The Communications and Research Officer is a new post designed to help bridge the gap between the research and campaigning work of Drone Wars UK and our supporters and the general public. The role is split 50/50 between communications and research. The communications element combines social media activity, website content creation and email communications, helping to ensure our messages are communicated clearly, consistently and creatively across a range of channels. The research element consists of undertaking a number of short-term specific research projects alongside participation in on-going longer-term research work.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys creating engaging content as well as undertaking in-depth investigations that contribute to positive social change. In addition, the person appointed will take an active role in the forthcoming strategic review shaping the organisation’s work over the next few years.
Job Description
Communications
- To be responsible for Drone Wars UK’s website, managing regular content updates and improving the content, layout and structure.
- To schedule social media content and manage social media accounts to increase engagement and reach.
- To use appropriate design tools in the creation of content for website and all digital and public facing channels.
- To undertake email campaigns in conjunction with the staff team to promote our work and increase participation in events.
- To participate in engagement with legacy and new media alongside other members of the staff team in order to promote the work and campaign aims of Drone Wars UK.
- To undertake appropriate speaking engagements on behalf of DWUK.
Research
- To undertake specific pieces of research into the use of armed drones, autonomous weapons and the militarisation of space as agreed with the Director.
- To write and produce accessible reports, articles and briefings based on the research undertaken.
- To write appropriate copy for the website.
- To contribute to on-going research work by keeping abreast of new and emerging military technologies.
- To contribute to maintaining the Drone Wars UK internal information database
General
- To work collaboratively with the staff team to set priorities and to develop existing and future research projects and campaigns.
- To network with other communicators, researchers and campaigners working on these issues in relevant organisations.
- To undertake tasks as directed by the Director to ensure the smooth running of the organisation.
- To participate in campaign activity to limit the harms caused by armed drones, autonomous weapons and the militarisation of space.
Person Specification
Knowledge and Experience
- A degree, preferably to Master’s level, or equivalent experience in a subject area relevant to the post (Essential).
- Three years experience of engaging in research work, preferably in the peace and security/human rights sector or similar field (Essential).
- Commitment to the aims and objectives of Drone Wars UK (Essential)
- Demonstrable ability to write and express thoughts and positions clearly, succinctly and accurately in English in a variety of formats, including major reports (Essential).
- Hands-on experience of managing websites (WordPress) and utilising social media, email marketing platforms, and varied digital tools to drive engagement (Essential).
Skills and Attributes
- Understanding of the on-going legal and ethical debate around the use of armed drones, autonomous weapons and/or militarisation of space (Essential).
- Ability to manage workloads and professional duties without day-to-day managerial oversight (Essential)
- The right to work in the UK (Essential)
- Understanding of and commitment to equal opportunities (Essential).
- Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team (Essential).
- Experience in engaging with legacy and new media to promote campaign objectives (Desirable).
- Familiarity with national and international security issues and institutions (Desirable).
- Willingness to learn new skills and work co-operatively with others to build strong campaigns (Desirable).
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
What we offer
At Victim Support, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent. Our competitive rewards and benefits package includes:
- Flexible Working Options: Including hybrid working.
- Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
- Birthday Leave: An extra day off for your birthday.
- Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
- Enhanced Allowances: Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
- Exclusive Discounts: High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
- Financial Wellbeing: Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary-deducted finance.
- Wellbeing Support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
- Inclusive Networks: Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
- Sustainable Travel: Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
- Career Development: Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression.
About the Role
You will build strong relationships with external partners, coordinate and facilitate training sessions, and ensure all learning activities are delivered to a high standard. You will also evaluate feedback and continually improve training content to ensure it remains relevant and impactful.
As an Education & Training Officer, you will:
- Develop and deliver training, presentations and workshops on domestic abuse.
- Work with people with lived experience to help shape training content.
- Build and maintain relationships with partner organisations and stakeholders.
- Coordinate training events and manage associated administration.
- Evaluate training feedback and contribute to continuous improvement.
- Represent Victim Support professionally across a range of settings.
- Support front-line service delivery where required.
About You
Ideally, you will be aware of the impact of domestic abuse on families, workplaces and communities, and are resilient to deal with any disclosures and safeguarding matters arising. You will have some experience of developing and delivering multi- agency training and creating engaging presentations. You will be able to create high quality information in an easy to follow format.
You will need:
- Experience of presenting to, training, and developing people.
- Experience of partnership working, engaging with organisations and building relationships.
- Experience of gathering, managing and presenting data in reports and presentations.
- Ability to communicate sensitively and effectively both verbally and in writing with a wide range of people.
This Role is office based and you will be expected to travel across the Borough of Rochdale.
This role involves regular travel and due to the location, a driving license and access to a vehicle is considered an essential requirement. If you are unable to drive because of a disability, please indicate this in your application in your personal statement so we can explore the feasibility of alternative arrangements.
About Us
Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.
Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.
At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.
How to apply
To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.
Thank you!
The Southmead Project is seeking an experienced and motivated Fundraiser to support the charity’s long-term financial sustainability.
The postholder will identify, research and secure funding from trusts, foundations, charitable bodies, statutory funders and other appropriate sources. They will lead on developing high-quality, persuasive funding applications and reports that clearly communicate the impact of the Southmead Project’s work and the needs of the people it supports.
Working closely with the CEO, Head of Finance and trustees, the Fundraiser will develop and deliver an annual fundraising plan, maintain a strong funding pipeline, and support the organisation to diversify its income. The role will require excellent writing, research, relationship-building and organisational skills, alongside a strong commitment to the charity’s values and mission.
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Develop an annual fundraising plan, alongside the Head of Finance and CEO.
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Carry out ongoing prospect research to identify new sources of funding from trusts, foundations, charitable bodies, statutory funders and other appropriate sources.
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Maintain a fundraising pipeline, ensuring that opportunities, deadlines, applications and reporting requirements are monitored effectively.
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Build and maintain a database of prospective and current funders, including key contacts, deadlines, funding priorities and application requirements.
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Monitor relevant local, regional and national funding opportunities, including being a sponsored charity at community events.
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Produce funding applications for trusts, charities, foundations and statutory bodies as an ongoing part of the charity’s income generation.
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Analyse data and feedback collected through outcomes processes for report writing.
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Build and maintain positive relationships with funders, partners and relevant stakeholders, including the corporate sector as part of the charity’s income diversification strategy.
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Attend monthly meetings with the Senior Leadership Team and trustee meetings as required.
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To work within the framework, spirit and ethos of the Southmead Project’s Equal Opportunities Policy, and actively engage in promoting the policy within the charity and in all dealings with clients and other agencies.
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To follow the Southmead Project policies, procedures and professional code of conduct as outlined in the Team Handbook.
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All members of staff, paid and unpaid, are required to undergo the enhanced level of Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Please see job description for full details.
Registered Charity
11 - 20
Meaningful therapeutic support accessible for adults impacted by abuse and addiction. A safe space for growth, connection and wellbeing for all.
