About MyCommunityDefib
MyCommunityDefib is a community-driven initiative that helps neighbourhoods install publicly accessible defibrillators (AEDs) to improve survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest. The concept launched successfully in the Netherlands and Sweden, where it has supported hundreds of local crowdfunding campaigns and helped save lives.We recently launched in the UK and are building momentum across local communities, schools, sports clubs, businesses and charities. MyCommunityDefib is an initiative of AED360-ProCardio, Europe's largest Philips AED distributor, who will be your client for this assignment.
The Role
We are looking for a freelance PR Manager to drive media coverage for MyCommunityDefib across the UK.You'll focus primarily on local and regional media, stepping up to national coverage when a story genuinely warrants it. Working closely with campaign organisers and the MyCommunityDefib team, you'll identify compelling stories, secure media coverage and help raise awareness of the importance of publicly accessible defibrillators.
Your work will focus on three key storylines:
- The project itself - raising awareness of MyCommunityDefib and the wider mission of creating heart-safe communities.
- Active campaigns - helping local fundraisers attract donors, supporters and visibility within their own communities.
- Success stories - celebrating completed campaigns, newly installed AEDs and, where appropriate, stories that demonstrate the impact of having a defibrillator close by.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a rolling PR plan focused on local and regional UK media, with national outreach where appropriate.
- Pitch stories to journalists, editors and media outlets, building and maintaining strong media relationships.
- Work with the MyCommunityDefib team to identify newsworthy opportunities and shape campaigns with PR in mind from the outset.
- Interview campaign organisers, supporters and community stakeholders to capture stories, testimonials and quotes.
- Write press releases, media briefings and supporting PR materials.
- Identify compelling human-interest angles within ongoing campaigns and act quickly when local stories emerge.
- Coordinate photography and gather visual assets to support media coverage.
- Monitor media coverage and provide concise monthly reporting on activity, results and future opportunities.
- Maintain a proactive pipeline of stories and media opportunities to ensure consistent visibility for the initiative.
About You
* Proven PR experience with a strong track record of securing coverage in UK print, online and broadcast media. * You understand instinctively what makes an editor say yes - and know how to shape a story so it earns coverage. * Existing relationships with local, regional and community media contacts would be highly advantageous. * Native English speaker with excellent written and verbal communication skills. * Comfortable interviewing people from all backgrounds and drawing out the human side of a story. * Strong storytelling skills and an ability to identify newsworthy angles. * Self-starter who can work independently and manage their own workload. * Affinity with community, health or charitable causes would be advantageous.Practical Details
- Freelance role.
- Approximately 10–15 hours per month, with flexibility depending on campaign activity and media opportunities.
- Fully remote.
- UK-based.
- Reporting to the MyCommunityDefib UK team.
- Rate to be agreed based on experience.
To Apply
Please send:
- A short introduction.
- Your CV and/or portfolio.
- Two or three examples of media coverage you have secured, ideally in local or regional media.
Applications should be sent to Carolien Rintel, HR manager, c.rintel@procardio.nl.
To give you a better understanding of MyCommunityDefib, the communities we support and the types of stories you'll be helping to share, please explore the links below.