Job Description

Friendly, approachable, know your way around communications, please read on...

About the IFE

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE)

is a global professional membership body of more than 11,000 fire engineers striving to build a safer society. With over 100 years of history, the IFE is instrumental in shaping a future world that is safer from fire, awarding internationally recognised membership grades and fire-related qualifications. The IFE delivers more than 6,000 exams annually which are recognised in the UK and internationally. Managed for fire professionals by fire professionals, the IFE aims to promote, encourage and improve the science, practice and professionalism of fire engineering, acting as a beacon of established expertise and guiding the way to a fire safe future.

Main purpose of the role

To support the Marketing and Communications team to increase reach and impact of the IFE's profile by maximising positive awareness and engagement, enhancing our position as the global professional body for the fire sector.

Relationships

a. Reporting to the Marketing and Communications Manager

b. Liaison with internal stakeholders including but not limited to: CEO, Trustees, IFE staff, Branches and Volunteers

c. Liaison with external stakeholders including but not limited to; the media, customers, suppliers, sponsors, partners, regulators and advisors

Main responsibilities

.. Lead on PR activity to support the IFE's marketing and communications plan

Generate positive brand stories for global PR including press releases, feature placements and regular columns

Forward plan and manage content for the IFE's blog using this platform to react to industry news and events with opinion pieces from the organisation

Maintain IFE's media relationships, continue to develop a media list and establish relationships with editors and journalists positioning us as one of the 'go to' spokespeople for comment on our sector

Manage the reactive press enquiries service for media, handling and responding to incoming queries and requests in a timely and accurate manner

Track press coverage, establish measures and report on content coverage and engagement

Build a contact list of spokespeople for the IFE's regions to include management of official statements, articles, comments and interviews as well as utilising spokespeople for speaker opportunities at events

Produce the quarterly International Fire Professional journal including the content plan, copy creation and design

Support the wider marketing and communications team by: assisting with event preparation, attending events, producing engaging content for use across the IFE's communication channels and marketing materials, and assisting with campaign planning

Support the Marketing and Communications Manager to develop annual documents including the marketing and communications plan and the IFE's annual report

Contribute and undertake ad-hoc projects as required

Maintain and keep pace with relevant organisational developments and technologies

Assist with other duties for the department and wider institution when required

General responsibilities

Comply with all IFE policies and procedures including but not limited to those indicated in the Employee Handbook and the Health and Safety Handbook Adhere to customer service standards as required by your line manager Provide comprehensive administrative support to all areas of the organisation Contribute to the day to day running of the services in your department Liaise with internal colleagues, suppliers, external experts (including volunteers) and members as required to complete tasks Assist with general enquiries by telephone and email Manage phone calls and correspondence (e-mail, letters, packages etc.) Create and update records and databases ensuring full and accurate information is recorded Create/update/complete documents relevant to area of work, ensuring accuracy in documents and, where appropriate, ensuring that presentation (eg certificates, letters) is in line with IFE housestyle Carry out regular housekeeping concerning emails and all files held electronically on the IFE's shared drives Manage meeting agendas/arrangements/appointments/travel etc. Promote IFE in a positive manner and protect the IFE reputation Engage with, and support colleagues, wherever needed Meet performance targets as established with line manager
This is not an exhaustive list and all staff are expected to be flexible and carry out different tasks from time to time commensurate with ability and experience.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential (E) / Desirable (D)

Qualifications

Comms/marketing related degree or CIM/CIPR qualification (E)

. Media training course (D)

Knowledge and Experience

At least 2 years' experience in a similar communications role (E)

Previous experience of working in a similar media facing role and must be comfortable managing press enquiries (E)

Have a good understanding of the legal, professional and regulatory frameworks that guide PR i.e. plagiarism, data and consents, libel and defamation and advertising standards (E)

An excellent communicator (verbal and written), copywriter and proofreader with exceptional attention to detail (E)

Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to juggle various tasks and deadlines at once (E)

Previous experience of producing publications (D)

Experience of managing internal and external stakeholders at all levels (E)

Experience in B2B and B2C marketing (D)

Use of a range of marketing and communication tools such as CMS, Adobe InDesign, Canva and e-mail marketing service providers (D)

Campaign planning, social media and website management experience (D)

Use of CRM systems, particularly Microsoft Dynamics (D)

Experience of working in a busy office with a strong customer service ethos (E)

Experience in working in an international voluntary/charity sector (D)

Knowledge and understanding of GDPR (D)

Skills

Strong communication skills (E)

High standards of accuracy and attention to detail (E)

Effective organisational skills to include the ability to manage and prioritise workloads, the ability to work under pressure and be comfortable with working to deadlines (E)

Digital and multimedia marketing skills (E)

Ability to engage with key stakeholders (E)

Excellent IT skills and competent in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams) (E)

The ability to communicate effectively and in a professional manner, both written and verbally including letter writing skills, emails, face to face, telephone and video conferencing (E)

Excellent customer service skills (E)

Personal Attributes

Committed to driving improvement (E)

Keen to develop career within a growing organisation (D)

Achieve personal and developmental objectives as agreed and undertake continuing professional development as required (E)

Ability to develop and maintain strong, effective and professional working relationships (E)

A team player with a positive outlook and strong work ethic (E)

Enthusiastic, hardworking, flexible and possesses a "can-do" approach (E)

The ability to use own initiative, work independently and know when to seek advice (E)

Acts with professional integrity and confidentiality at all times (E)

Learn quickly, willingness to learn and willingness to contribute (E)

The IFE guarantee to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post. By 'minimum criteria' we mean that you must provide evidence in your application which demonstrates that you generally meet the level of qualifications, skills or experience defined in the job description and person specification.

This is a full time, permanent role with an initial probationary period of 6 months.

Normal working hours are 8:30am-4:30pm (with an hour for lunch) Monday to Friday with 33 days holiday per annum (FTE) (including bank holidays), increasing to 38 days (FTE) after 5 complete years of service. The office does close for approximately a week at Christmas and some annual leave allocation (approx. 5 days) will be required to cover this period.

After successful completion of the probation period, successful candidates are entitled to be enrolled into the company's life assurance and private medical schemes. IFE also operates a company pension scheme via NEST; employer pension contributions are 7%.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 30,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Company events Company pension On-site parking Private medical insurance
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Education:

A-Level or equivalent (required)
Experience:

Communication skills: 2 years (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 11/07/2025
Reference ID: M&C2025