Communications Officer

The Henry Jackson Society (HJS) is a think tank and policy-shaping force which fights for the principles and alliances which keep societies free – working across borders and party lines to combat extremism, advance democracy and real human rights, to make a stand in an increasingly uncertain world.

The Role

The Communications Officer is a key member of the Communications Team. Working closely with the Director of Communications the Communications Officer will support the outstanding work of HJS in giving our research maximum impact in both domestic and international media, both traditional and ‘new’.

The Communications Officer will help improve the external communications relations for The Henry Jackson Society, working with management and research teams to conceive ideas, build engagement plans and execute communication through various media channels.

This role will require a proactive and ambitious approach, able to marry the detail-oriented and fast-paced nature of the job in building awareness, interest and support for HJS, its initiatives, projects and policies. Serving as one of the organisation’s media point-people you will play a major part in identifying and exploiting communications and political opportunities, to produce material, managing the media outreach and assisting colleagues with their media profiles.

Your duties will include, but are not limited to:

• To assist with the management of HJS’s media and external communication, monitoring media in line with HJS’s remit, keeping colleagues informed of stories relevant to HJS, writing press releases and website copy, identifying new media channels and helping HJS to establish thought leadership in its areas of work.
• You will support our Policy Officer in ensuring that HJS is identifying Parliamentary champions for issues, drafting briefing materials for parliamentary stakeholders (including but not limited to our ‘Forward Look’ products) and work closely with our Policy Officer to support proactive networking with MPs and their staff.
• Ensure HJS’ media databases are up to date and effective.
• Assist with the management and extension of HJS’s network of influencers and media contacts, developing a structured approach to acquiring new and relevant media relationships, maintaining a database of journalists and managing key processes such as the submission of op-eds, briefing invitations, etc.
• With the Director of Communications and Director of Research you will have direct responsibility for overhauling and enhancing the HJS Blog with inhouse and external contributors.
• Work with colleagues to produce effective material aimed at TV producers and lead on proactively acquiring opportunities for HJS staff to appear on TV on an ongoing basis.
• Support the delivery of HJS events and develop and expand HJS’s presence at events and conferences, in line with the wider communications strategy.
• To support and develop the website, social media, media outreach and marketing components – as appropriate – of HJS and its projects.
• Cover for the Communications Director when absent and appropriate.