Senior Press Officer

What is Best for Britain?

We are the researchers, data scientists, strategists, and activists, fixing the problems Britain faces after Brexit.

We conduct polling to help politicians lead debate, not follow it. We design policy for whoever is in government, today or tomorrow. And we give voters the tools to speak to, and persuade, those in power.

We believe that when we change minds we change politics for the better. And that all of this is Best for Britain.

The Role

The ideal candidate for this job would be someone with a genuinely strong interest in news and politics, with some relevant experience in media or communications, who shares Best for Britain’s values and campaigning goals. We believe you change politics by changing minds; and this is at the heart of everything we do.

We’re looking for a persuasive, engaging writer who can nail a newsline, craft an emotive op-ed or pithy social post, and devise a campaign slogan to land a front page. You're comfortable with numbers and data, and confident pitching our research, polling and expert spokespeople directly to journalists and producers, including over the phone and in person. You should also have a strong understanding and awareness of podcasts, streaming and short-form video, and their role in the changing information landscape. 

Your job would be to understand what makes a news story work, where and why. You will work closely with the Head of Press in translating Best for Britain’s policy and campaigning work into high-quality news coverage, in print, online, and across broadcast and news agencies in the UK and internationally. This will include reacting to breaking news, and building relationships with journalists.

You’ll also be working on our Substack - The Best for Britain Wire - writing, editing and commissioning pieces from our network of contributors, and researching and writing Weekend Wire, our flagship weekly news round-up.

You’ll work closely with colleagues including our Social Media Manager, Content Officer and Executive Director of Campaigns and Marketing, to progress our campaign goals. This could include anything from constituency vox pops, creating videos, or assisting with events. 

Key responsibilities

• Securing high-quality media coverage for Best for Britain and the UK Trade and Business Commission, including print, online and broadcast
• Drafting, editing and distributing press releases and reactive lines from Best for Britain and the UKTBC’s spokespeople, and quickly identifying breaking news opportunities
• Maintaining strong relationships with journalists, producers and commentators
• Monitoring and documenting the media coverage Best for Britain and the UKTBC receives
• Creating briefings and preparing spokespeople for broadcast media
• Generating news stories through desk research and information gathering
• Uploading content to the Best for Britain / UKTBC websites and via distribution software
• Pitching and landing op eds from Best for Britain / UKTBC spokespeople in the wider media
• Writing, editing and commissioning pieces for Substack
• Other duties and responsibilities as required by the organisation.
  
  

Requirements: We encourage applications from candidates with the following skills, qualities and experience - but if your background is outside the norm, don’t be put off, and tell us why you’d be a great fit.

Person Specification

Essential

• Strong interest in news and politics and awareness of the UK media landscape, including print media, digital, broadcast, podcasts, video and streaming
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills - without the use of AI tools
• Able to produce accurate and compelling copy on tight deadlines, including opinion pieces
• Experience of journalism, media or communications work
• Confident with numbers and data, including political polling 
• Creativity, great attention to detail and excellent research skills, including verifying the accuracy of information
• Confident pitching journalists and producers on a wide range of topics
• Confident using Google Suite including Docs, Sheets, Drive, (or equivalents)
• Shares Best for Britain’s values and campaigning goals
• A team player! 
• Eligible to work in the UK.
  

Desirable

• Familiarity with media software such as Vuelio
• Existing contacts in print or broadcast media
• Experience working in or with broadcast media
• Nuanced knowledge and understanding of UK politics and current affairs, EU institutions and wider geopolitical landscape
• Professional experience in writing copy, particularly opinion pieces or blogs
• A good knowledge of media law and the Editors’ Code of Practice
• NCTJ qualification or equivalent experience.
  
  

Why work at Best for Britain?

At Best for Britain we invest in the health and wellbeing of our team, and believe it is key to organisational success and sustainability.

We offer a range of benefits, summarised below:

• Hybrid working - we understand the benefits of working from home and offer staff hybrid working with 3 days per week in the office
• Additional leave - the office is closed between Christmas and New Year, and staff are given Friday afternoons off in August
• Pension - NEST pension scheme with 4.5% employer contribution
• Staff events - Christmas and Summer events as well as regular team building exercises throughout the year
• EAP - Staff can speak to accredited counsellors via a 24/7 confidential telephone support line with advice on handling stress, relationship difficulties, bereavement, family issues, anxiety, health concerns as well as financial and legal support
• Wellbeing payment - up to £100 per member of staff per financial year towards the costs of an activity that promotes physical fitness and mental health
• Cycle to work and Home scheme - staff can purchase a bike, furniture and tech and pay back over 12 months via salary sacrifice
• Office environment - basic breakfast and lunch items in the kitchen including hot drinks, fruit, cereal, soup and bread.

Equal Opportunities

Best for Britain is committed to diversity and inclusion, and we believe that this makes us a dynamic and effective organisation. We are an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, gender, age, disability, class or any other protected characteristic.

Our roles and culture are inclusive and we can make reasonable adjustments throughout the application process and on the job. If you have any particular requirements, do get in touch.

Any questions before applying? Get in touch with Jess at [email protected]

How to apply

Please send your CV and a cover letter to [email protected].

Please include the job title 'Senior Press Officer' in the subject, your reasons for applying and explain how you meet the person specification.