to competitive pension scheme, generous annual leave entitlement and Childcare Vouchers. We are committed to improving the diversity of our staff; offering a wide range of job opportunities including apprenticeships, flexible working, full and part-time positions

The Hadlow Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our users and expects all staff to share this commitment, in order for all to achieve their full potential. Successful applicants will be required to undertake satisfactory pre-employment checks including a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check and provide proof of their right to work in the UK. Where applicable a prohibition check will be carried out.

To apply for this job, please click on this College URL link for the application pack: http://westkent.ac.uk/vacancies/591-support-staff/11334-group-pr-and-media-manager.html.

You are required to complete an application form, as we do not accept CVs.

Please return completed application forms to hrrecruit@westkent.ac.uk.

The closing date for receipt of all completed application forms is 12 noon on Friday 31st July 2015

Previous applicants need not apply.

Due to the volume of applications we receive it is impossible to inform all applicants if they have been short listed: therefore if you have not heard from us within 14 days of the closing date you can assume that you have not been successful.

West Kent College is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.