Digital content specialist jobs in Birmingham

Self-employed part-time Communications Specialist vacancy – for regional group of a  
national environmental campaigning charity (Hybrid) 

CPRE North and East Yorkshire (CPRENEY) is a long-established charity working to protect, promote and enhance the countryside. We cover a huge area (6,900+ square miles!) from the River Tees in the north to Goole, south of the River Humber and west from the Yorkshire Dales to the East Yorkshire coast.  Our region comprises diverse landscapes and communities and includes some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK including the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Parks. Leveraging our land use and planning expertise, we respond to Local Plan consultations and provide support to members of the public and community groups to help shape development in ways that enrich the countryside and respond positively to the double threats of climate change and biodiversity loss. 

Right now, we are looking for an experienced individual to fill a new freelance role focused on creating content and managing all the charity’s external communications, with a particular focus on strengthening engagement with current and potential members/supporters. Applicants should have experience of and skills in online content development, website maintenance and use of social media channels / knowledge of SEO. 

Job purpose

This role serves as a liaison for the BDA’s specialist group, sub-group and branch volunteer communities. Working closely with colleagues across the BDA, the role ensures a high level of support, maintenance and development of the organisation’s member led networks.

The role supports the work of the membership, marketing and communications team to coordinate activity and projects that promote the work of member volunteers and the wider volunteer programme.

In collaboration with the Volunteer Manager, the role supports and coordinates volunteer activity, providing advice, training and guidance to member volunteers as required. It is also responsible for developing, maintaining and managing strong relationships with stakeholders to drive engagement and enhance services for members.

The role acts as essential support to colleagues and works effectively across the MMC team and the wider organisation.

 Job context

 The British Dietetic Association, founded in 1936, is the professional association and trade union for registered dietitians in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It is the largest organisation of food and nutrition professionals with almost 10,000 members.

The Membership, Marketing and Communications Team delivers and maintains responsive

member services and excellent communications to engage with our membership community in person and through both digital and print media. The organisation has a motivated and engaged network of high-performing member volunteers within our specialist groups and branches and a well-established volunteer programme, which we wish to continue to grow and develop.

All staff uphold the values of the Association (Professional, Dynamic, and Innovative) and represent the profession and the Association to stakeholders

 Key areas of responsibility

Volunteer support and coordination

• Act as an internal contact for BDA specialist groups, sub-groups and branches, liaising with colleagues across the BDA to ensure the effective delivery of volunteer services.
• Serve as a main point of contact for the BDA’s regional branch network, which provides CPD and networking opportunities for members and other attendees at a local level.
• Provide advice, support and guidance to BDA specialist group and branch volunteers as required.
• Work with the events team to support the delivery of group and branch meetings and events (in-person and virtual), ensuring appropriate technical support and platforms are in place.
• Work collaboratively across BDA staff teams, specialist groups and branches to ensure members receive high-quality services, resources, events and information through appropriate communication channels.
• Support volunteer recruitment activity and deliver inductions for volunteers.
• Maintain regular and proactive engagement with committee leaders to strengthen links between volunteers, the BDA office team and other groups or branches.
• Attend group and branch meetings and events as required, representing the BDA.
• Build strong internal relationships to stay informed of policy, practice, education developments and key organisational priorities, helping to align volunteer activity with wider BDA work.
• Work with the Volunteer Team to ensure groups and branches operate within BDA policies, governance, financial and legal frameworks, and are supported to meet governance requirements.
• Support groups and branches to develop relationships with relevant internal and external stakeholders.

Resource, governance and development

• Work with the Volunteer Team and wider BDA team to develop and deliver new services, benefits and resources for the group and branch network.
• Support the identification, development and delivery of education and continuing professional development opportunities for member volunteers.
• Apply volunteering best practice to develop, review and maintain policies, guidance and tools related to volunteering.
• Support the Events and Volunteer Teams to deliver the BDA’s annual volunteer support day.
• Assist the Volunteer Team in providing governance advice and support to member volunteers, including developing and maintaining effective processes.

Communications

• Manage, and support the wider membership, marketing and communication team, to deliver volunteer communications channels by:
  • Developing and coordinating content, opportunities and contributions for our regular Volunteer Ezine.
  • Facilitate regular volunteer networking.
  • Update content and develop content for the volunteer hub.
  • Develop and coordinate content relating to volunteers, groups and branches for social media.
  • Support internal communications and updates.
  • Manage the volunteer inbox and responding to member queries as required.

 General

·       Act as an effective member of the Membership, Marketing and Communications team, contributing to team-wide campaigns and projects.

· Contribute to BDA office projects that support the organisation’s strategic and business plans.

· Travel as required to meet members, volunteers and other stakeholders.

· Undertake other duties as required.

· Comply with all relevant BDA policies and procedures.

Role Dimensions

Knowledge

This role requires specialist, advanced experience and knowledge, with a thorough understanding of volunteer management, governance and engagement, all of which are essential to the successful delivery of the role. It also requires advanced knowledge of BDA policies, governance and financial frameworks, alongside a strong understanding of the legal frameworks relating to volunteering.

Work Complexity and Judgement

This role supports the delivery of work across multiple business functions by communicating group and branch activity and initiatives. The work requires discretion, tact, strong interpersonal skills and effective stakeholder engagement. The role often involves managing complex situations and exercising sound judgement, frequently at short notice and in the presence of members, with issues and queries escalated to the Volunteer Manager as appropriate.

Impact on reputational risk

This role involves working closely with volunteers, members and internal stakeholders, representing the BDA in a professional manner. The postholder is expected to build and maintain appropriate internal relationships at all levels, managing the organisation’s reputation and exercising sound judgement in assessing and mitigating risk.

People management and leadership

This role is responsible for coordinating and supervising volunteers and plays a pivotal role in managing staff engagement with the volunteer network.

As Director of External Affairs across the Bild Group of four small charities (with collective turnover of approx. £3m/yr), you will have a deep commitment to human rights and improving people’s lives.

You will provide strategic direction and leadership to the External Relations function across all four charities in the group, taking overall responsibility for and providing thought-leadership on our strategic approach to policy, influencing, public affairs, stakeholder engagement. 

You will play a lead role in planning, developing, and implementing the communication and external relations and wider engagement strategic plan to grow awareness and profile of Bild, Respond, Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) and ACT.

By sharing the impact of our work and programmes in improving the lives of people with learning disabilities, autism and /or mental health conditions, you will support Bild in becoming the sector leading provider of organisational and workforce development (and RRN in becoming the leading charity in reducing restrictive practices globally – and Respond as leaders in trauma informed therapy).

You will champion Bild and RRN’s brand, vision, mission and values acting as an ambassador for the organisation both internally and externally to partners, stakeholders and media.

Key Responsibilities and Duties: 

Strategic Leadership:  

• Develop and implement an integrated communications and external relations strategy across the four charities in the group to raise our profile and to influence change which positively impacts on our beneficiaries, aligning media, campaigning, and public affairs with the charity’s mission and strategic priorities 

• Lead and inspire a high-performing team including Membership and Events Officer, Resources Coordinator and comms team as required 

Comms & Marketing:

• Plan, develop and implement strategic communications and marketing plans to maximise awareness of the Bild Group of charities across the broad spectrum of communications disciplines including media relations, stakeholder management, influencer engagement, ethical (impact focused) marketing, social and new media and the production of new materials and resources 

• Write, develop and produce materials such as infographics, press releases, briefing documents, media statements and online information suitable for stakeholders, including people with lived experience

• Ensure effective marketing across all four charities focusing on impact and including ensuring we attend a range of external events and that all four websites are best practice. 

Influencing & Public Affairs:  

• Working with the CEO, you will drive policy change by developing strategies to influence key decision makers through building relationships with parliamentarians, government departments, and sector stakeholders to ensure the charity's policy agenda is impactful 

• Lead proactive and reactive media engagement, calls and requests for information in order to capitalise on suitable opportunities for maximising the reach and impact of all four charities

• Build our credibility as a thought leader in the sector 

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships:  

• Build and sustain strategic alliances with senior civil servants, civil society groups, and community partners to increase the organization's influence and impact 

• Develop effective stakeholder relationship management processes that ensure partnerships of all levels are provided with a rich, immersive engagement experience with the organisation and the work that we do 

• Identify, liaise with and ensure positive relationships with key stakeholders – internal and external including media, government departments, partners, charities, providers, customers, other relevant parties to secure maximum impact for all four charities and their beneficiaries

Reputation, Brand Management & Marketing:  

• Champion the Bild group brands, promoting the mission, values and impact of the organisation and ensuring consistent, engaging narratives and high-quality storytelling across all external channels

• Shaping the charity's profile and protecting its reputation through media relations, digital engagement, and consistent key messaging and building our credibility as thought leaders in sector. 

Membership, Events & Communities:  

• By ensuring appropriate, effective and engaging communications to all relevant audiences and stakeholders, your role will support the growth and development of our membership, Communities of Practice and the event programme (including webinars and conferences).

• Effectively plan, manage and lead a range of events for the Bild group of charities and associated marketing and communications

• Develop framework for Communities of Practice and strategy for engagement and growth 

• Supporting Bild and RRN spokespeople with PR and media outreach

• Keep abreast of communications and engagement activity within the sector and demonstrate an awareness of the impact these may have on existing and future communications activity

General Responsibilities 

• Contribute to evaluation and assessment of results against KPIs and tracking activity

• Allocate, manage and evaluate budget spend

• Identify resource requirements for activity across Bild group

• Develop and maintain systems, databases and procedures to support Bild group communication activities

• Plan, monitor, appraise and report progress of activity regularly with an innate understanding of how this supports activity across the Bild group

• Plan, manage and oversee budgetary spend related to outsourcing specialist activities such as video editing and design

• Ensure communications and marketing work complies with data protection and other legal, professional and agency requirements, standards and policies

• Support the senior leadership team on any activity as required. 

Personal Development  

• Be part of a culture of quality in all areas of communications, PR and marketing

• Participate and contribute to individual performance appraisal and supervision sessions

• Keep abreast of relevant initiatives and developments within the adult health and social care, education & disability sector and the wider communications / engagement profession

• Undertake relevant training, as necessary including accessing new systems and software as required to support the role.

Organisational Responsibilities: 

• Access and work within Bild’s policies and procedures.  

• Attend internal cycle of team meetings relevant to this role.  

• Engage with line management, supervision (where appropriate) and appraisal process.  

• Comply with data protection regulations, ensuring that information on clients, employees, volunteers and other stakeholders remains confidential.  

• Take responsibility for personal learning and development with support from line manager.  

• Work in a manner that facilitates equal opportunities and inclusion for all.  

• Remain professional and respectful at all times, promoting positive relations with all those we encounter in our work.  

• Maintain health and safety and risk awareness for self and others across the organisation.  

• Undertake any other duties that Bild may require within the remit of this role.  

This job description does not form part of the contract of employment. It is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is not definitive or restrictive. It is expected that some duties will change over time and this description will be subject to review with the postholder at their annual appraisal.  

Person Specification  

Job Title 

Director of External Relations 

• Exceptional copy writing and verbal communication skills

• Good presenting, negotiating and influencing skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build mutually beneficial relationships

• The ability to work effectively within a small team

• Ability to work under pressure, and plan, manage, and adapt own workload

• A flexible, proactive and problem-solving approach to work

• A motivated attitude and ability to work on own initiative 

• A commitment to human rights and modelling accessibility and inclusion throughout activity

• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours as demanded by the post

• Fit to undertake the duties of the post. 

Experience/Skills/Competencies 

Essential 

• Significant experience working in communications, policy and PR with demonstrable success

• PR and media management experience, including both online and traditional PR

• Experience of managing and implementing social media plans, including post development, scheduling, evaluation and monitoring feedback

• Experience of overseeing the design and production of print and electronic publications, including website management and development

• Experience of managing CRM systems and ensuring effective data capture and utilising data to inform decision making

• Ability to analyse data and shape results into reports that inform decision making

• Ability to build effective relationships and networks and establish credibility for Bild, RRN, Respond and Bild ACT 

• Ability to work collaboratively and develop positive relationships with colleagues, members and wider stakeholders

• Demonstrated digital comms / social media skills and understanding of emerging digital marketing tools and platforms

• Ability to use a variety of IT packages/databases including CRM systems.

• Experience managing budgets and associated reporting

• Ability to work remotely and regularly travel to in person events

• Time management skills and ability to prioritise workload under pressure as part of a small but vibrant team

• Strong awareness and interest in news/current affairs/politics and the broader third sector, social care and education sector. 

Desirable 

• Experience working in the not-for-profit sector, preferably in another disability and/or membership charity

• Strong understanding of education, health, social care, disability and not for profit environment

• Strong media contacts within relevant trade sector publications

• Ability to use externally managed media databases (such as Agility etc.)

• Experience with conferences, webinars and hybrid events. 

• Experience supporting and manging a remote team

Education and Qualifications: 

Other Requirements: 

• Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities and able to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.  

• Regular travel to attend meetings and events. 

• Occasional evening meetings.  

Legal requirements: 

• Enhanced DBS check.