Junior Press & Communications Officer

Kids Planet is an independent, family run group of nurseries providing the highest standard of nursery care across the UK.

The Junior Press & Communication Officer supports the delivery of PR, internal and external communications across Kids Planet, with a particular focus on reactive and reputation-based communications.
Working closely with the PR & Communications Manager, this role plays a key part in supporting crisis and sensitive communications activity, ensuring timely, well-managed responses and accurate record-keeping. Alongside this, the role is responsible for identifying and developing positive stories from across the organisation to support proactive PR and brand storytelling.
This is a hands-on, fast-paced role suited to someone who is highly organised, responsive and keen to develop their career in PR and communications. This role is currently based at our head office in Lymm, which will be relocating to Altrincham in early 2027.

Key Responsibilities
• Reactive & Crisis Communications Support
• Support the PR & Communications Manager in managing reactive and crisis communications activity
• Draft holding statements, media responses and internal communications for review
• Monitor incoming issues, media enquiries and escalation points, ensuring timely responses
• Maintain crisis logs, trackers and documentation with accuracy and attention to detail
• Support coordination of responses across internal stakeholders during sensitive situations
• Ensure confidential and sensitive information is handled appropriately at all times

PR & Agency Collaboration
• Act as a key day-to-day contact for the external PR agency, supporting smooth and effective collaboration
• Source, develop and coordinate "good news" stories from nurseries and central teams for PR opportunities
• Liaise with internal stakeholders and the agency to shape stories, gather information and ensure accuracy
• Contribute to campaign planning by identifying ideas, themes and opportunities aligned to business priorities
• Review and sense-check press materials drafted by the agency, ensuring alignment with brand tone, messaging and factual accuracy
• Support the management of press enquiries in collaboration with the agency, ensuring timely responses and appropriate escalation where needed

Content Creation & Positive Storytelling
• Identify, gather and develop positive news stories from nurseries and central teams
• Build a steady pipeline of "good news" content to support proactive PR and internal communications
• Write engaging content including blogs, case studies, newsletters and features
• Liaise with nursery teams to source stories, quotes and imagery

Internal Communications
• Support the delivery of internal communications across a range of channels
• Draft internal updates, announcements and engagement content
• Help ensure consistency of tone and messaging across communications

Brand & Content Support
• Ensure all content aligns with Kids Planet's tone of voice and brand guidelines
• Proofread and sense-check communications materials before approval
• Support content planning and scheduling

Team Support & Coordination
• Support the PR & Communications Manager with day-to-day workload management
• Help coordinate approvals, deadlines and content planning
• Remain flexible and responsive to emerging issues and priorities

Skills & Experience
• Experience in PR, communications or marketing
• Strong writing skills with the ability to adapt tone appropriately
• Ability to remain calm, organised and responsive in time-sensitive situations
• High level of discretion and professionalism
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills
• Proactive and willing to learn in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Key Attributes
• Calm and level-headed under pressure
• Highly organised and reliable
• Good judgement and awareness of sensitive issues
• Proactive and solutions-focused
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Enthusiastic about storytelling and communications

Kids Planet is committed to equal opportunities for all. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all our staff and children. Applications are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships