Permanent Communications, PR Jobs in South East

We’re looking for a highly motivated communications professional who is passionate about supporting the growth of FoodCycle and working to help people understand the many benefits of community dining.

We’ve grown a lot over the last 15 years and our weekly community meals now run in more than 85 towns and cities across England and Wales. This role is vitally important in supporting our growth - we have plans to reach 100 Community Meal Projects by the end of this year as well as launching new initiatives that will help us support more families and children. 

The post holder will work closely with the Head of Marketing and the wider marketing team to develop campaigns and plans that will get as many people as possible talking about FoodCycle’s work, enhance our visibility and become the leaders in delivering and promoting community dining. 

You will have experience working within media or PR, with a track record of securing high quality media coverage. You will have knowledge of the media landscape, and the ability to craft a press release, pitch a story, work with case studies, and write blog posts.

Benefits: We offer 26.5 working days (this includes 3.5 days for the Christmas close down) plus additional holiday for length of service, up to a maximum of 30 days (pro-rata for part-time). Our healthcare package allows staff to claim money back on healthcare bills and includes access to telephone counselling and online GP appointments.

How to apply:  Please upload a CV of no more than two sides, and a covering note/letter of no more than two sides explaining why you are suitable for the role, via our vacancy website.

Deadline for your application:  11.59pm on 23rd April 2024  

Interview process: Shortlisted candidates will need to complete a 30 minute task prior to being invited to interview (likely to be sent between 26th-30th April)

Interviews: planned for 10th May 2024 

Inclusivity: FoodCycle is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We are a Disability Confident Scheme member.

Please note that you will need to have existing Right to Work in the UK to apply for this role. We do not hold a sponsor licence therefore we are unable to provide visa sponsorship.

Job Title: Digital Communications Manager
Reports To: Head of Marketing
Location: Remote (travel to Leicester Office & other locations where necessary)
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £37,945 (FTE salary)
Hours: Full time (36 hours per week). Flexible working offered.

About Home-Start UK 
Home-Start is a federated charity consisting of a central national office – Home-Start UK - and 178 geographically dispersed local Home-Start organisations, all working together under the same identity.

We recognise that being a parent has never been easy. Every Home-Start volunteer is trained to work alongside parents to overcome the challenges they are facing. We work with parents to build on their strengths and give them the support that they tell us they need. We offer no judgement – just compassionate, confidential help and expert support. This peer-to-peer support is key to the difference Home-Start makes and often our volunteers have lived experience of the challenges their families are facing themselves.

About The Role 
This role will use all elements of digital communication to put supporters at the heart of our communications work. Reporting to the Head of Marketing, the role involves overseeing all aspects of digital communications including developing our website, overseeing email communications with supporters, and managing our social media platforms (including paid for social media advertising).

You will need experience in managing all digital channels for a charity or a similar organisation as well as an understanding of the needs of different audiences. But, most importantly, you will have a passion for creating and sharing engaging and relevant content across multiple channels. You will be keen to test new approaches and quickly learn what is working. You will also have a passion for amplifying the voices of the families we work with and a commitment to diversifying the stories we tell and ensuring that voices from minority or marginalised communities are heard.

You will combine the ability to manage the technical side of maintaining websites and social media accounts, with an understanding of the power of the right words and images to communicate our messages.

If this sounds like your type of challenge, we’d love to receive your application.

Closing date for applications: 5pm, Monday 13th May 2024.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

This is a UK wide role and applicants are eligible to apply from across the UK.  We will be flexible to your working needs. Should you have any difficulty completing an application please contact us so that we can find a solution that will enable you to apply.

Home-Start is committed to Equality of Opportunity and Diversity. We wish to encourage applications from all parts of the community irrespective of gender, race, colour, age, sexual orientation or disability.

Home-Start UK, a charitable company limited by guarantee.Company No. 5382181.
Charity No. in England and Wales 1108837 and in Scotland SCO39172. 

No agencies please.

Overview

This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about storytelling and creative writing, as well as the work Change Grow Live does, to shape the way we tell our story and reimagine the way we communicate.

This is a remote role with regular travel required to Brighton and London. 

Responsibilities

We’re a charity that believes in people and wants to make a difference. Our mission is to help people change the direction of their lives, grow as a person and live life to its full potential. As our National Content Lead, you’ll play a key role in helping us achieve this, through a mix of hands-on content creation and editorial leadership.

You’ll be responsible for planning, developing and executing a content strategy, in line with Change Grow Lives strategic priorities, working closely with the Communications Leadership team and senior stakeholders across the organisation.

We’re looking for someone who can be flexible, but a strong advocate when it comes to offering professional advice and guidance. You’ll be working closely with colleagues in our creative hub, across digital, design and content to shape audience experiences.

Your excellent writing and content production skills will be invaluable in identifying powerful stories about how we are making a difference to people’s lives, within a complex organisation. We’re looking for someone creative, compassionate, and resourceful who cares about making society better and safer for as many people as possible.

Salary Range (pro rata if part time)

CGL points 32 to 36 (£35,649.17 - £39,302.37)

ILW / OLW /Fringe

N/A - Outside London Weighting Area

Closing Date

20/5/2024

If you have any questions on this opportunity that you would like to talk through please contact us using the below details:

Anne Jardine 

Senior Communications Officer 

Location:  Remote (with occasional travel) 

Salary: £34,200 

Length of contract:  Permanent 

Hours per week:  37 

Interviews: 15th & 16th May

Who are Women’s Aid?   

Women’s Aid is the national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children. We are a federation of over 170 organisations which provide just under 300 local lifesaving services to women and children across England. For almost 50 years we have campaigned on behalf of our members and survivors to shape policy and practice, and to raise awareness of domestic abuse.    

Purpose of the Senior Communications Officer role:   

As Senior Communications Officer, the successful candidate will be a creative, agile and impactful professional, who will play a pivotal role in shaping Women’s Aid’s communications campaigns, working closely with the Communications Manager and the Head of Media, Brand and Relationships. The successful candidate will take the lead on generating creative, engaging content and ideas for Women’s Aid communications – including major campaign moments and brand awareness. Working across all external channels, including traditional media and social media, you will curate compelling stories that build our profile and target key audiences in our mission to keep women and children safe from domestic abuse. You’ll be joining us at an exciting time, as we mark our 50th Birthday with some powerful campaigns and engagement. 

Key duties and responsibilities of the Senior Communications Officer: 

• To be the key communications officer representing the communications team, developing the key messaging of external campaigns, brand-building and communications for the organisation and developing public awareness of these.

• To lead on planning, drafting and implementing a communications plan for Women’s Aid key communications campaigns such as International Women’s Day, 16 Days, as well as wider organisational projects, incorporating press and social media and providing media support as required. 

• To develop relevant media and social media contacts, as well as contacts in the sector, to maximise the reach and coverage of key communications campaigns as well as wider organisational projects. 

• To work with colleagues to ensure the campaigns take an intersectional approach and centres the most marginalised voices. 

• To work with a diverse range of survivor case studies and media spokespeople, including Women’s Aid member organisations, and to ensure they are treated in an appropriate and safe manner.

• To help identify both proactive and reactive media opportunities. 

• To write blogs, news articles and promotional copy for Women’s Aid.

• To proof and typeset publications as required.

• To be part of the communications team out-of-hours on call rota for media calls. 

• To line manage the Junior Communications Officer 

What we are looking for in our Senior Communications Officer: 

• At least two years experience working in communications/journalism/publications or similar. 

• Experience of liaising with a variety of individuals and organisations of all seniorities, internally and externally. 

• Experience of maintaining systems for information storage and retrieval.

• Experience of online communications/websites/social media, including Content Management Systems. 

• Experience delivering public-facing campaigns with a range of stakeholders. 

• Experience in getting effective PR results. 

• Ability to produce high quality written material, for copy writing, copy editing and publicity materials, posters and press releases. 

• Capable of translating complex information into audience-friendly messages. 

• Ability to carry out a range of research and information-gathering activities. 

• IT skills, including accurate data inputting skills, ability to use Microsoft programmes, understanding of Content Management Systems and troubleshooting simple website problems,  and willingness to learn new packages and IT skills as required. 

• Ability to communicate sensitively with survivors of domestic violence to discuss case studies. 

• Ability to work on own initiative and prioritise work, work to tight deadlines and respond to urgent unplanned demands. 

• An understanding of public affairs and the role that campaigning plays. 

Benefits of joining us as our Senior Communications Officer include: 

• Generous Annual Leave: 25 days + 2 Company Holidays + 8 UK Bank Holidays, with an extra 1 day per year after 1 year of service, up to a maximum of 5 additional days.

• Valuable Pension Benefits: a generous 7% employer contribution. 

• Flexible Working: remote working, a generous TOIL scheme, and family-friendly policies 

• Wellness and Support: including a cycle to work scheme, free optician check-ups, annual flu vaccines, access to a 24-hour employee assistance counselling helpline, a ‘Headspace’ app for mindfulness, and ‘Reflective Practice’ sessions. 

• Making a genuine difference, in a rewarding role where your work will directly result in helping Women’s Aid to be able to provide lifesaving services for women and children across England. 

How to apply?    

• Please submit your CV and a Cover Letter. Your Cover Letter should be no more than 2 pages long and should include a summary of your reasons for applying for the position. You should also include details of how your skills, behaviours and experience meet those necessary for the role, as listed in the Job Description and Person Specification.    

• Please ensure that you also complete the EDI form and send all completed paperwork to the recruitment email address. (Please clearly mark your name and the role title in the subject line of your email).   

NB: 

• Women only need apply under schedule 9 (Part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 

• If you have been shortlisted for interview, you will be informed by email. Regrettably, we are normally unable to acknowledge unsuccessful applicants.    

• We reserve the right to close a recruitment campaign earlier than the advertised closing date if a high volume of responses are received.    

• All posts, including remote posts, must be based in the UK. 

• Women’s Aid is committed to quality, equality, and valuing diversity. Applications are particularly welcome from Black and minoritised women.    

• We are a Disability Confident employer. We guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for vacancies.

• Please read our Single Sex Statement on the Women's Aid webste

RABI is the charity at the heart of farming, providing expert mental health and wellbeing support, as well as financial, emotional and practical help to farming people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Our team is based across England and Wales and work closely with their extensive regional networks of specialist partners, local authorities and support organisations. The charity’s grants empower farming people to become financially resilient, and their expert mental health support builds emotional resilience to help farming people feel better equipped to tackle the many uncertainties and challenges that our farming communities face today.

Summary of the role and key purpose 

We’re looking for a Communications Coordinator to play a key role in supporting, delivering and monitoring RABI's communications and marketing activities. Working as part of RABI's growing communications team, the Communications Coordinator will take an active role in both communications and marketing across the organisation, providing support in areas including internal comms, social media, website development, email marketing, brand usage, advertising, media relations, public affairs, reporting and finance. 

With support and oversight from the Communications Manager, this is an exciting role for a comms and marketing professional looking to further develop a wide range of communication skills and be part of a vibrant and ambitious communications team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop content for various RABI communication channels including newsletters, intranet and website.
• Assist the Communications Manager in building and maintaining relationships with media contacts.
• Support with the production of RABI News including collating content, proofreading and managing all mailing lists, both digital and postal. 
• Help to create visually appealing and shareable content for RABI’s social media platforms.
• Support the Digital Communications Manager with monitoring RABI’s social media channels.
• Assist in the development and delivery of internal communication materials and announcements.
• Work closely with the Communications Manager, the Finance department and Senior Leadership Team to plan and generate content for the Trustee Annual Report.
• Assist the Multimedia Producer with photography and filming projects where required.
• Support the Digital Communications Manager with website updates including events and job adverts.
• Act as a brand steward, upholding brand and trademark standards and consistency, ensuring all staff understand the brand guidelines and offering support where needed.
• Act as the first point of reference for internal and external parties regarding the use of the RABI logo and brand. This will include management of the Brand Usage Register, answering queries and managing the brand usage agreement process.
• Provide internal staff with support and training in the use of the RABI brand.
• Assisting in communications campaign evaluations and wash-ups.
• Proof partner materials to ensure information is accurate and on brand.
• Liaise with the Finance department to raise purchase orders for suppliers.
• Manage the relationship with external suppliers including photographers, designers, web agencies and printers.
• Support with in-house requests for name badges, business cards, branded office collateral and translations.

Key Relationships:

Internal: Communications team and other relevant departments including Partnerships, Fundraising, Volunteering, Service Delivery, Finance and Operations.

External: External service providers, partners, and stakeholders in the agricultural sector, corporate environment and public affairs arena.

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Marketing or a related field.
• Proven experience in communications or a related role.
• Strong writing and editing skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Experience in managing social media platforms and scheduling tools.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Desirable:

• Design experience in Canva and/or Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Experience of using SharePoint, Teams and Microsoft Planner.
• Experience in event coordination and media relations.
• Previous experience in a charitable or nonprofit organisation.
• Knowledge of the agricultural sector and farming communities.

This role profile is not exhaustive and is subject to review in conjunction with the post holder according to future developments at RABI.

Early applications are encouraged for this position as shortlisting and interviews will take place on a rolling basis. We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a suitable application prior to the deadline.

RABI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and aims to ensure that all employment practices secure equality of opportunity and that no prospective or current employee receives less than favourable treatment at RABI as a result of their sex, sexual orientation, age, race, religion, belief, ethnic origin, disability, marital, or for any other reason which cannot be shown to be justifiable. Our recruitment process strives to ensure that individuals are selected only based on their relevant skills, experience, qualifications and abilities.