JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Press Office Assistant

Division: Directorate

Department: Press Office

Salary: £22,227 per annum

Reporting to: Deputy Head of Press

Purpose of job

The V&A is seeking a hardworking, professional and ambitious new team member to join the Press team, working at
the heart of the busy, fast-paced Communications office. Working with the whole Press team, the role offers the
chance to build knowledge and professional communications skills, and support the V&A’s world-class exhibition
programme, from blockbuster exhibitions to Friday Lates and work closely with the V&A’s curatorial teams. With the
launch of V&A Dundee in September, this is also a chance to join the museum during a time of significant expansion,
as we move towards a family of sites. The Press Office Assistant plays an important role as a liaison with colleagues
in Marketing, and works especially closely with the V&A’s Social Media and Digital teams.

Main tasks

1. To take responsibility for the administration of the office, maintain press office systems in particular:

• Dealing with general press enquiries and acting as a reception point for the office.
• Monitoring, distributing and filing of press cuttings.
• Maintaining picture library and availability of film footage for Press Office, including liaising with
the photographic studio and external rights holders, and researching credit information.
• Maintaining the press mailing list under the supervision of the Deputy Head of Press.
• Liaising with suppliers and services.
• Maintaining subscription agreements.
• Developing and maintaining office archives (broadcast, print, cuttings).
• Provide occasional secretarial support to Head of Press.
• Ensure smooth running of the press office systems.
• Assisting with budget administration and POs.
2. To take responsibility for core press duties:

• Compiling monthly public programme listings press release.

• Compiling regular office reports.
• Monitoring and securing accurate press listings for museum activities.
• Monitoring and updating the V&A digital press office site.
• Support Assistant Press Officer in organising and supervising filming in the museum.
• Organising mail outs for the Press Office.
• Contribute to museum’s social media content in close liaison with Marketing and the Digital Media
team.
• Research and maintain the museum’s online influencers master list.

3. To provide press campaign support to Press Officers, Senior Press Officer and Deputy Head of Press on
designated campaigns and events, and to take the lead on smaller campaigns:

• Researching and clearing exhibition images for press use.

• Organising and providing support at press views and launches.
• Deputising for press officers when necessary and taking accurate notes at meetings.
• Supporting and participating in campaign activities such as organising photoshoots.
• Developing media angles and pitching to journalists.
• With support, devising press campaign plans for designated projects, such as displays and the V&A
Friday Lates programme.

4. To develop awareness of and appropriate relationships with members of the media.

5. To manage temporary staff as required.

6. Be committed to health and safety and ensure familiarity with all of the museum's health and safety
policies and procedures.

7. Be security conscious, ensure familiarity and co-operation with all museum security procedures and
ensure you wear a security pass at all times when on museum premises.

8. Promote equality and diversity in all aspects of your work by developing and maintaining positive
working relationships, ensuring that colleagues are treated fairly and with respect/dignity and actively
contributing to developments that support the museum’s strategy for widening access, inclusion and
diversity.

9. Carry out other ad-hoc duties as required by your manager.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential requirements

1. Experience of working in a busy office.

2. Excellent organisational and administrative skills.

3. Excellent communication skills with the ability to be confident, patient and articulate when
communicating at all levels, particularly with members of the public and journalists.

4. Good typing and IT skills.

5. Demonstrable passion for art and design.

6. The ability to attend early morning starts and late evenings when required.

Desirable requirements

1. Experience of working within a Communications office, or in the media.

2. Experience of using social media platforms effectively for professional use.

3. Knowledge of photograph and film editing software.

4. Familiarity with copyright law.

OTHER INFORMATION

Hours/Salary:
Net working hours (i.e. excluding meal breaks) are 36 per week.
The salary for this role is £22, 227 per annum. Salaries are reviewed on an annual basis.

Annual leave:
28 days plus 8 days public holidays

Pension benefits:
You will be auto enrolled into the museum’s Group Personal Pension Scheme and have the opportunity on
completion of Probation to an enhanced pension provision, including an employer contribution of 10%.

Other benefits include:

Non-contributory life assurance policy (to value of 4 x annual salary)
An interest free season ticket or bicycle loan is available after three months
Free entrance to all the major museums and exhibitions in London as well as many others
Subsidised staff restaurant
Discounts on purchases in V&A shops
Childcare Voucher Scheme

Application process:

Please apply online via the V&A’s website at www.vam.ac.uk/jobs

If you are having technical difficulties applying online, please use the online chat functionality which can be
found on the bottom right hand side of the form. Alternatively, you can contact Vacancy Filler directly on
01509 236434, and quote the role reference number and your application number (if known). Please note,
Vacancy Filler are contactable, Monday – Friday between 9.00am – 5.00pm.

If you have any queries regarding the role and/or the V&A’s recruitment process, you can email us –
contacthr@vam.ac.uk or telephone us on 020 7942 2937 (Working hours Monday – Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm).

Closing date for receipt of applications is 23 July 2018.

Interview expenses will not be paid unless there is a prior agreement.