Communications Officer

About the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE)

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) is a global professional membership body with over 11,000 members working toward a safer society. With a legacy of more than 100 years, we lead in awarding internationally recognised qualifications and promoting excellence in fire engineering. Each year, we deliver over 6,000 exams recognised both in the UK and internationally.

We’re managed by fire professionals, for fire professionals—serving as a trusted voice, an educational body, and a source of global expertise in fire safety.

Role Overview

We’re looking for a friendly, approachable, and communications-savvy professional to join our Marketing and Communications team. As a Communications Officer, you’ll support and deliver PR and media activities to boost the IFE’s visibility, grow engagement, and reinforce our role as the leading professional body for the global fire sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on PR activity and media relations, including proactive story generation, press releases, and handling reactive press enquiries

• Plan and manage content for the IFE blog with timely, relevant posts responding to industry trends

• Build and maintain media relationships; grow a contact list of journalists and editors

• Coordinate and track media coverage, creating regular engagement reports

• Develop and manage a spokesperson contact list for global regions

• Produce the quarterly International Fire Professional journal from content planning to design

• Support event planning and marketing campaign delivery

• Assist with the annual Marketing and Communications Plan and the IFE Annual Report

• Engage with colleagues and volunteers, offering content support for various communication channels

• Support the organisation with ad hoc communications and admin tasks as needed

Essential Criteria

• Degree in communications, marketing, or related field, or CIM/CIPR qualification

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a similar communications or media-facing role

• Strong writing, proofreading, and verbal communication skills

• Understanding of media law (libel, consent, advertising standards)

• Experience managing press enquiries and relationships

• Excellent organisational skills with ability to handle multiple deadlines

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office and digital communications platforms

• Customer service-focused, with strong stakeholder engagement skills

• Keen attention to detail and commitment to high standards

Desirable Criteria

• Experience producing publications or B2B/B2C marketing campaigns

• Skills in Adobe InDesign, Canva, CMS platforms, email marketing tools

• Experience with CRM systems, ideally Microsoft Dynamics

• Understanding of GDPR and voluntary/charity sector operations

Personal Attributes

• Positive, proactive, and flexible approach

• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to manage multiple stakeholders

• Enthusiastic and committed to professional growth

• Acts with integrity and confidentiality

Benefits

•  33 days holiday (including bank holidays), rising to 38 days after 5 years

•  Christmas office closure

•  Private medical insurance (post-probation)

•  Life assurance scheme

•  Company pension (7% employer contribution via NEST)

•  Free on-site parking

•  Company events & additional leave

Working Schedule

• Monday to Friday

• 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (with 1-hour lunch break)

• Based in person at IFE headquarters

Equal Opportunities Statement

The IFE is committed to equal opportunity. We guarantee an interview to any applicant with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria outlined in the person specification.