519 Culture jobs

1. JOB TITLE: Communications and Engagement officer, Reparations           
 

Contract: Fixed-term until April 2029,   35 hours per week
 

Location: York/ hybrid (in office attendance once or twice a week)
 

Salary range and band:  £53,047 - £60,339 Band B2 Point 28 - Point 33
 

2. MAIN PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE JOB
 

The Joseph Rowntree Charitable trust (JRCT) seeks an individual with expertise in communications and an understanding of reparative justice to support the implementation of the organisation’s reparations strategy as part of our overall decennial strategy.
 

This role will support JRCT with communicating openly and with accountability about the reparations journey it is undertaking, share learning honestly, and create opportunities for others to learn from our experience. Through its communications and engagement activity, the role will help share learning, contribute to broader understanding of reparative justice, and support more informed conversations about reparations. As a member of the communications team, the postholder will also contribute to and support general communication activities.
 

The role is expected to evolve over time, with an initial focus on preparatory and foundation-building activity, followed by the delivery of communications and engagement activity as the reparations programme develops.
 

The postholder will play a key role in implementing JRCT's reparations communications strategy through effective communications and engagement activity. They will develop messaging, identify appropriate channels and approaches, and communicate complex and sensitive issues in ways that are accessible, thoughtful and effective.
 

The ideal candidate will have strong experience designing and delivering communications across a variety of media types and platforms. They will be an excellent communicator, with a proven ability to translate complex and sensitive issues into content that resonates with different audiences. They will have a strong understanding of racialised systems of oppression, including histories and legacies of slavery, apartheid and colonialism, and the impact of systemic inequalities, and be able to communicate about these issues in ways that are thoughtful, accurate and respectful of the experiences of affected communities, while also helping to communicate accessibly with key audiences and raise the profile of JRCT's work.
 

3. POSITION IN ORGANISATION
 

 Reports to: Head of communications 
 

Responsible for: n/a
 

2. DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
 

5.1 Storytelling, content, narrative development 
 

·  Together with the head of communications and communications officer, develop and deliver communications plans, content and engagement activity in support of the organisation's wider activities including decennial communications and engagement strategy.
 

·  Work with the reparations team to translate complex and sensitive work into clear, impactful communications that build confidence, consistency and understanding of JRCT's reparations work across the organisation
 

·  Contribute to the development and maintenance of an accessible and compelling story about JRCT's reparations work, including its historical context, and current and future activities.
 

·  Develop and share learning, reflections and evidence from JRCT's reparations programme in ways that support wider understanding of reparative justice and encourage learning across the sector.
 

·  Develop content about the reparations programme across JRCT's website, social media and other communications channels.
 

· Translate complex issues into engaging, accessible multimedia content. 
 

 5.2 Media and external communications
 

· Work with the head of reparations and head of communications, to develop and deliver communications about its reparations programme with stakeholders and media outlets. 
 

· Maintain brand coherence across  audiences, channels and activities. 
 

· Identify and support opportunities for JRCT to contribute to wider conversations around reparations and its decennial strategic pillars.
 

· Support the head of communications by highlighting potential communications risks and external implications, helping to ensure reparations communications are appropriately framed, politically aware, and responsive to stakeholder and reputational considerations.
 

· Exercise judgement in the framing and positioning of communications relating to reparative justice, ensuring messages are accurate, thoughtful and sensitive to different stakeholders and audiences.
 

5.3 Stakeholder engagement
 

· Assist the head of reparations in using communications and engagement activity to build relationships, collaboration and learning between JRCT, stakeholders as well as funders, practitioners and other organisations interested in exploring reparative approaches.
 

· Foster meaningful working relationships with the communications team to ensure alignment and coherence in our communications. 
 

·  Work with executive assistant, reparations, to share news and learning from events
 

5.4 Monitoring and evaluation
 

· Monitor and report on the  effectiveness of communications and engagement activity
 

· Use audience and communications insights to evaluate and refine approach periodically. 
 

5.5 Support for the team and wider organisation
 

· As a member of the communications team, contribute to the planning and delivery of communications and engagement activity across JRCT, supporting wider organisational priorities alongside a primary focus on reparations.
 

· Collaborating with staff on reparations related work as required. 
 

· Engaging with external key stakeholders, as appropriate.  
 

· Supporting the head of communications with wider organisational communications activity.
 

· Work closely with the communications officer to deliver coordinated communications activity across JRCT.
 

5.6 General Responsibilities 
 

· Work constructively with administrative and communications colleagues, offering guidance and support on wider communications activities.
 

· Consistently perform the role effectively and in line with the values and mission of JRCT.
 

· Proactively keep up to date with developments affecting your work and maintaining and improving personal competence through continuous professional development.
 

· Work to administration and communication protocols efficiently to ensure that organisational systems and procedures are implemented.
 

· Abide by all organisational policies, codes of conduct and practice.
 

· Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
 

· Contribute constructively to team meetings and organisational priorities.
 

· Demonstrate a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
 

· Carry out other duties assigned by your line manager and senior leadership as may arise, develop or be assigned commensurate with the role.