Executive - Health (Communications & Public Affairs)

**About Portland**

Portland is a communications and public affairs consultancy specialising in PR and corporate communications. We are a global communications agency, with offices in London, Berlin, Paris, Brussels, Washington DC, Singapore, Doha and Nairobi.

In a complex and fast-changing landscape Portland’s integrated team of research, policy, public affairs, digital and strategic communications specialists are supporting clients shape the future of health.

As our accounts continue to grow, we are looking to bolster our exceptional team. We are looking for an Executive (Account Executive) to join our health practice.

The work that we do is exciting, challenging and genuinely interesting. We work with a growing list of leading UK and international organisations from the health and wellbeing, pharmaceutical, social care and charity sectors.

Our work includes political and media campaigns for some of the most innovative treatments and solutions in the NHS today, from COVID-19 vaccines to first-time medicines for rare diseases.

**The role**

We are looking for an Executive with an interest in working on both public affairs and communications campaigns in our health practice.

You will play a supportive role to client teams, taking direction from Associate Consultants and above.

You will work across multiple accounts in the health sector, for clients based in the UK and internationally.

You will be supporting and learning from a team of consultants with unrivalled first-hand PR and public affairs experience at the highest level.

**Key responsibilities are likely to include**:

- Maintaining regular contact with clients including delivering agendas, call notes and account logistics and responding to requests
- Tracking issues in the media and politics for designated clients
- Attending client-relevant events and preparing concise and timely follow up reports
- Preparing draft materials for political and policy stakeholders such as briefings, letters and consultation responses
- Drafting press releases and other media materials such as backgrounders and briefing documents
- Selling in press releases, news stories and feature items and ensuring media lists are up to date, accurate and relevant
- Helping to organise client events such as press conferences and parliamentary roundtables
- Interviewing case studies and developing written testimonials
- Researching and sourcing information, including for new business proposals and client planning

**Requirements**:
**Person Specification Competences applicable to the post**:
**Providing a quality service**

You must:

- Have an interest and enthusiasm for the health sector and healthcare issues
- Be organised with the ability to manage your own workload across several clients and keep track of multiple actions
- Have the ability to conduct comprehensive analysis of information to tight deadlines ensuring accuracy and relevance

**Personal Effectiveness**

You must:

- Be logical, quick and flexible in the appraisal of problems
- Have the ability to present findings for publication clearly and accurately to a range of audiences
- Be proficient in the use of database and internet tools; spreadsheets, and word processing

**Team working and projects**

You must:

- Have the ability to communicate effectively and confidently with Portland colleagues, clients and other stakeholders
- Be able to take direction and report progress on your work with others
- Be able to manage projects independently when required, with limited management direction, as required

**Qualifications and skills**
- Some previous communications, public affairs, healthcare, political or research experience (intern position or 6-12 months in a relevant role) is desirable.

**What we offer in return**

Portland is a very results-drive business, with an unswerving focus on quality. To achieve this, we need to work collaboratively in a fun environment. We laugh, we strategise, we discuss, but we remember what is most important; advancing the interests of our clients, whilst advancing the careers of our people.

At Portland, we are client-centric but put people first. We have a culture where everyone is trusted

and valued in equal measure, whatever your role in the company.

Our aim is to recruit, develop and retain world class people, who come to Portland to do the best work of their careers.

We are committed to employee development and you will have the opportunity to learn from some of the most experienced people in the business.

We regularly reward and promote success, encouraging staff to take on new challenges and responsibilities to aid progression. Personal development and well-being are a key focus; there's regular training, lunch & learn sessions along with well-being workshops and activities.

Our remuneration package includes our competitive pension, private healthcare, life assurance cover and company contribution to gym membership. In addition, every permanent member of staff t