Freelance Press Support for Dyslexia Week 2021 - recruitment pack

Freelance Press
  Support for
 Dyslexia Week
      2021
 recruitment pack

About us
Now is an exciting time to join the British Dyslexia Association. We are the leading
national charity in the field of dyslexia. Operating in a fast-moving environment,
we are developing our new strategy that will take us through our 50th anniversary
in 2022. Recognised nationally and internationally as the leading dyslexia
organisation, we are ambitious to make change happen, and our dynamic,
dedicated team are working hard to build a dyslexia friendly society.

We accredit the training of dyslexic specialist teachers and promote early
identification of specific learning difficulties (SpLD) and support in schools to
ensure there is the opportunity for dyslexic pupils to learn and achieve their full
potential. We also work with employers, parents and local dyslexia associations to
raise awareness and appropriate support for individuals who experience dyslexia
and co-occurring difficulties such as dyscalculia, recognising both the challenges
they may face but also the strengths that come with thinking differently.

British Dyslexia Association exists to create a dyslexia-friendly society. We
want to be an organisation where employees from any background can thrive.
We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups, and
we’re committed to increasing representation and diversity at the charity and
in our work.

To apply
Please view the Job Description for full details of this position. We invite
applications with an up-to-date CV and cover letter explaining how your skills and
experience match our requirements, and why you would like the role. Please email
through to recruitment@bdadyslexia.org.uk

Start date: ASAP at the latest 20 September, 2021

Interviews will be conducted remotely, and will be taking place as soon as
applications are received.

For further information, please email recruitment@bdadyslexia.org.uk

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JOB DESCRIPTION
            Freelance Press Support for Dyslexia Week 2021

Purpose of Job

We are looking for freelance Press support to join us on a short term basis to take
responsibility for the delivery of our press and media activity for our national
awareness week.

This is a role which will support people with dyslexia to achieve their potential by
supporting the charity’s Marketing and Communications function, leading on the
press and media activity during our high profile annual awareness campaign,
Dyslexia Week 2021.

This is the perfect role for someone who can work independently to secure
coverage in a range of media outlets, both online, offline as well as broadcast
(radio, TV etc.).

The ideal candidate will be someone proactive, with the ability to get great press
and media coverage, will have a good existing media contact network, knows how
to write compelling copy and is a confident in liaising directly with news outlets
and journalists. It would be a bonus if this person has a good understanding of
dyslexia, other neurodiversity’s and mental health, as well as an understanding /
experience of the charitable sector.

To find out more about Dyslexia Week 2021 please visit our website:

www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/support-us/awareness-events/dyslexia-awareness-
week/dyslexia-week-2021

With the role starting as soon as possible, we expect the hours to be as follows:

   •   Before 27 September: 2 days per week, 9 am – 5pm. Ideally one of these
       days should be a Thursday when the wider project planning meeting takes
       place.

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•   Week of 27 September – 1 October: 5 days per week, 9am – 5pm,
       facilitating final sell-ins and briefing BDA staff on interviews etc.
   •   Week of 4 – 10 October: 5 days per week, 9 am – 5pm. The campaign runs
       for 7 days, ideally with the 5 days being within the working week (day to be
       activity dependent) to provide on-the day support during campaign week.
   •   Week of 11 – 15 October: 2 days a week, tying up any last minute press
       activity

We are looking for freelances with the following skills:

   •   Strong copywriting skills, with a passion for storytelling
   •   A good existing media contact network
   •   Ability to create well-written Articles / Press Releases / Blogs (with
       research and context provided)
   •   Min 3 year relevant work experience
   •   A pro-active, enthusiastic personality
   •   Experience of PR Audience list management using Meltwater
   •   Experience of liaising directly with journalists and media outlets, both
       online (Buzzfeed, Huffington Post etc.) and offline
   •   Ability to work quickly, and confidently, within a small team
   •   Experience of briefing in individuals taking part in press activities
   •   Experience of working within the Charitable sector a bonus
   •   Knowledge of dyslexia, neurodiversity and mental health a bonus

Rate of pay: £150 Day Rate

Start Date: ASAP at the latest 20 September, 2021

Duration: Until Friday 15 October, 2021

Days: 2 days per week in the lead up to Dyslexia Week (4-10 October), with 5 full
days in the week immediately before (27 Sept – 1 October) and during Dyslexia
Week, including on the day support during campaign week.

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Working hours: Ideally available from 9am – 5pm during agreed working days, with
a 1 hour break for lunch.

Location: Remote

Reports to: Marketing and Communications Manager (please note the manager
based remotely, so you must be happy to work without daily face to face contact)

Key relationships

   •   CEO
   •   Marketing and Communications Manager
   •   Marketing Content Co-ordinator
   •   Head of Policy and Research
   •   Fundraising Officer

The job description is a statement of requirements at the time of writing and is not contractual. It
         should not be seen as precluding future changes after appointment to this role.

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