Communications and PR Manager

Grade: 2

Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week (flexible working considered)

Position type: Permanent

Responsible to: Head of Global Communications & PR

Direct reports: Communications & PR Officer

Location: Truro, Cornwall (Hybrid) or Remote (UK based) with some travel to Truro

ROLE PURPOSE:

This role works to raise awareness of the issues faced by people around the world who have lost their homes to disaster. It generates positive media coverage for Shelter Box, positioning us as experts in emergency shelter, as well as supporting fundraising with media engagement and PR activities. The role also works to ensure colleagues across the organisation can talk about our work accurately and consistently by producing key messaging about our international programmes.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

Shelter Box is seeking an experienced, motivated and proactive communications professional with excellent attention to detail and line-management experience.

You will be skilled in writing a variety of materials - including press releases, statements, and Q&As, and in simplifying complex information. You will also understand the nuance of language, ensuring messaging reflects dignity, avoids harmful narratives and upholds humanitarian neutrality in sensitive contexts.

You will enjoy finding strong stories and ensuring they are told ethically. You will be experienced in creating news, working with the media and contributing to multiple projects at pace.

We are looking for someone with experience in crisis communications who can help protect and enhance our reputation by identifying potential issues early. You will also have experience delivering media interview training, building confidence in spokespeople, and supporting them through briefings and interviews.

You will have experience of line management. You will have experience of working with a direct report to develop their abilities and support them to be motivated and produce great work.

This is a great opportunity to be part of a dynamic fundraising and communications department, working together to achieve our mission of no one without shelter after disaster.

The role requires someone who can pivot priorities quickly when needed. When major disasters happen, our teams need to be able to flex very quickly to that focus.

MAIN ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This role works as part of a small and dynamic Communications & Digital team and has direct line management of our Comms & PR Officer. You will focus on gaining media coverage for our international programmes, understanding the issues and opportunities of our work and securing impactful media interviews. You will support our fundraising campaigns and events with media engagement.

You will work closely with the Head of Global Communications & Digital and colleagues across the Fundraising & Communications department to develop and deliver communications and media engagement activities supporting campaigns and driving awareness.

The role line-manages a Communications & PR Officer. You will work with them to extend the output and reach of our comms and media work and support them to feel motivated and produce high-quality work.

This role also supports wider departments by producing centralised messaging to ensure colleagues talk about our work consistently and are aligned with our brand.

You'll work with the wider communications and fundraising teams on integrated campaigns, ensuring key messaging is aligned and PR angles and risks are considered.

There may be occasional opportunities to travel to countries where Shelter Box works for media purposes. This travel is not mandatory. There will be regular travel to the Truro head office to support media interviews, deliver training, and participate in organisational collaboration days.

Flexibility with working hours sometimes required, especially during sudden-onset emergencies (TOIL available for additional hours).

DUTIES WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:

PR & Comms Lead

• Manage a variety of communications and PR activities to raise awareness of the needs of people who have lost their homes to disaster.

• Produce a range of high-quality written materials for different audiences.

• Develop strong working relationships with people across the organisation, including in our international programmes and fundraising teams.

• Take a proactive approach to media engagement and communications as our PR and communications subject-matter expert.
• Line manage the Comms & PR Officer, supporting them to prioritise their workload, ensuring they have clear goals, and are performing well.

Media Engagement

• Maximise media opportunities for Shelter Box across national and regional, print, digital, and broadcast media.

• Maintain a strong understanding of the media landscape and keep across relevant stories and trends.

• Work with colleagues to identify strong stories and create news angles.

• Prepare and use a variety of effective PR tools,…