Make the world your office: Rare opportunity to join the Clipper Race PR team

“The first question I was asked after joining the Clipper Race team was whether or not I wanted to travel to Brazil,” recalls Julia Wall-Clarke, the Clipper Race PR Manager. “Of course I said yes. During the last year I've worked in Brazil, Australia, Singapore, Jamaica and New York, and that was only half the stopovers. I’ll need a new passport before the next race starts.”

Record numbers of people followed the exploits of Clipper 2013-14 Race around the world. The PR team placed around 8,000 separate news items trebling the reach of the event over the previous edition, creating nearly four billion opportunities to see coverage in more than 140 countries. Countless more engaged through social media, and the aim is to boost audience figures further still in the next race.

“Aside from the travel aspect, and the challenge of planning media events in far flung destinations, juggling time zones and working long days, the most interesting part of this job is the fact you get to work with such incredibly inspiring people,” Julia continues. ”Our crew are so diverse and interesting, and all have such different reasons behind their decision to join the race. From a media perspective they provide so many unique and inspirational storytelling opportunities.

“Of course, it is not all play. When the race is on, teams are in action 24/7 so you are always effectively on call if something happens. Stopovers are incredibly fast paced and we’re certainly never on the beach, working on our suntans as most of my friends believe. You spend a lot of time away from home, and the race team will work all night on many occasions as the boats arrive into port at all hours, but I’d still rather be out on a pontoon in Jamaica at 3:00am than stuck in the office nine to five. This is no ordinary sailing race, and this is certainly no ordinary day job.”

Those thinking of applying for the PR Officer role should have a minimum of three years journalistic or PR experience within a relevant media organisation or department, and possess excellent research, writing and reporting skills, demonstrate an ability to work quickly under pressure and have a good working knowledge of digital and social media.

Experience of sailing is desirable but not essential however, the ability to learn the job quickly and to identify and pitch stories in a timely fashion is vital. Experience of placing lifestyle, sports and/or business stories is an advantage and the ability to write creative and engaging copy is paramount.

Candidates must be motivated self-starters with the ability to work on their own initiative. The nature of the biennial race demands extensive weekend and out of hours working. A sense of adventure and enjoyment of physical and mental challenges is imperative. PR team members will undergo basic Clipper Race on-water training to provide experience and insights into ocean racing demands, principles and nomenclature.

Known as one of the world’s toughest endurance challenges, less people have circumnavigated the planet than have climbed Mount Everest. 40% of crew members have no sailing experience prior to signing up, ensuring a wide range of ages, backgrounds and occupations are represented on the race crew.

The closing date for applications for the PR Officer role is this Friday, 28 November, 2014. Click here to read the full job listing, and find out how to apply.

Candidates must be available for interview during the first week of December, at the Clipper Ventures HQ in Gosport, Hampshire.