PR & Communications Officer

The PR and Communications Officer reports into the Communications Manager and plays a key role in shaping, building and delivering Gatehouse Bank’s external communications strategy. The PR and Communications Officer coordinates campaigns, business updates and editorial content to raise Gatehouse Bank’s profile externally, also working across departments, including with senior stakeholders, to protect and promote the Bank’s reputation.

• Work with key business areas to identify, develop and deliver timely and effective PR and communications campaigns, producing compelling content across press releases, social media, website, editorial and thought leadership channels to support business priorities. Maintain the Bank’s news and insights website section.
• Provide communications guidance to stakeholders across the Bank, advising on the most effective approach for external announcements, media engagement and reputation management.
• Support the development and maintenance of key corporate messaging, ensuring consistency across internal and external communications where appropriate.
• Translate complex, technical or regulatory information into clear, engaging content tailored to external audiences.
• Work with the Internal Communications Officer to align on campaigns and maintain the Bank’s communications plans and content calendars, ensuring activity is coordinated, prioritised and aligned with business objectives.
• Monitor the Bank’s social media channels, online reviews and media mailbox, ensuring enquiries are responded to promptly. Manage the team’s social media/online reviews monitoring rota and maintain accurate activity logs.
• Develop, create and schedule content across the Bank’s social media channels, ensuring alignment with brand standards, marketing objectives and the communications strategy.
• Build and maintain relationships with key journalists and media contacts, developing proactive pitching plans to enhance the Bank’s profile and brand awareness.
• Monitor and manage relevant industry award opportunities, assessing credibility as well as cost, and drafting and submitting award entries.
• Maintain an up-to-date understanding of market trends, competitor activity and emerging issues. Support reputation management by drafting reactive statements and ensuring key messaging remains accurate, consistent and relevant.
• Prepare and brief the Bank’s spokespeople for media engagements, events and speaking opportunities through briefing materials and message development, ensuring consistent and effective communications. Alongside the Communications Manager and Head of Marketing and Communications, attend media briefings and coordinate media training sessions for spokespeople.
• Produce monthly and ad hoc reports on PR, social media and public affairs activity, using analytics to measure performance and identify opportunities to enhance effectiveness.
• Use Canva to create graphics and materials to complement PR and social media activity.
• Act as secretariat for the Islamic Finance for Growth UK Taskforce, managing correspondence, meetings and related admin tasks.
• Support the Communications Manager and Head of Marketing & Communications in managing external agencies.
• Act as a Brand Ambassador for Gatehouse Bank, ensuring the Bank’s brand, values and tone of voice are reflected consistently across all communications.
• Help with managing the Marketing and Communications budget, suppliers and administrative processes, ensuring deadlines, approvals and governance requirements are met.
• Ensure all external communications activity complies with regulatory, legal and brand requirements, following agreed governance and approval processes.
• Any other duties commensurate with the grade and level of responsibility of…