Communications and Events Intern

The British Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA), a leading trade body organisation representing the interests of the UK toy industry both nationally and on the world stage, is looking for an enthusiastic Communications and Events Intern. This is an excellent development opportunity for a high calibre candidate interested in gaining further experience working in a Communications and Events role. The BTHA is looking for someone to join the team on a 12-month fixed term basis.

 

The BTHA

The Association exists to represent and promote the interests of British toy manufacturers and to raise standards of practice in the industry. Today it has around 150 members ranging from international toy giants to small family-run businesses that together account for more than 80% of the UK toy market. Membership of the British Toy & Hobby Association shows the member’s commitment to adhere to the BTHA Code of Practice under the umbrella of the Lion Mark which includes rules covering ethical and safe manufacture of toys, toy safety, a ban on counterfeit goods, an assurance to market responsibly, a commitment to improving sustainability and a desire to promote the value of all play through support of the Make Time 2 Play campaign. Our members are manufacturers committed to making good quality toys in a responsible way. The BTHA also administers the Toy Trust – the industry’s charity and organises a range of events including the annual London Toy Fair.

 

The Role

As Communications and Events Intern, you will be exposed to the diverse communications platforms of the BTHA, internal member communications, the Make Time 2 Play consumer campaign, Toy Fair trade industry communications and PR, the Toy Trust (industry charity) and external communications with stakeholders and the wider industry.

 

On the events side, you will assist in the organisation and promotion of various BTHA member training seminars and events, the annual Toy Industry Awards, and our flagship event the Toy Fair – a trade exhibition taking place in January each year.

 

You will learn how to work across different teams, how to ensure delivery of a project and how the BTHA works to represent member interests. The role will require you to carry out a full range of support duties to the Communications and Events departments as well as the wider BTHA team.

Reporting directly to the Communications & Events Manager you will assist in communications with a diverse group of stakeholders and will monitor and track media activities, create press releases and newsletters, produce content for social media and other marketing materials. In addition, you will work across the other BTHA teams to gain experience in the work of the Toy Trust (industry charity), public affairs and the overall work of the Association.

 

The Candidate

Preferably a graduate, though not essential, you will have already developed a keen interest, knowledge and understanding of communications / public relations / events and be able to demonstrate strong written communication skills and social media proficiency. You should be a proactive self-starter, highly organised, creative, happy to work as part of a busy team and able to deal with multiple tasks simultaneously with a willingness to adapt to rapidly changing demands.

The ability to understand and present information will be essential along with excellent communications skills- both written and verbal- and a strong desire to build relationships and work across different teams. Experience of working within a public relations, communications, or events environment as well as the ability to use design programs would be advantageous. Most important is a keen desire to build on your current capabilities within the world of communications and events.

 

Key tasks and responsibilities:

 

· Producing the weekly membership newsletter

· Writing news articles, press releases and content for the various websites

· Helping to create presentations, briefings and reports for meetings

· Day to day communications with BTHA members

· Assisting with the organisation and promotion of various events throughout the year including member training seminars/webinars, Toy Trust activities, Industry Day, Toy Industry Awards and the annual The Toy Fair amongst other potential new events.

· Producing marketing materials for the Association, Make Time 2 Play consumer campaign and the Toy Fair

· Creating and implementing the social media schedule for the Make Time 2 Play Campaign

· Assisting with general office matters

· Assisting the wider team on ad-hoc administrative and communication tasks

 

How to apply

Please send your CV (no longer than two pages) and accompanying cover letter to [email protected] by 9th May.

Location – Central (South) London

Salary – £24,000 p.a plus benefits

Hours – Fixed 40 hour week (09:00-17:00)

Contract type – Fixed-term 12 month contract (with the possibility of a permanent role upon completion)

Interview date – Week commencing 13^th May in our London office