Open Rights Group

Home Communications Consultant (contract)

Communications Consultant (contract)

  • Salary: 50,000 pro rata (3 or 4 days a week); 
  • Location: Nationwide (home-based/remote). Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK.
  • Duration: 6 months – 16 March 2023 
  • Deadline for Applications: ASAP / Before 11 November; interviews will take place on a rolling basis
  • Interview Dates: interviews will take place on a rolling basis
  • Start Date: ASAP

Role

We are looking for a talented and creative Communications Consultant with a passion for Human Rights and Civil Liberties, and an ability to produce engaging copy across a range of channels and formats to help us communicate ORG policy positions using inclusive and accessible language. 

The successful candidate will write opinion pieces on behalf of ORG staff for a variety of outlets, assist policy team in producing briefings for Parliamentarians and others, produce blogs covering our diverse policy portfolio and campaign activities, write press releases and help co-ordinate our relationships with the print and broadcast media. 

About the Open Rights Group

ORG is the UK’s premier data and digital rights campaigning organisation. Founded in 2005, we have over 20,000 members and supporters and 10 local groups across the UK. Our remote team is spread across the UK with a small office in Scotland. 

We uphold human rights like free expression and privacy. We condemn and work against repressive laws or systems that deny people these rights. 

  1. We DEFINE emerging harms and abuses through our research and investigation
  2. We MOBILISE our members and supporters across the UK through our public campaigns
  3. We EQUIP civil society partners to incorporate digital advocacy into their work through our coalition building
  4. We PERSUADE allies and adversaries through our policy advocacy
  5. We CONFRONT threats to our fundamental rights through our litigation 

We campaign, lobby, go to court – whatever it takes to build and support a movement for freedom in the digital age. We work across three main areas: 

  • Combating Big Tech and Platform Power
  • Combating State Intrusion into Rights Online
  • Promoting the Rights of Vulnerable, Marginalised and Minority Communities against Digital Threats 

How to Apply 

To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter (no longer than 2 sides of A4) setting out how you are suited to the role by emailing recruitment@openrightsgroup.org as soon as practical, latest 11 November

Please ensure that your email has the subject heading ‘ Communications Consultant’ and that all attachments are sent in PDF format. 

Interviews for short-listed candidates will be held online.

Key Contacts

The Communications Consultant will be directly managed by the Executive Director. They will work closely with colleagues across the organisation, will play a key role in the execution of ORG’s Policy, campaigning, membership, fundraising, and strategic communications functions. 

Key Responsibilities

  • Draft and distribute press releases with the aim of securing coverage for ORG’s policies and campaigns 
  • Writing opinion pieces on behalf of ORG staff for a variety of outlets 
  • Write blogs on a variety of ORG issues 
  • Handle and co-ordinate print and broadcast media inquiries
  • Proactively pitching ORG stories and issues to press and broadcast media 
  • Assist colleagues (especially the policy and litigation team) in writing briefings for parliamentarians and others 
  • Work with colleagues across the organisation to conceptualize and implement communications strategies and campaigns 
  • Conduct media monitoring, when required
  • Keep abreast of developments of human and digital rights 

Person Specification

CRITERIA

Essential:

  • Excellent copywriting skills for digital content, such as blogs and online opinion pieces
  • Experience of working in press or communications roles
  • Exceptional attention to detail to deliver high quality and accurate content. 
  • Able to work independently and as part of a team. 
  • Ability to think strategically and identify ways to improve communication efforts. 
  • Ability to work under pressure.
  • A well-organised person, able to show your ability to initiative, monitor, prioritise, and complete projects.
  • A good understanding of communications, public relations and marketing best practice. 
  • Excellent networking skills 
  • A good understanding of the print and broadcast media landscape 
  • A good understanding of Westminster and Whitehall ecosystem 
  • A high degree of self-motivation.

Desirable:

  • Experience in journalism 
  • Knowledge of human and digital rights issues and campaigns

Length and Salary 

This is a temporary contract for six months. 

The annual salary is 50,000 pro rata (3 or 4 days a week). The position will be home-based, though travel into London may be required on occasions. 

Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK. 

ORG is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that a diverse and inclusive team working in a supportive environment is vital to the success of our work. We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as well as from LGB, Trans and non binary candidates.