Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) is one of the UK's leading marine conservation and campaigning charities. Our mission is simple: to Create Ocean Activists Everywhere. Our projects and campaigns inspire, unite and empower individuals and communities to take action to protect our ocean, beaches, waves and wildlife. Our vision, Thriving Ocean, Thriving People, is about connecting all humans to the ocean and creating communities of people who want to make real change happen. We support and empower people to campaign together as the authentic voice of the ocean.

The organisation was founded in 1990 and became a charity in 2013. The charity is made up of a board of 11 trustees, an executive team of 21, 200+ Regional Reps and over 100,000 active volunteers around the UK. The charity also founded and runs the only marine conservation All Party Parliamentary Group in Westminster – the Ocean Conservation APPG, bringing together a collaborative voice for ocean in Westminster.

The charity has recently confirmed the Patronage of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and 2020 sees the start of the new decade and an opportunity for the charity to reflect on a 30 year legacy of high-impact environmental campaigning, and look forward to further establish itself as one of the most authentic and trusted voices in marine conservation. The year marks the start of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, and the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration which provides us with a powerful external frame to continue to develop and deliver our campaigns. In 2020, we will begin a decade devoted to the ocean, redoubling our efforts to mobilise volunteers, collect citizen science, influence legislation and diversify our campaign efforts. We will develop clear goals and a roadmap of campaigns to protect the ocean.

The latest annual report and accounts can be accessed through the Charity Commission.

Community and Values

The ever-growing SAS community believes in staying connected with the ocean. To strengthen this bond, we live by four core values, which matter deep down, to us all.

• Open: Together, we’re passionate, down to earth campaigners, born out of the community, with a deep unrelenting love of the ocean. We believe in building diverse, inclusive and active communities.
• Dynamic: We are dynamic, radical, active, energetic doers and campaigners. From the beaches to the front benches, we bring people together, empowering them to get stuck in and make real change happen.
• Authentic: We are human, doing our best. When we don’t get things right, we learn from it. We believe in authenticity. You can’t fake trust. We are deeply connected to and motivated by the ocean.
• Creative: We are creative and entrepreneurial. We move fast, think far and believe the future is bright. From our humble home, we make waves (of all shapes and sizes) to improve our greatest gift. A healthy ocean = a healthy society.

The Role and Opportunity

Proactive communication is the most important driver of our campaign impact, positioning, audience acquisition and fundraising potential.

We need someone with an eye for an ocean story, has their finger on the pulse of environmental stories, knows the pace of a breaking story, and can plan and deliver a campaign with precision. Someone who brings their instinctive understanding and technical experience of communications to enhance our high impact campaigns to protect the ocean.

You will have a strong appreciation of grassroots movements and the convening power of ‘open environmental campaign brands’ in delivering impact and change, whilst maintaining brand authenticity and cohesion. You will know how to position an organisation at a national and international level.

We need an energetic, committed and strategic individual, with great experience of turning communications strategy into real impact.

We are a small, agile team with the ability to deliver big and you will need to be collaborative, inspirational and decisive. You will be skilled at empowering teams to create and deliver consistently bold and brilliant content efficiently in house. We are a practical charity, and you will be able to roll up your sleeves, write, create content and work on tight timeframes, capacity and budgets.

You will have a strong appreciation for the platforms and systems that can support taking our communication offer to the next level and you will help identify and implement these as needed.

Importantly, you will understand how digital tools can help influence the debate to bring about change and grow our supporter base. You will have a strong grasp of environmental issues, spot opportunities, and understand how to engage and mobilise new audiences at this crucial time for our environment.

This new role with the charity will be both strategic and hands on, delivering trackable and meaningful uplift on a powerful existing communications ecosystem. The main responsibilities are outlined below but this is not a definitive list and it will change and evolve over time.

Responsibilities

General

• Review and map the SAS communications ecosystem and network;
• Lead the development and implementation of SAS’s communications (& marketing) strategy;
• Oversee digital comms ecosystem – E-newsletters, website, social media platforms;
• Grow our audience share and brand awareness;
• Line manage the Digital Communications Officer;
• Provide dotted-line communication management and support across the team;
• Support the CEO to appoint and manage a PR agency;
• Ensure our campaigns are aligned with external communication opportunities;
• Manage the budget and forecasting for marketing and communications;
• Develop an ambassador’s programme.

Brand Management

• Oversee all aspects of the SAS brand including copywriting; image & film management; IP; events, office and physical spaces; partnerships;
• Create and implement a consistent tone of voice and brand representation;
• Work with the campaigns team and CEO on M&C Saatchi (pro bono) annual flagship campaign.

Communications and Public Relations

• Lead the re-development of the SAS website and ensure that it is properly maintained by the heads of each department;
• Support the campaigns team and curate communications for major campaign launches and community activations;

• Curate, manage and cultivate social media platforms and audiences - Facebook; Instagram; Twitter; LinkedIn; Wikipedia;
• PR – Work alongside PR agency. Proactive and reactive news responses; planning; press releases and sell-in; media relationships; media monitoring and reporting; inbound enquiries; supporting CEO voice;
• Media Training - supporting the team to excel in representing the charity (from copywriting to media appearances);
• Track, monitor and communicate our reach and impact.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• To adopt a positive approach to personal and professional development;
• To be aware of, and act on, relevant governance responsibilities and requirements as an employee of SAS and adhere to these wherever you are working;
• To maintain confidentiality in all areas of work at SAS;
• To work with the broader SAS team and to perform any other duties as are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the post;
• To demonstrate a strong commitment to creating an inclusive, equal and diverse workplace.

Personal Specification

• Thrives in a fast-paced campaigning environment and has flexibility and agility in approach where necessary;
• Ideally has experience of working both agency and client side;
• Ideally has experience of campaigning within the charity sector;
• An agile, flexible leader able to inspire others to act;
• Develops open and collaborative relationships, able to delegate and empower;
• Possesses excellent communication, interpersonal and diplomacy skills;
• Deals with conflict and pressure maturely and rationally;
• Experienced in dealing with hostile audiences and firefighting digital attacks;

• Works positively to address challenging personal and organisational goals, taking responsibility for resolving problems;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Adept at engaging a variety of cross-sectorial stakeholders and managing diverse relationships.

Knowledge and Passion for the Cause

• Is passionate about marine conservation and the wider environment;
• Fully supports the aims and objectives of the charity;
• Understands the critical role the ocean plays in current environmental challenges;
• Committed to supporting investigative work, empowering ocean activists in action and movement building.

Surfers Against Sewage values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Marketing & Communication's Officer

28 Hours per week - £26,583.20 PA

Closing date 18th November 2020 9am

Interview date 23rd November 2020

Age UK Camden is a lively independent and innovative charity providing a wide range of services and support to older people in the London Borough of Camden. In 2019-20 we supported more than 14,000 people to access services and support.

The communications & marketing officer has a vital role to play in planning and delivering communications to key stakeholders including supporters, volunteers, and staff. The post holder will initiate, write, edit, co-ordinate and publish content across various channels, including our website, social media, print and online marketing materials.

21 hours per week (open to job sharing and flexible working), £30,000 pro rata, based in Kensington & Chelsea, but home working due to COVID19, initial 12-month contract.

This is an exciting opportunity to join Young K&C as a Communications and Marketing Officer.  We are looking for someone with experience of creating and using digital content to reach new audiences and engage with diverse communities.

Young K&C is a new charity established to support children and young people in Kensington & Chelsea.  Young K&C is an innovative cross-sector partnership, working with youth clubs, charities, schools, businesses and Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea.  

The successful candidate will develop and manage high quality digital marketing campaigns to help grow the awareness and digital footprint of Young K&C and the children and youth organisations that it works with.

You will help to create content to optimise marketing presence and performance via print publications, website, social media and other online channels.

This will support Young K&C to develop new business partners and to reach new audiences including young people in Kensington and Chelsea.

This role will suit someone with experience of developing professional marketing and communications.

Interested?  Upload your CV with contact details for 2 referees and a short supporting statement (max 2 sides A4) outlining how you fulfil the person specification, by 10am on Monday 16 November 2020.

Young K&C: Communications and Admin Officer, Job Description

YOU! What will you need to do?

The key areas that you will be working on are:

• Developing and implementing campaigns and digital strategy for Young K&C
• Supporting plans to grow opportunities for membership, partnerships and income generation, including liaising with schools and businesses
• Creating professionally designed content for our website, newsletter and other publications
• Communications: promoting Young K&C and our member organisations on social media and helping with developing content for our websites
• Working with a youth steering group, and supporting them to input into the development of Young K&C

As the organisation develops, then your role is likely to adapt.

Responsibilities

Communications and Digital: 

• Develop, manage and update content for website and social media
• Promote local charities and opportunities for young people via social media
• Create engaging content for social media, including short video/GIFs
• Create and design short publications for Young K&C, including regular email updates and newsletter
• Help develop promotional materials for Young K&C

Youth Steering Group:

• Working with Young K&C’s staff team to recruit local young people to take part in a steering group for Young K&C
• Organise meetings and support for the youth steering group
• Work closely with RBKC’s youth council

YOU! What kind of person are we looking for?

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following skills or characteristics in the application. It is essential that you give evidence or examples of your experience, knowledge and skills where possible.

Excellent Communication Skills – you will have excellent communication skills, including writing skills.  You will have good attention to detail and will be able to check and proof read for accuracy.

Experience within a digital, marketing or communications role including –

• Experience of managing and developing social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok) and developing engaging content, including short videos
• Experience of using design software such as Adobe suite and Canva for digital and print design
• Content management systems and ability to adapt to new online platforms
• Understanding of SEO and paid social

Interpersonal skills – you have good interpersonal skills and some experience of engaging with a diverse group of people, including local young people.

Mucking in – working in a small team with tight resources you will enjoy helping out with getting things done.

The cause – you will be passionate about our vision to support children and young people, committed to supporting diversity and inclusion.

Flexibility – you will be able to work effectively from home and/or from our small office in Kensington and Chelsea.

This is an exciting opportunity to help a young Oxford-based charity grow understanding and use of restorative approaches. We're looking for a creative and engaging communicator who can help us strengthen our profile, engage diverse audiences and generate compelling (mainly online) content, linking restorative approaches to key policy agendas and everyday concerns.

The Head of Policy Impact and Communications is an exciting new role created at Design Council which leads our charitable mission to spread awareness of the value of design and influence for greater use of design, and to create commercial partnerships that do design and allow the organisation to thrive.

This involves:

• developing and influencing policies that promote good design and building alliances that can make the case more persuasively together
• measuring the impact and telling the story of the value of our work, and communicating/marketing our offer to create new and funded design partnerships that deliver value
• supporting delivery teams to use the best creative communication & storytelling methods as part of creating change, including harnessing & showcasing a diversity of talent within design.

The role:

• leads the Policy, Impact and Communications team, managing staff and working with external agencies
• forms part of the senior management team, along with colleagues in the delivery team and corporate services team
• reports into the Chief Design Officer, who with two other Directors and the Chief Exec lead the organisation

We are looking for someone who:

• Combines data and stories into compelling new narratives that influence policymakers and organisations to use design
• Builds relationships and alliances with other organisations with similar interests to speak with a bigger voice
• Stitches together, connects and weaves insights from our various project work, and that of the wider design sector
• Amplifies the diversity of design
• Proactively scan the horizon for influencing opportunities
• Is creative and curious in visual and digital methods
• Has an entrepreneurial mindset and can spot business opportunities which widen the use of design and our services
• Cares for the team and how they can be the best they can be

We value inclusion, equality and diversity, and we know that can only design better for all, when we bring together people from different backgrounds and perspectives. Therefore, we are actively recruiting for a diversity of candidates that reflects the ‘all’ of the society we are designing with and for. We are happy to hear about and explore reasonable adjustments that we could make which mean that the role would be attractive to a greater diversity of person. This includes the ability to work from home, flexible working,  compressed hours or other arrangements.

To apply please send a CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for this role.

The Opportunity 

We are recruiting for a Head of Communications to join us during an exciting time of our growth. The role is a new one and will sit within Breaking Barriers Senior Leadership team. They will be responsible for leading the strategic development and delivery of communications at Breaking Barriers. The role will ensure that Breaking Barriers’ reach and reputation is strengthened and protected, through clearly articulated communications to all its audiences, stakeholders, funders and corporate partners at a local and national level. This will involve working closely with the senior management team and board, to ensure that all communications activities support and align with Breaking Barriers’ 2020-22 business strategy.

The Charity 

Founded in 2015, Breaking Barriers is a fast-paced, start-up charity with a mission to help refugees gain the knowledge, confidence and experience to secure stable and fulfilling employment in their new home. 

We offer effective and flexible employment support in direct partnership with businesses that help refugees secure work, progress into better jobs, and successfully integrate into UK society. We have a unique approach, working with corporate partners to help refugees develop careers that match their skills, experience and aspirations. 

Since Breaking Barriers’ inception we have grown to support in excess of 500 refugees per year and have ambitious plans to expand this as part of our strategic plan. We concentrate on getting things done in a flexible environment where everyone is encouraged to take ownership and contribute. 

We are a team of around 30 staff supported by several hundred volunteers, who are all driven and committed to helping London’s refugee community. We are looking for similarly driven and ambitious individuals keen to join an enterprising organisation where they can benefit from the opportunity to innovate and shape the direction of the charity. Colleagues who thrive are passionate, driven and have the confidence to work autonomously while remaining team players and sharing credit with all involved. 

We are looking for someone who lives and breathes our values: 

• Mission-led: our clients come before everything else. 

• Welcoming: we want all people to feel happy, comfortable and secure with us. 

• Collaborative: we are supportive and considerate, curiously exploring other viewpoints to find solutions.

• Enterprising: we are discerningly bold, entrepreneurial and have the courage to give things a go.

The Recruitment Process 

The application deadline is 8th November, however we will be interviewing suitable candidates on an ongoing basis, so please do not wait until the deadline to submit your application. Applications without a covering letter will not be considered. 

Please note, in light of the Covid-19 outbreak, all Breaking Barriers staff are working remotely and we will be conducting all interviews virtually for the foreseeable future.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. 

Breaking Barriers particularly welcomes applicants with experience of migration and/or a refugee background. 

The Marketing & Communications Executive will work in the communications team to establish Youth Futures Foundation’s reputation as a centre of excellence in the field, with young people always front and centre.

• You will have day to day responsibility for marketing and communications activities including managing digital media; maintaining and updating the website; drafting content including press releases, newsletters, articles, writing up case-studies; implementing PR and media campaigns including pitching to journalists; producing monthly reports on web and social metrics (user traffic, online mentions, social media engagement) and identifying ways to improve engagement; fielding media inquiries; creating media lists from the database; helping to create print and digital marketing collateral; supporting events
• Ensuring coherent branding across the website, social media and printed material
• Contribute to the output of the team by identifying opportunities to improve effectiveness, seizing opportunities, anticipating risks and committed to innovation and improvement.

Role:  An exciting new communications role, putting into action our communications strategy both for Bridge 5 Mill and in the lead up to and delivery of our Community Shares Campaign for the Kindling Farm.

Background

We are at a challenging and exciting time in the life of our organisations and there has never been a more important time for us to communicate our vision, the opportunities we have to offer and the ways people can get involved. We are looking for someone with the experience, skills and energy to help us do that.

The Fairfield Group is a pioneering family of organisations based in Greater Manchester and promoting ecological and social justice through a number of activities and projects. Fairfield Environment Trust (FET) is the umbrella organisation, a registered charity that owns three delivery bodies: the Kindling Trust, Bridge 5 Mill and Fairfield Environmental Services (Fairfield Recycling). Each subsidiary focuses on a different aspect of FET’s objectives. This post would specifically focus on Bridge 5 Mill and The Kindling Trust.

Bridge 5 Mill is Manchester's first centre for sustainable living. We provide offices for a range of amazing tenants who share our vision and, we are a thriving centre and venue for many events and activities.

The Kindling Trust works to create a fairer, more sustainable society, starting with the food system. Over the last 13 years, Kindling have established and run a series of practical projects to engage people in sustainable food and farming. The next exciting stage of our development is to establish a pioneering agroforestry farm on 100 acres close to Manchester.

Six months ago, as for many organisations, our situation changed radically. We had to close Bridge 5 Mill to events and Kindling had to focus all of its resources on delivering our immediate work and, understandably in these uncertain times, some our staff moved on to new adventures. However, with our combined resources we have created a new role that we are very excited about and think works really well across the two organisations. We are looking for someone to work with us and lead on the communications strategy and implementation for our two organisations.

At Bridge 5 Mill, this role will promote our friendly, beautiful and ecologically sustainable building as a great office space and events venue. For the Kindling Trust the role will be to work with us in the lead up to and delivery of our very exciting Community Shares Campaign for our agroforestry farm.

Job Description:

Main Duties:

Bridge 5 Mill Communications Role

To develop and improve our marketing and communications resources, including:

• Improving signage, displays etc. to enhance the Mill’s appeal and functionality.
• Developing clear and professional documentation such as vacant office details, tenancy agreements and tenant handbook.
• Developing marketing and publicity materials.
• Developing a strategy to promote Bridge 5 Mill across social media platforms, including; Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

To assist the Board of Directors to rebuild, maintain and maximise income from renting empty office space and room hirers by:

• Generating content (photos, text and video) for use in publicity material and on social media, involving the Mill’s facilities, activities, events and work of our tenants.
• Ensuring the content of Bridge 5 Mill marketing and publicity and social media activity promotes Bridge 5 Mill as a unique, professional and inspiring events venue and office space.
• Ensuring all content is in line with Bridge 5 Mill and Fairfield Environment Trust policies (including; FET aims and objectives and Bridge 5 Mill equalities and sustainable procurement policies).
• Distributing publicity, posters and flyers for Bridge 5 Mill, and organised or co-promoted events.
• Working with hire customers of Bridge 5 Mill, tenants, partner organisations and individuals to promote their events and projects across social media, and to support the aims and objectives of Bridge 5 Mill.

Kindling Trust Communications Role

To support the Board of Directors with the promotion of the Kindling Trust, its partners and the Kindling Farm’s Community Shares Campaign.

The following tasks being carried out in the next few months:

• Printing promotional materials (e.g. business cards, leaflets, T-Shirts, newsletter, the community shares prospectus and materials for our sister co-op Veg Box People).
• Getting our vans wrapped (Kindling, Veg Box People and Manchester Veg People).
• Organising stall materials and props including banners and pull ups.
• Editing existing video footage to create a series of shorts
• Improving the signage for our Woodbank Community Food Hub project

The role will also involve a number of regular tasks including:

• Co-ordinating the content for our E-news.
• Distributing the monthly E-news.
• Writing or co-ordinating content for our website, including a ‘Latest News’ once a fortnight.
• Promoting of our activities and events through social media.

Additionally this role will promote our Kindling Farm Community Shares Campaign, working with the Kindling team to:

• Organise a programme of talks to local groups, regional and national events etc. leading up to and during the campaign.
• Organise stalls at relevant events.
• Promote the campaign through social media (including the video shorts created).

General responsibilities of this post

• Reporting progress to the Fairfield Environment Trust’s Board of Trustees.
• Reflecting the Fairfield Group’s vision and principles, strategy and policies at all times.
• Be aware of and complying with all relevant policies and procedures.
• Fulfilling such other duties and assignments as may be required from time to time.
• Working with the Fairfield Group Finance Worker to manage the communications budget.

Visionary is a UK wide membership organisation for local independent charities that support blind and partially sighted people. We provide a wide range of support to enable our members to be the best they can be - visit our website for more details on what we do or ask one of our members!

All Visionary posts are UK wide and full time. We are a home-based team with frequent travel and overnight stays (obviously not just now!). 

You will be an experienced communicator, resilient, curious, open to change, creative and innovative - with an eye for detail.

Please note that this in not an entry level job – so, before applying please check your current experience in relation to what we are looking for.  To find out more visit our website.

Closing Date: 9am Monday 2 November

Interviews: 9 and 10 November  

We hope the successful candidate will be able to join our (virtual) annual flagship conference on 18/19/20 November for at least some of the time!

Good luck!

Role: Communications Officer - National Advisory Council  (Part-time)

Reports to: Chair of the NAC, Deputy Chair in Chair’s absence

Contract Type: Self-employed (home-based)

Hours & Rate of Pay: £17.50 per hour/approx 40 hours p/mth flexible to the needs of the job. 

Purpose of the Role

To undertake a thorough and comprehensive review of the NAC’s communication

To provide ongoing comprehensive, efficient and cost-effective communications support to members of the Thalidomide Trust’s National Advisory Council (NAC).

The Thalidomide Trust was established in 1973 to provide ‘relief and assistance’ (including financial support) to individuals born with disabilities caused by Thalidomide, a drug manufactured by the Distillers Company (Biochemicals) Ltd in the UK and used by pregnant mothers in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

The Trust currently support 459 individuals aged between 54 and 61, with a range of physical disabilities including limb damage, hearing and visual impairment, musculoskeletal problems, brain and sensory impairment and damage to internal organs.  They are a remarkable group of people, some of whom have made outstanding achievements despite living with extreme levels of disability

The NAC: The Thalidomide Trust has a National Advisory Council (NAC) who advise trustees on matters relating to beneficiaries.There are 12 members of the NAC, all beneficiaries of the Trust, who are elected by the entire beneficiary community to represent their views.  NAC members are all people with varying levels of Thalidomide damage and undertake their duties in a voluntary capacity, putting in many hours on a regular basis to fulfil their role.NAC members work jointly with the trustees and Trust staff to ensure that they fairly represent the interests of the beneficiaries and help to guide the future direction of the Trust’s support and services.

Meetings: The NAC holds full meetings twice a year.  Meetings usually take place in London.  Outside of these meetings, there is also an AwayDay and smaller meetings (involving a few members of the NAC) organised as required.

The NAC also has representation on the Thalidomide Trust’s Finance, Health & Wellbeing and Research Committees.  Each of these meet at least twice a year and meetings involve trustees, Trust staff and sometimes other external parties.

The NAC also has regular (usually monthly and evening) conference calls.

Why is this an important role? This is a newly created role. Hereto the NAC members have managed internal communications with beneficiaries and external communications with other agencies / charities themselves. However, it has been identified that improvements in the communication process are required in terms of timeliness, consistency and increased use of video / web based communication etc. as well as to ensure that those individuals who do not use web based information services have equal access.

Provision of  (paid) external communications expertise would allow NAC members to communicate in an effective, timely, and appropriate manner, using a range of communication formats suited to the needs of beneficiaries.  This support would complement the valuable assistance provided by Trust staff and the Trust web developer and would provide capacity to proactively advocate the work of the NAC to a much wider forum.

Who are we looking for? The position is ideally suited to someone who has worked in both internal and external communications ideally with experience of developing communications strategy.

You will have strong written, verbal and interpersonal skills with a track record of producing high quality, creative communications across a range of audience and using a range of different communications channels including video and social media.

You must be able to work independently with minimum supervision, and simultaneously be a collaborative and communicative team-worker.

The nature of the role means that it will be varied and interesting and require the ability to support the NAC to develop and implement an annual communications plan and set up new systems and procedures to support this. It will require someone who is flexible with the ability to multitask.

You will need to work flexibly according to the needs of the role and the NAC. The work flow will have peaks and troughs. You will be heavily involved in inputting into the initial communications plan. Once the plan is established input will be required at specific agreed points. 

Other important information about the role: It doesn’t matter where in the UK you are based, but you will need space to house office equipment and associated secure filing.  You will be required to work flexibly and take part in occasional evening conference calls

A requirement of the role is travel within the UK  to attend meetings and events.

You will be working on a self-employed basis, accounting and invoicing for hours worked on a monthly basis.  You will therefore be responsible for paying your own tax and National Insurance. An understanding or experience of living with a physical disability would be ideal!

Owing to the nature of this position, any offer will be subject to a satisfactory disclosure report from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Consideration will only be given to candidates whose supporting statement addresses the requirements in the person specification.

Deadline for receipt of application : Mon 2 November  at 12 noon

Preliminary online interview: 17/18 November 2020

Interviews:: 24 November 2020, Thalidomide Trust Head Office, St Neots 

Please send your CV, covering letter and completed application to arrive no later than 12 noon on 2/11/2020.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we will only contact candidates that are shortlisted for an interview.  Therefore, if you do not hear from us within 2 weeks of the closing date please note your application has been unsuccessful.

Our ocean is in poor health and we need urgent action to change this. We want this to be top of the public and political agenda and need an exceptional Head of Communications and Campaigns to make this happen.

You will be a brilliant team leader, a great strategist and have a flair for creative ideas. With strong experience in leading and prioritising organisational communications activities and a track record of planning and developing campaigns with impact – notably working with the media and digitally for effective behaviour and policy change. 

We want the ocean to be front and centre on everyone’s minds and need to raise our brand profile to ensure our voice is heard. If you think you can make this happen, please share your CV and covering letter with us by 1 November 2020

Download the information pack for the full job description and more about what works well for applications. 

Do include a cover letter with your CV which tells us why you would like to work with us, and how you meet the role and person specification.  We value this element of the application, so it's worth you taking the time to include it. 

Please make sure your CV and cover letter are in an editable format – so no PDF or Pages formats.

Everyone can expect to be treated with consideration and respect and MCS is committed to providing an inclusive environment for all.  Good working relationships release the full potential, creativity and productivity of each individual, in an atmosphere where everyone can learn and work without prejudice, discrimination, harassment or violence. 

MCS is an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from all sections of the community, particularly those that are under-represented in environmental and charity sectors.

Eligibility to work in the UK is required. 

Registered Charity No: 1004005 (England & Wales) SC037480 (Scotland) 

Communications Officer, London with remote working

£28.5k depending on experience, plus generous benefits

Medical research has never been more important.

The wellbeing of billions of people across the world depends on continual medical advances across all areas of health. And this challenge needs immense support, innovation and persistence.

Although scientists have tackled many diseases and conditions that affect human health, there are still areas of medical need that receive little or no support. That’s where we step in.

Funding research is our sole purpose. As the charitable foundation of the Medical Research Council (MRC), we are inspired by the responsibility and independence that our donated income gives us. We are guided by the wealth of expertise available to us and are bold and ambitious in the science we choose to support. We fund and support the most promising new medical research, wherever we discover great opportunities that are not being pursued.

Our current research priorities are the threat of drug-resistant infections, adolescent mental health and pain research. These are key public health challenges requiring ground-breaking ideas from some of the UK’s leading scientists.

We are looking for a Communications Officer to join our small but expanding team in our central London offices.

Reporting to the Senior Communications Manager, you will play a crucial role in telling the story of the Foundation, and that of the ground-breaking research and researchers we support. Your work will inspire potential supporters to help us fund even more cutting-edge medical research and attract funding applications from emerging research leaders.

Working three days a week for the Foundation, the other two days will be split evenly between two of our linked charities: the Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases (GACD) and the Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF).

GACD is an alliance of international public funding agencies, which supports research activities intended to improve the prevention and treatment of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like heart disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory problems, cancers and mental health issues. Their work focuses on the needs of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and key vulnerable populations, where 80 per cent of deaths from chronic diseases occur.

AREF was established by the Medical Research Foundation in 2015, with the mission of improving the quality and impact of health research in Africa – by nurturing African-led research in and for the region. AREF’s vision is to grow a community of African researchers working in Africa, who lead world-class research that benefits patients, populations, policy makers and practitioners.

You will support the delivery and growth of proactive communications programmes across all three organisations, with the shared purpose of building their respective identities, reputations and profiles.

Who you are 

We need the very best people to help deliver our vision of advancing medical research, improving human health and changing people’s lives. We are inspired by our work and we will be looking for this in you too. Our team is proud to work for the Medical Research Foundation. We are ambitious for the Foundation and for ourselves. We are approachable – providing advice to everyone and explaining our work. We are dedicated and committed to achieving the most for our donors and our researchers.  And we are involved – constantly looking for new ways to engage and improve.

What you can bring to the role

You will have experience of communications in a health or science-focused organisation, supporting communications strategies across a range of channels, including traditional and social media. You will also have experience of producing creative communications content for a range of audiences, including translating complex scientific information for non-scientific audiences.

You are able to communicate clearly with colleagues, scientists and other stakeholders. You work in an organised manner and have the ability to respond flexibly and positively to unexpected changes or demands. You have a strong grasp of digital media, including photoshop, social media management software and Google Analytics.

Our offer:

• A salary c. £28.5k, dependant on experience.
• Annual pay award, performance award scheme and other rewards.
• Generous pension contribution, with no qualifying period.
• 30 days annual leave each year, plus public holidays.
• 36 hour working week, usually worked over 5 days.
• Flexi-time system and core working hours of 10am to 4pm.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Other health-related benefits.
• An opportunity to make a difference to human health.
• Fantastic colleagues.

How to apply

• Provide an up-to-date CV which includes your contact details, education and vocational qualifications, membership of professional bodies, career history and explanation of any breaks in your employment history.
• Provide a brief supporting statement setting out why you are the right candidate for this role making reference to the job description and the person specification.  The case that you make and the way that it is presented will form a key part of the shortlisting process. Please note that CVs without a supporting statement will not be considered.
• Complete the equal opportunities monitoring and declaration form.
• Let us know if you are not able to make any of the assessment or interview dates (the pre-arranged dates can be found in the recruitment pack).

A copy of the recruitment information pack and equal opportunities monitoring form are attached as separate documents.

Note that applicants who are invited to interview will be asked to demonstrate their right to live and work on a permanent/indefinite basis in the UK at the time of applying.

Closing date: 5 November 2020 at 9:00am

Interview date: 24 November 2020

Shaping Our Lives - Communications Officer

Home-based

£27,000 per annum (£16,200 pro rata for 3 days a week/21 hours per week between Monday to Friday)

Permanent, part-time

Job description

Shaping Our Lives are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated and experienced Communications Officer to help us transform. You will need a year's experience (paid or voluntary) of all aspects of the communications mix. 

Our new Communications officer will be critical to the future growth of Shaping Our Lives. They will ensure we maintain a strong national profile with a range of audiences and a close working relationship with our network members. The successful applicant will need:

• The ability to plan effective short and long campaigns,
• experience of writing and managing website content,
• a strong understanding of the role and application of social media,
• and an ability to be both proactive and reactive to opportunities.

The post holder must also be able to demonstrate experience and knowledge about working inclusively and accessibly.  An understanding of the culture and ethos of a small user-led organisation would be an advantage.

About Shaping Our Lives

Shaping Our Lives is embarking on an exciting period of growth. We have received a four year grant to expand our services, transform our identity and  raise the profile of our work. We are a user-led organisation that hosts a national network of user-led groups, service users and disabled people. We specialise in user-led research and inclusive involvement practice ensuring that diverse and excluded communities are represented in the policy making, planning and delivery of health and social care services.

Our vision is a society in which everyone has equal life chances and support for independent living. A society which prioritises inclusion.

Further details

Benefits: 3% Employer contribution to pension and 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata).

Appointment subject to satisfactory references, basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and proof of right to work in the UK.

Please read the attached document containing the Job Description and Person Specification and then complete the attached Application Form. CVs will not be accepted.

Closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 30th October 2020 at 11:30pm.

Interviews will be held remotely for all if Covid19 is still a risk. We are aware that remote interviews are easier for some people, but not for others, so we will try to accommodate a preference to be interviewed in person if Covid19 is no longer a risk. Interviews will be in the week commencing 16th November 2020.

Shaping Our Lives is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people from diverse and often excluded communities.

Thank you for your interest in Shaping Our Lives.

Location: This role can be based in either our Birmingham or Leeds hub. Please specify your preferred office location when applying

Reporting to: Director of Strategy and Innovation

The Youth Futures Foundation is a new, independent, not for profit organisation set up to tackle youth unemployment with a £90million endowment from the Reclaim Fund. We are looking for bold and impactful ways to help young people find and keep good jobs. There are over 750,000 young people not in education or employment in the UK. Young people are twice as likely to be unemployed than older adults in the labour market and BAME and disadvantaged young people disproportionately bear the brunt of it.

We are building an ‘empowerment foundation’ to identify practical solutions that work in a complex world yet are simple and cost effective enough to roll out across multiple locations, to reach as many young people as possible. To do this, we are now building our own inspiring team to help us achieve our vision.

As our Head of Marketing and Communications working with the Director of Strategy & Innovation you will create and deliver the organisation’s overall marketing and communications strategy to support YFF grow its influence and impact, with young people always front and centre. You will need to be creative, innovative and unafraid to challenge the status quo. You will bring a vision for building a movement of people and organisations committed to improving employment prospects for young people that spans our online presence, press activity, real and virtual events. You will think ‘digital first’ and know how to create a highly professional, user centric online presence that makes complex ideas appear simple through clarity of thought, harnessing animation, film and podcasts, coupled with the intelligent creation of bespoke online toolkits. You will have the freedom and budget to engage external partners to make this happen.

We need your creative flair to tell our story and motivate others to join our cause. You will do this through articulating and promoting the Youth Futures vision and strategy, highlighting and linking to the great work our many and varied partners are doing in this field, sharing the stories of young people looking for work, and developing user friendly toolkits to make information about ‘what works’ accessible and useful for young people, practitioners, employers and enablers (ie Government, funders, commissioners).

We are especially interested in hearing from individuals who are Black, Asian or from a minority ethnic background, and those who have lived experience that reflects the lives of the young people we are seeking to support. Whatever your background, if you have a personal mission that aligns with ours, and the ability to engage equally well with young people sat on the floor of a community centre as you do with business and government leaders in imposing board rooms, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

The closing date is 11.59pm 4th November 2020.