Canal jobs

GUCE Communications Manager Role

Community Energy is gaining momentum nationally, where people are increasingly coming together to take control of their own energy supplies.  Grand Union Community Energy (GUCE, pronounced “juice”) is looking to see communities along the Grand Union canal in Hertfordshire enjoy a clean and resilient energy system that benefits all.  We develop, support and promote renewable energy and energy efficiency projects for local communities from Watford to Tring, and build householder resilience by helping them reduce their bills and energy use.

We are seeking a Communications Manager for one day per week. Depending on the skills of the applicant the same individual could also cover aspects of other roles we are looking to fill.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for a person with experience in communications and marketing campaigns to join our small but expanding team. We are looking to extend reach, build our network and develop a stronger online presence across our different project areas.

The role will include the development and execution of a Communications and Marketing Strategy for the organisation.  Alongside the strategic planning of our comms work, the role will also include creating materials and content for campaigns to engage members of the public, potential partners, funders and investors.

As our Communications Manager you will play a leading role in delivering our contribution to the two-year National Lottery funded project ‘Community Energy People’.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Developing and executing a Communications and Marketing Strategy, to build GUCE's brand, support existing project events, hiring, volunteer opportunities, and initiatives.

• Assisting the Development Officer and PM in communications to stakeholders and the public for projects, using the REGEN guide as the basis.

• Ensuring a steady flow of social media content that supports our projects and campaigns, on various platforms; mainly Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

• Creating and sharing engaging content, including text images and videos that promote GUCE and its key values. This may include attending in-person events on occasion to capture content.

• Ensuring that the social media strategy aligns with GUCE goals and values 

• Being aware of current social media trends and evaluating how GUCE can best participate

• Monitoring client engagement and interacting with clients and local groups on social media posts and platforms

• Creating on and offline materials, including blogs, leaflets, explainers, case studies, and FAQs to support our community engagement and fundraising work

• Working with the rest of the team to create materials that support the development of local Community Energy initiatives

• Undertaking website updates

• Producing a quarterly newsletter using Mailchimp, including news and gathering images from the wider team

• Setting up and running events and online meetings in various formats

• Providing regular written and verbal updates to the Board and other team members

• Advocating for the organisation's mission and objectives to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency adoption within the community.

Skills & Experience

Required

• You will have worked in an environment where you have developed a good command of communications/campaign management.

• Proven experience of delivering successful social media campaigns.

• Strong creative mindset.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Canva, and knowledge of multiple online marketing channels and scheduling platforms such as  Meta Business Suite.

• Exceptional organisation and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others, combining professionalism and warmth.

• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

• Ability to initiate conversations with various stakeholders, work as part of a team, and develop collaborations and partnerships.

• A commitment or interest in sustainability.

• A commitment to diversity and anti-discriminatory practice.

Desirable

• Knowledge of the renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors, sustainable development, and community engagement.

• Experience with the Monday platform.

• Experience of persuading, influencing and negotiating successfully with a range of stakeholders and an understanding of how to engage with a range of diverse audiences.

• Understanding of social media analytics, SEO and Google analytics for impact measurement.

• Photography skills.

• Videography/Video editing skills for social media.

Terms and Conditions

Salary: Pro-rated salary for 1 day per week, £7,000 to £9,500 per annum (£34,000 to £47,000 full time equivalent) depending on experience plus 3% pension contribution.

Hours: 1 day per week (7.5 hours). The working hours can be flexible.

Location: Home-working, ideally within the GUCE catchment area from Watford to Tring.

You will need to travel to meet stakeholders, attend relevant meetings and visit potential sites. You may be called upon to work outside office hours.

Contractual arrangements: 12 months fixed term with the opportunity to extend, subject to 3 months’ probation.

There is a notice period of four weeks from both sides

Holidays: The equivalent of 28 days per annum excluding Bank Holidays, pro-rata for the part-time nature of the post.

Reporting to: John Bell, Chair

Start date: As soon as possible

Equal opportunities 

We actively encourage people of all backgrounds, ages, races, religions, belief systems, sexual orientations and gender identities to apply for this role. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups. We are working towards being a Disability Confident employer and are open to discussing how best to make that work with our successful candidate.

We are committed to offering an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. Please let us know if you have a disability (as defined under the Equality Act, 2010) that you would like to declare. Please also let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments that we can make to ensure that the application process is as accessible to you as possible.

How to apply

Please apply via Charity Job.

Closing date:

19.8.2025 by 23:30

If you have any questions regarding the role or your application please get in touch via the email address on the GUCE website.

Funding for this role is provided through the Community Energy People Project 

Thanks to National Lottery players, Community Energy Pathways has been awarded £1.5M from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK, to deliver its Community Energy People project over three years. The Community Energy People project will enable 11 community energy groups across 11 counties to employ people for the first time, recruit more volunteers and deliver more projects, and faster. The new workforce will represent our diverse community. Community Energy Pathways will provide training and mentoring to those groups, as well as governance, HR and marketing support.  

GUCE Project Manager Role

Community Energy is gaining momentum nationally, where people are increasingly coming together to  take control of their own energy supplies.  Grand Union Community Energy (GUCE, pronounced “juice”) is looking to see local communities along the Grand Union canal in Hertfordshire enjoy a clean and resilient energy system that benefits all.  We develop, support and promote renewable energy and energy efficiency projects for communities from Watford to Tring, and build householder resilience by helping them reduce their bills and energy use.

We are seeking a Project Manager for two days a week, to help develop the opportunities that are forthcoming. Depending on the skills of the applicant the same individual could also cover aspects of other roles we are looking to fill.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for a person with experience in project management to join our small but expanding team. The Project Manager for Community Energy will be responsible for converting opportunities for local renewable energy generation and energy efficiency projects into reality. They will take projects from concept, through funding and construction to management.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Deliver new potential projects, such as opportunities with Watford industrial units:

  • Work with technical specialists to assess the energy needs of the community, including energy demand, infrastructure, and renewable energy potential (solar, wind, biomass, etc.).

  • Identify and engage stakeholders (local authorities, local organisations, energy providers, and residents).

• For new and existing projects: 

  • Develop and monitor an overall plan to realise projects including timelines, budgets, resources and risk management strategies in conjunction with the Development Officer / Project teams.

  • Manage share offers.

  • Communication with potential local investors.

  • Manage paperwork.

  • Ensure the projects are realised rather than remaining just good ideas.

  • Work with others to manage cross-functional teams, including installers, contractors, and local community leaders.

  • Coordinate with local authorities, regulatory bodies, and partners to ensure compliance with regulations and standards.

  • Foster a collaborative environment with all project team members.

  • Develop and manage project budgets, ensuring all costs are tracked, controlled, and aligned with available funding.

  • Work in partnership with the installer to oversee the procurement of materials, equipment, and services necessary for the project.

  • Track the progress of energy projects against objectives, milestones, and KPIs (key performance indicators).

  • Regularly report to stakeholders, funding agencies, and community members on project status and outcomes in collaboration with Project teams and Comms.

  • Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.

Skills & Experience

Required

• Attitude: The successful candidate will be a self-starter with enthusiasm, flexibility, and motivation.

• Project Management: Strong skills in planning, budgeting, risk management, and delivering projects on time and within budget.

• Communication: Ability to effectively communicate energy topics to diverse audiences, including community members, government officials, and technical teams.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to work with various stakeholders, from community members to local authorities and private companies.

• Problem Solving: Creative thinking to address local challenges with regards to renewable energy projects.

• Diversity: A commitment to diversity and anti-discriminatory practice.

• Commitment or interest in sustainability.

Desirable:

• Technical Knowledge: Understanding of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.

• Sector Knowledge: Familiarity with relevant policies, regulations, and funding mechanisms in the energy sector.

Experience: 

Experience in community engagement and project management is key, with that in renewable energy projects desirable.

In this role, the project manager serves as a bridge between technical experts, local communities, and other stakeholders, ensuring that energy solutions are not only sustainable and innovative but also beneficial and accessible to all involved.

Terms and Conditions

Salary: Pro-rated salary for 2 days per week, £13,000 to £19,000 per annum (£34,000 to £47,000 full time equivalent) depending on experience plus 3% pension contribution.

Hours: 2 days per week (15 hours). The working hours can be flexible.

Location: Home-working, ideally within the GUCE catchment area from Watford to Tring.

You will need to travel to meet stakeholders, attend relevant meetings and visit potential sites. You may be called upon to work outside office hours.

Contractual arrangements: 12 months fixed term with the opportunity to extend, subject to 3 months’ probation.

There is a notice period of four weeks from both sides.

Holidays: The equivalent of 28 days per annum excluding Bank Holidays, pro-rata for the part-time nature of the post.

Reporting to: John Bell, Chair

Start date: As soon as possible

Equal Opportunities

We actively encourage people of all backgrounds, ages, races, religions, belief systems, sexual orientations and gender identities to apply for this role. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups.

We are working towards being a Disability Confident employer and are open to discussing how best to make that work with our successful candidate. We are committed to offering an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. Please let us know if you have a disability (as defined under the Equality Act, 2010) that you would like to declare. Please also let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments that we can make to ensure that the application process is as accessible to you as possible.

How to apply

Please apply via Charity Job.

Closing date:

19.8.2025 by 23:30

If you have any questions regarding the role or your application please email via the address on the GUCE website.

Funding for this role is provided through the Community Energy People Project 

Thanks to National Lottery players, Community Energy Pathways has been awarded £1.5M from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK, to deliver its Community Energy People project over three years. The Community Energy People project will enable 11 community energy groups across 11 counties to employ people for the first time, recruit more volunteers and deliver more projects, and faster. The new workforce will represent our diverse community. Community Energy Pathways will provide training and mentoring to those groups, as well as governance, HR and marketing support.