Job Description

Communications and Media Officer

Overview
Global climate change, controversies over migration in the UK, groundwater pollution in the
developing world, a website for schools to explore the history of family names, exhibitions on the
Punjab and Afghanistan, are just a few recent examples of the types of stories you will have to
promote.

Do you think you can you help to promote and develop the Society’s communications, media and
public relations work? If so, the Society is seeking to a dynamic individual with strong
communications skills to assist the Society to communicate effectively with its stakeholders and
assist in raising awareness of geography and the Society’s activities in the press.

Introduction
The Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) is the learned society
and professional body for geography and geographers. Established in 1830 to promote 'the
advancement of geographical science', today we are a dynamic world centre for geographical
learning - supporting research, education, expeditions and fieldwork, as well as promoting public
engagement and informed enjoyment of our world. The Society is based in a listed building in its
own grounds in Kensington opposite Hyde Park, and operates 8 regional branches in the UK and
two overseas. There are approximately 50 permanent full-time staff, together with part-time,
temporary and volunteer staff. We strongly suggest applicants are familiar with the current work of
the Society as set out on our website: www.rgs.org.

Contractual summary
The post is based in Kensington, London. Initially the appointment will be for a fixed term of one
year, with a view to being renewed thereafter (potentially renewable thereafter subject to finances).
The post, which is pensionable, will be made in the salary range of £22,715 to £23,770 p.a.
inclusive, according to experience. Holiday entitlement is five weeks per year plus the periods over
which the Society is closed between Christmas and New Year and on Bank holidays. Subsidised
lunches are available on site, and there is a season ticket loan scheme. The Society is an equal
opportunities employer.

Application procedure
Those wishing to apply for the post of Communications and Media Officer should email Dr Steven
Toole, Policy and Public Affairs Manager, Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) via
s.toole@rgs.org with a copy of their CV and a covering letter explaining their suitability for the post
and how they fulfil the selection criteria listed below. Please also include relevant examples of your
communications work to date. Applications must be received by 9.00am on Monday 19th April
2010. Interviews will be held during the week beginning 26th April 2010. Only successful shortlisted
candidates will be notified.
 JOB DESCRIPTION FOR THE POST OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA OFFICER

Post: Communications and Media Officer

Department: Public Affairs Unit
Responsible to: Manager of Policy and Public Affairs
Persons reporting: none

Purpose of post

• To deliver effective and timely communication of the Society’s activities to the membership
and other stakeholders, including coordinating copy and editing Society publications,
including the Annual Review and termly Bulletin.

• To promote the Society and its range of activities through pro-actively obtaining media
coverage; and in promoting Society events through the media.

• To promote knowledge, understanding and coverage of geography and of geographical

research, education and outdoor learning within the media in order to maintain a high profile
for the discipline.

• To manage incoming media enquiries. The Society receives more media coverage than most
other subject bodies in the UK. The range of media enquires which the post holder has to
deal with can therefore be very diverse. They may include issues such as: Physical and
human geographical research and expertise; Schools-based geography and outdoor
education; Expeditions and fieldwork; The history of geography and exploration; Our unique
geographical collections of over 2 million items; Events held at the Society or in our regional
branches; Exhibitions held in our London HQ or on tour; Policy and advocacy issues such as
the promotion of geography and outdoor learning in higher education and schools; and
‘Popular’ geographical enquiries such as questions on facts and figures.

Duties and responsibilities

Print and e-communications

• Editing and drafting text for the termly Bulletin of forthcoming news and events relating to
the Society and geography. The Bulletin is produced three times a year and has high levels
of accuracy and production values.

• Editing and drafting the ‘In Society’, a section of news about the Society in the
Geographical magazine produced once a month

• Editing media-related materials for inclusion on our website including media releases in the
‘Press Room’ section, and a geography news summary headlines

• Editing the Annual Review, a report on all the Society’s work published in the first few
months of each year.
 • Contributing to the creation of the monthly e-update for the Society’s membership

Media

• Managing the daily press enquiries of the Society, responding or forwarding for response
as appropriate

• Overseeing, commissioning and drafting regular proactive media initiatives including media
releases, comment pieces, and letters to editors ensuring balance across the Society’s
activities.

• Daily monitoring of news media and dissemination of email clippings to relevant staff by
10.30am; annual analysis for the Society’s Council

• Maintaining and updating a database of media contacts. Furthering good relations with key
journalists, particularly environment and education correspondents.

• Assisting with any other aspects of the Society’s media work as directed by the Policy and
Public Affairs Manager or Director.

PR and liaison

• Liaising with prospective documentary makers who are seeking ideas, contacts and venues
for forthcoming projects.

• Assessing and overseeing photographers and film crews seeking to use the Society’s HQ
or create collaborations with the Society.

• Overseeing our photographers and taking basic photographs of events using the Society’s
camera (photography training available).

• Sourcing pictures and images for Public Affairs Unit publications (such as the Bulletin and
Annual Review) and our website.

• Assisting the Public Affairs and Policy Manager in the screening of the annual Journey of a
Lifetime Award, a collaboration with BBC Radio 4.

The post reports to the Policy and Public Affairs Manager who will advise and assist wherever
possible, particularly during the Annual Conference at the end of August (usually held at the
Society in London) when there is extensive media coverage. The role will also involve working
alongside other relevant staff.
Selection criteria for the post of Communications and Media Officer

The following are the requirements for this post. These are the criteria against which candidates
will be short listed and judged and it is in your interest to ensure that you cover each of these areas
in the covering letter of your application.

Essential

• Proven keen interest in the news media and press relations.

• Excellent writing skills. You must be able to communicate complex information in a lively,
accurate and readable manner in a variety of formats including magazines, newsletters,
press releases, websites, and letters.

• Ability to work to a number of competing deadlines and to ‘multi-task’

• Ability to respond to and prioritise a very diverse range of media enquiries relating to
geography and the Society’s work

• A first degree (or equivalent) in geography or a closely related subject and a good
understanding of the breadth of the discipline across the human and natural sciences

• Good computer literacy

• Ability to deliver high quality work to time in a pressured environment

Desirable

• Experience of working in media relations is highly desirable

• Diplomacy and excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills are highly desirable,
particularly when dealing with challenging and sensitive media enquiries

• Experience of web-based communications and writing for electronic communications

• Experience of research, including basic statistical analysis, in the context of developing

proactive media initiatives.