The Royal Institute of International Affairs is an independent policy institute based in London. Our mission is to help improve international relations in pursuit of a secure, sustainable, prosperous, and just world. We do this through original research and by convening discussion, supported by our central teams and our global network of fellows.

The Press Officer will engage with journalists from across the UK and around the world on major international issues, helping to raise the profile of our research, events and experts.

You will bring an understanding of how to work effectively with high-level media and be keen to play a part in getting our experts’ voices heard.

Key Responsibilities

• Being the main frontline contact for the press office by responding to and triaging media enquiries, setting up interviews, managing media logistics for events and closely monitoring all media coverage of Chatham House.

• Overseeing the distribution of regular mail-outs (press releases, diary notes and invitations) to journalists, and working to make our outreach more targeted and effective.

• Ensuring our media contact lists and databases are regularly updated and relevant to support our events and projects.

• Working closely with our research teams and many experts, assisting with major events, helping with key messaging sessions, press briefings and pitches, managing interviews and filming logistics and assisting with media training sessions and presentations.

• With press team colleagues, finding opportunities for press coverage around our events and research publications, including drafting press releases and pitching in op-eds and commentary.

• Monitoring, tracking and collating details and data on our global media coverage in daily, weekly and periodic reports and assisting in compiling reports for senior management.

• With the team and Comms colleagues, use forward planning tools to help in the creation of our weekly communications grid which informs our work across the house.

• With the Head of Media, examine better ways of working internally to identify opportunities and strategically plan for projects, including exploring ways to use AI tools in our day-to-day work.

• Willingness to cover the press office out of hours rota and support occasional evening events.

• Actively support the delivery of Chatham House's EDI strategy.

Person Specification

Essential qualifications and experience:

• You will be an enthusiastic team member with strong interpersonal and diplomacy skills, a steady temperament, and an appetite for building positive relationships with journalists and colleagues.

• You are a self-aware, confident communicator able to adapt your communication style accordingly, build trust and to clarify complex information.

• Experience of dealing successfully with media, planning and carrying out campaigns, and working in a busy press office.

• Proven track record in getting positive results in media and dealing regularly with journalists, researchers, producers and broadcast staff.

• A passionate interest in current affairs, international relations and media.

• The ability to work calmly under pressure, and to react swiftly and tactically to competing deadlines and a fast-moving news agenda.

• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, a keen attention to detail and interest in improving systems and processes.

• Ability to take initiative, think imaginatively and plan strategically.

• An understanding of digital media databases, monitoring and support systems.

• An interest in and willingness to use and adapt Artificial Intelligence tools to help manage workload and processes.

Desirable skills and experience:

• Interest in digital media with technical experience would be welcome.

• Experience of working in an international environment.

• Fluency in one or more languages in addition to English.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics. We encourage applications from all backgrounds. If there is anything we can do to improve your experience or support you, please get in touch with HR@Chathamhouse.org.