Media and Communications Manager

What we are looking for

We are looking for an experienced Media and Communications Manager to join our team. The successful candidate will be a confident communicator with exceptional interpersonal skills, demonstrating a strategic mindset, superb written and creative storytelling skills, and strong project management and organisational abilities.  If you enjoy being in the fast lane and pressure gives you a boost, then this job is certainly for you. The role provides a unique opportunity to grow professionally and personally in a dynamic environment alongside a top team and industry experts.

Who we are

Plastics Europe is the pan-European association of plastics manufacturers with offices across Europe.  For over 100 years, science and innovation has been the DNA that cuts across our industry. With close to 100 members producing over 90% of all polymers across Europe, we are the catalyst for the industry with a responsibility to openly engage with stakeholders and deliver solutions which are safe, circular and sustainable. We are committed to implementing long-lasting positive change.

About the position

The story of plastics is changing, and by joining our Communications team, you can play an active role in how that story unfolds every day. How?  You will help to shape and implement our organisation's communication strategy and serve as a catalyst for change from the inside out. You will lead efforts to reinforce the reputation of the plastics industry by showcasing the industry’s innovation and efforts towards our common commitment to a circular and sustainable future.

As a media relations expert, you will manage and oversee media engagement linked to key Plastics Europe strategic initiatives. You will develop and implement advanced and proactive media relations strategies to position Plastics Europe and its members.

Thisin coordination with colleagues at EU and regional level. Using your knowledge of the media, you will support Plastics Europe leadership on media relations activities and thought leadership programmes. You will foster and maintain close working relationships across the association and apply your judgement to manage reputational threats, escalating when necessary.

Your strategic contribution will complement Plastics Europe's technical and advocacy engagement efforts, positioning us as a critical voice with and through the media, in our efforts to shape the conditions impacting the industry and provide an alternative sustainability narrative.

Responsibilities

1. Strategic Communication:

• Translate the association’s annual workplan into strategic plans to meet the association goals and lead their execution.
• Work closely with Digital Communication Specialist to ensure digital campaigns are created and implemented in line with the strategic goal and media plans.

1. Content Management & Media Engagement

• Craft and articulate compelling and creative content for online or offline media of relevance.
• Prepare, edit, and publish materials such as blogs, press releases, and Q&As to support media engagement plans and campaigns.
• Develop strong working relationships with journalists from major media outlets, strategizing ways to engage them in the association's initiatives.
• Stay abreast of the evolving media landscape, trends, and industry practices through continuous research and identification of relevant developments.
• Coordinate the distribution of materials to media channels, pitching stories for coverage at different levels, and offering media relations support for the leadership, including pre-planning of opportunities, statement and quote preparation, and briefing the leadership for media interviews.

1. Reputation and Crisis Management:

• Assess the landscape and propose measures to both mitigate reputational threats and capitalize on opportunities.
• Manage a portfolio of sensitive issues, providing guidance to leadership on media opportunities and threats, and conducting regular horizon scanning to identify and address emerging issues for mitigating reputational risks.

1. Media Monitoring:

• Regular monitoring across traditional and digital media.
• Identify opportunities for responsive & proactive media relations and assess the organisation's impact on the public debate.

1. Monitoring & Reporting:

• Produce timely reports on media campaigns, analysing and summarising the outcomes of media activity.
• Incorporate learnings into future communication strategies for continuous improvement.

1. Other:

• Contribute to campaign projects by developing strategic content and campaigns aligned with organisational objectives.
• Undertake additional duties delegated by the Communications Director as needed.

What does it take to succeed in this role? 

• Strong ability to develop and execute creative PR plans, aligning with the organisation's goals to shift perceptions and increase proactive engagement.
• Ability to navigate the complexity of the media landscape and emerging issues, providing solutions to prevent and mitigate reputational risks.
• Capacity to engage and inspire by providing strategic direction and fostering a collaborative and forward-thinking approach in all media-related activities.
• Exceptional written communication skills in crafting creative and impactful content
• Ability to make impactful decisions independently and advise the Communications Director and leadership.
• Demonstrated strategic mindset and judgment in proposing and implementing measures to develop & execute media campaigns, mitigating reputational threats and leveraging opportunities.
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability in proactively managing areas of responsibilities and contributing the overall organisation work and efforts.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, media studies, or a related field.
• At least 4-years’ experience and track record in a similar role handling communications and media management, preferably within trade associations or related industries.
• In-depth knowledge of the media landscape, latest media trends, practices, and developments
• Demonstrated ability to engage and build relationships with journalists from major outlets.
• Reputation management and crisis communications experience
• Communicate with clarity and transparency in coordinating responses to external events and providing media relations support for leadership.

Why you should take this job

As a member of our communications team, there is never a dull moment. Always something new and exciting to keep you on your toes. But don’t worry, you won't have to do it alone. We believe in the power of teamwork and work together as One Team, leveraging our collective expertise to find the best approach and help to shift the needle. Our team is a diverse mix of seasoned professionals with decades of experience and budding talent with fresh ideas.  So if you’re up for the challenge and want to get your teeth into this issue-rich industry, then you’ll be right at home.

Convinced? Then send your CV...

• Deadline for applications: 22 March 2024
• Please send your application with a compelling cover letter (2 pages max) and CV  via the 'APPLY' button below. 

APPLY HERE