External Communications Assistant

Atkins – a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group – is one of the world’s most respected design, engineering and project management consultancies. Our work focuses largely across the transport, infrastructure, energy, aerospace and defence sectors where we’re involved in the delivery of major projects such as Hinkley Point C, HS2 and the Heathrow Airport expansion. As the digital world collides with our physical environment, we're also facing and embracing a wave of opportunity to use our skills in new ways to drive the digitalisation of infrastructure design, build, operation and asset management.

Job Description:

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and creative person to join our external communications team in Bristol. This is a brilliant opportunity for someone with a passion for communications, the written word and social media who is looking to make their start in the exciting world of PR.

As someone with an interest in developing content and a natural knack for writing, you’ll thrive in this fast-paced team where content is king, and pace is the order of the day.

Reporting to an External Communications Manager, you’ll support the delivery of the UK & Europe’s external communications strategy and the effective management of key external channels, primarily press and social media. This will involve generating ideas and creating content, all while developing your skills as a professional communicator in a dynamic and supportive environment.

This role is currently being advertised as FTC for 12 months maternity cover.

Responsibilities

• Support the external communications team with developing high impact content across our infrastructure, transportation and aerospace, defence, security and technology markets
• Help write press releases, including sourcing images, quotes and approvals
• Help create content for corporate social media channels and advise colleagues on the best approach to social media content
• Take a lead role in monitoring and measuring the impact of our external communications, including press releases and social media
• Manage the UK press list, including target publications and journalist contacts
• Help write thought leadership articles that position the company as relevant, interesting and innovative
• Facilitate knowledge sharing, including organisation of meetings and calls

Qualifications

• Degree educated or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline (PR, Communications, Journalism, Media, English) is preferred

Essential Criteria

• An understanding of external communications and the role PR and social media play in a corporate environment
• Experience of writing press releases and social media posts
• Excellent writing skills, with proven experience creating content for different audiences and channels
• Confident to interact with new people; for example, when interviewing them for news stories
• High energy, with the drive and enthusiasm to make things happen
• Highly organised and able to work on multiple tasks simultaneously while adhering to deadlines
• Self-motivated and able to take ownership of tasks that are assigned to you
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
• Curious and not afraid to ask questions

Desirable criteria

The successful candidate will be a self-motivated, creative, collaborative team player who is willing to try new approaches to achieve positive results. They must have excellent verbal and written communications skills, meticulous attention to detail and be comfortable dealing with a diverse range of people at all levels of seniority.

The role is well suited for someone who has high levels of initiative and the ability to quickly establish positive working relationships with others. We’re looking for a team player; someone who is willing to get stuck in, is comfortable with ambiguity and approaches their work with a positive and professional attitude.

Training
Atkins develops individuals through a portfolio of training and development activities designed to help you make the best of your abilities and talents. These are reviewed with individuals through an annual appraisal process. We actively support staff in achieving corporate membership of relevant institutions.

Rewards and benefits: 
Atkins offers a fantastic range of benefits, which you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. 
All the information you need to know is available on our dedicated benefits portal; your reward, which is available to access 24/7 from any device: https://www.yourrewardatkins.com

Security Clearance: 
This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary it will be discussed with you at interview.

If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance.

ATKINS, part of the SNC Lavalin Group, is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability.