Press and Communications Officer

Salary: £34,000 FTE (£20,400 actual salary)
Contract: Permanent, part-time, 0.6 FTE
Hours: 21 hours per week with flexibility as to how these are worked subject to business need and prior agreement
Location: Hybrid, with regular attendance at our central London office (40%)
Reporting to: Head of Policy and Advocacy

Help shape public understanding of data and evidence

We are looking for an experienced and proactive Press and Communications Officer to help raise the profile of the RSS, secure media coverage for our work, and ensure our expertise reaches policymakers, journalists and the wider public.

This is an exciting opportunity for a communications professional who enjoys translating complex topics into compelling stories and wants to contribute to evidence-informed public debate.

About the role

As Press and Communications Officer, you will lead and coordinate media and communications activity across the Society's policy, advocacy and public engagement work. You will build relationships with journalists, identify opportunities to showcase RSS expertise, support media-facing spokespeople, and deliver communications campaigns that enhance our influence and reputation.

You'll work across a wide range of issues, helping to explain the role of data, statistics and evidence in public life while ensuring the RSS is recognised as a trusted and authoritative voice.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and delivering communications campaigns and media plans.
• Generating positive media coverage and building strong relationships with journalists.
• Drafting press releases, statements, briefings and opinion pieces.
• Managing media enquiries and supporting RSS spokespeople.
• Creating and scheduling social media content.
• Identifying opportunities to contribute RSS expertise to current public debates.
• Monitoring and evaluating media coverage and communications impact.
• Supporting the development of a diverse network of expert ambassadors and spokespeople.

About you

We're looking for someone who combines excellent communications skills with a strong news sense and a passion for making complex information accessible.

You will have:

• At least two years' experience in communications, press, public affairs or media relations.
• A strong track record of securing media coverage and building media relationships.
• Experience creating high-quality communications content, including press releases and social media content.
• Experience planning and delivering communications campaigns.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Strong organisational and project management abilities.
• Confidence working with senior stakeholders and subject matter experts.
• The ability to explain complex issues clearly to non-specialist audiences.

Experience in a membership organisation, charity, professional body, learned society, or policy-focused organisation would be advantageous, as would an interest in research, evidence, data or public policy.

Why join us?

At the RSS, you'll be part of a friendly and collaborative team committed to improving the use of data and evidence across society. We offer:

• Generous pension scheme with employer contributions of up to 10%.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and Christmas closure (pro rata).
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Cycle-to-work scheme.
• Season ticket loan.
• Employee Assistance Programme.

Apply now

If you're an enthusiastic communications professional looking to make a meaningful impact through evidence, data and public engagement, we'd love to hear from you.

Join us in helping ensure that statistics and evidence are at the heart of understanding and decision-making.