Media Manager

ROLE PURPOSE:

The role of Save the Children Media Manager is varied and rewarding

• Are you an experienced news journalist or in media handling, and have a strong track record of success in obtaining media coverage in a variety of outlets?

• Do you have experience in interrogating data (scientific, technical, economic) to find stories and develop news lines?

• Do you have good contacts for generating news stories in international media outlets with news journalists, editors and wider media

• Are you motivated by our vision of creating a world where every child doesn’t just survive, but thrives, and can go on to change the world?

Reporting directly to the Advocacy, Campaigns, Communications and Media Director, you will be responsible for developing and leading on media activity across Ukraine and internationally.

As a rights-based organisation, we are committed to anti-racism and actively opposed systemic oppression of any form. You will also support our commitment to celebrate diversity, challenge inequality, and build an inclusive environment for every one of our employees so we can better represent the children we protect

SCOPE OF ROLE: The Media Manager will be responsible for the development of products on issues affecting children in Ukraine, including press releases, case studies, videos, photos and other reports as required

Reports to: Advocacy, Campaigns, Communications and Media Director

Staff reporting to this post: TBC

Budget Responsibilities: N/A

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY

Media

• In line with agreed external communications protocols, support the development of products for media work for Save the Children Ukraine Country Office through the production of high quality, well researched, and well written products (in a variety of media) reflective of the mandate.
• Liaise and maintain contact with the Regional Office and members to implement communication activities, including facilitating visits and working within incoming communications surge support during emergencies when necessary.
• Respond quickly and appropriately to external requests for information.
• Facilitate media interviews with Ukraine Country Director or designate, undertake media interviews as needed and relevant
• Work with Regional Office Media Manager to identify potential media moments highlighting identified advocacy issues
• Generate hard-hitting and compelling media briefings and press releases covering Ukraine and in international media, to influence policy makers and support fundraising objectives
• Project manage delivery of key media moments such as report launches and fundraising appeals
• Map, build and maintain relationships with key journalists, editors and opinion formers in order to successfully pitch Ukraine stories that support Save the Children’s objectives
• Generate news lines, spot stories, facilitate journalists and produce media-worthy materials (case studies, blogs, footage, photography, tweet etc.) when on mission
• Work with colleagues to identify and support children and families supported by Save the Children in Ukraine to tell their stories in the media, ensuring that ethical standards and best practice are maintained at all times
• Collaborate and influence across the organisation to harness colleagues’ skills and expertise in support of delivering impactful media coverage, including coaching spokespeople
• Respond quickly to breaking news both in Ukraine and internationally to achieve cut through for Save the Children’s work and priority issues in high profile media
• Deliver corporate communications content that promotes Save the Children, the organization, as distinct from saving children, the cause
• Support Save the Children’s use of digital and social media to build awareness of our issues among diverse audiences
• Protect Save the Children’s reputation by implementing crisis management media strategies and rebuttal as required
• Travel within Ukraine and internationally where required to provide effective media support to Save the Children initiatives
• Perform such other tasks and responsibilities as may be required from time to time in order to ensure the smooth running of the team, cross departmental teams, the department and Save the Children
• Take a turn on the out of hours rota
• Act as a spokesperson for Save the Children when required

Strategic input to Country Programme

• Support on the development of a Ukraine Country Office strategies in liaison with ACCM Director, programmes team and area office within both the emergency and development contexts.
• Lead on relationship with area offices communication staff and relationship with partner media and communication staff including capacity building, training and quality control of media products as necessary.

Building and maintaining effective relationships

• Develop and maintain good internal relationships with the Area offices, GMU and SCI members.
• Develop and maintain good external relationships with our partners, the media and the government if needed.
• Work with members and Country Office staff to ensure appropriate resourcing and timely delivery of agreed deliverable

BEHAVIOURS (Values in Practice)

Accountability:

• holds self-accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving and role modelling Save the Children values
• holds the team and partners accountable to deliver on their responsibilities – giving them the freedom to deliver in the best way they see fit, providing the necessary development to improve performance and applying appropriate consequences when results are not achieved.

Ambition:

• sets ambitious and challenging goals for themselves and their team, takes responsibility for their own personal development and encourages their team to do the same
• widely shares their personal vision for Save the Children, engages and motivates others
• future orientated, thinks strategically and on a global scale.

Collaboration:

• builds and maintains effective relationships, with their team, colleagues, Members and external partners and supporters

• values diversity, sees it as a source of competitive strength

• approachable, good listener, easy to talk to.

Creativity:

• develops and encourages new and innovative solutions
• willing to take disciplined risks.

Integrity:

• honest, encourages openness and transparency; demonstrates highest levels of integrity

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Essential

• University degree or equivalent experience in journalism, media, communications or similar discipline
• Experience as a news journalist or in media handling
• A strong track record of success in developing strategies on own initiative to obtain significant media coverage in a variety of outlets
• A sound grasp of what different media outlets want and an understanding of where to seek out newsworthy stories
• Good contacts for generating news stories in international outlets with news journalists, editors and wider media
• Experience of working within budget constraints
• Commitment to Save the Children’s mission, values and approach (includes child focus, equal opportunities)
• Commitment to team working and understanding of how to contribute
• Flexibility to act reactively and make the most of breaking stories to maximise opportunities for coverage
• Ability to work fast, effectively and independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor to a range of audiences and media
• Ability to influence and work cross-organisationally (e.g. with senior managers and volunteers) at all levels to persuade others to a point of view
• Ability to communicate effectively and empathetically with people we support and who support our work, including children, young people and their families
• Ability to confidently interrogate data (scientific, technical, economic) to find stories and develop news lines.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines and make decisions on what to prioritise when working under pressure on a number of projects
• Ability to operate within a predominantly administratively self-servicing environment
• Sound strategic thinking and planning skills, including ability to set priorities and evaluate progress
• Ability to travel internationally

Desirable

• Previous INGO experience

In the case of a Category 1 and Category 2 response, the candidate must reflect the experience and qualifications of a Grade 2. This must include the following proven behaviour/experience:

• Demonstrate leadership and management skills in a complex international setting.

Previous experience as member of Senior Management Team.

We offer a competitive package in the context of the sector. This Role is offered on the basis of International terms and conditions. Also, interviews will be held on ongoing basis, adverts will be closed once a person is identified.

For non- EU citizens; Visa is to be obtained.

The Organisation

We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realise the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard.

We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:

• No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday
• All children learn from a quality basic education and that,
• Violence against children is no longer tolerated

We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children. We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive environment where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.

Application Information:

Please attach a copy of your CV and cover letter with your application, and include details of your current remuneration and salary expectations. A copy of the full role profile can be found at www.savethechildren.net/careers

We need to keep children safe so our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

All employees are expected to carry out their duties in accordance with our global anti-harassment policy.