Temporary Communications, PR Jobs
At the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies we create spaces for collaboration and learning, where conventional criminal justice policy agendas are scrutinised and challenged, fresh knowledge and ideas are discussed, and transformational solutions are developed.
We are recruiting two policy and research officer positions, to join our small and growing team. The roles will combine policy, research, communications, and programme support functions. We are therefore looking for applicants keen to work across a range of tasks, in a small organisation where flexibility and adaptability is important.
We prize intellectual openness, and a willingness to engage with difficult questions and challenging ideas. We welcome and encourage scrutiny of our work and are comfortable with the uncertainty that comes from not always having the answer. We recognise the importance of building solidarity and common cause, and reject superficial divisiveness and purity politics.
If this sounds like your kind of organisation, we’d love to receive your application.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About You.
Are you passionate about communicating a message of hope and transformation that will engage current donors as well as recruit new supporters in financing our work to welcome and empower refugees and asylum seekers?
Are you a team player who can work well with others, whilst also being a self-starter who can show initiative?
Are you creative, with a flair for communicating in a way that is striking, personable and engaging?
Are you meticulous in written communication, with a keen eye for grammar, spelling, and structure?
Are you comfortable working digitally, embracing new developments in tech?
Are you an exceptional communicator looking for a new challenge in a supportive, dynamic team?
If that describes you, then you sound like the perfect fit!
Context of the role.
The successful candidate will be guided by the Communications & Fundraising Officer to communicate the experiences of refugees and asylum seekers and demonstrate the impact of Upbeat Communities to our supporters and followers, as well as to new audiences. They will have a positive attitude and love communicating what we do as a charity.
The role can mostly be done remotely; however, it will be required for the candidate to travel to our base in Derby a minimum of 1 day a week to stay connected to the team, and for team meetings and training as and when they occur.
About us.
Upbeat Communities was founded in response to the needs of refugees arriving in the UK and the stories they shared of their lives and their journeys. Through building relationships with those from refugee communities we were able to identify their needs and the best ways to respond.
One of the best resources a refugee can have to help them settle in their new home is a good social network. Relationships and connectedness can help overcome the many challenges faced by those seeking refuge. With this aim, we want to help connect refugees into community.
Our name reflects our vision to see thriving, positive communities where refugees can contribute and make the most of opportunities.
We greet new arrivals with our Welcome Boxes befriending project. We offer free English classes and community activities to help refugees (adults and children) integrate. We empower refugees to rebuild their lives through Host Derby (temporary accommodation), mentoring (careers guidance) and the UK Refugee Resettlement Scheme, which local authorities contract us to deliver. We also empower the local community through awareness raising.
Our organisational values, lived out by our staff and volunteers, are:
We work to WELCOME. We create COMMUNITY. We are inspired to act with INTEGRITY. We exist to EMPOWER. We are committed to CREATIVITY. We run on RELATIONSHIPS. We are proud to be PROFESSIONAL. We have COMPASSION at our core.
Upbeat Communities' Christian ethos is the motivation for starting and the basis for our values. Jesus's primary message was 'to love your neighbour as you love yourselves'. We seek to embody this by showing love and compassion to refugees who have been displaced by war, conflict, or persecution. Many of our team are Christians but we are eager to build a team that is representative of the diverse nationalities, faiths, and life experiences of the communities we work with.
Main duties and responsibilities:
Content creation
- Creating written and visual content for social media and our website.
- Finding useful resources, articles, and news to be shared on our website, blog and social media.
Social media and website
- Day-to-day management of Upbeat’s social media accounts including creating and scheduling content, replying to messages, and interacting with followers.
- Updating the website with relevant images, statistics, and news.
Supporter stewardship
- Following Upbeat’s donations process, ensure donors are thanked in an appropriate and timely manner, and that all communications are logged on to our database (Donorfy).
- Researching local fundraising or awareness-raising opportunities and events.
Other
- Working with Upbeat’s Communications & Fundraising Officer on larger-scale fundraising campaigns throughout the year, as well as the communication of these campaigns.
- Making an active contribution to the overall work of Upbeat Communities through team meetings, staff training, awareness and fundraising events, and any other appropriate activities.
- Being committed to and working in accordance with Upbeat’s values and ethos, as well as adhering to all organisational policies and procedures.
Person Specification:
We are looking for an exceptional candidate who can demonstrate the following qualifications,
experience and skills.
Qualifications & Experience
- Demonstrable experience of excellent use of the English language, particularly written.
- Experience of a wide range of communications, marketing, and media.
- Experience managing social media accounts.
- Evidence of past written work that can be presented on request.
- Experience of creative work e.g. graphic design, video editing or photography.
- Confidence writing lively, compelling copy.
- Experience of working collaboratively, especially in small teams.
Skills and attributes
- Compassionate and excited to have the opportunity to work alongside refugees.
- Team player who can work well in collaboration with others.
- Excellent use of the English language, with a keen eye for grammar, spelling, and structure.
- Creative.
- Comfortable in connecting and networking with a wide range of people using a broad variety of communication methods.
- Ability to speak about the needs, work, and vision of Upbeat Communities with passion, accuracy, and clarity.
- Well organised and able to manage and prioritise workloads.
- Strong understanding of technology and information systems relevant to the role (e.g. Microsoft 365, Donorfy, Mailchimp, Typeform, Squarespace and Meta Business Suite).
- Calm and consistent manner, able to demonstrate initiative, problem-solve and to work well under pressure.
- Excellent interpersonal skills. Diplomatic, articulate and the ability to forge good working relationships with colleagues.
- Proven ability to write succinct, intelligent, creative copy that can be used for fundraising and communications.
- Meticulous attention to detail.
- Understanding of cultural diversity and the ability to work with people from a range of different cultures.
Other:
- Knowledge of the needs of refugees and commitment to their support, wellbeing and empowerment.
- Commitment to Upbeat Communities’ Christian ethos and values.
- The right to work in the UK.
What we offer as an employer:
We think Upbeat Communities is a great place to work. Here’s what we provide for our staff:
- 25 days holiday plus 8 Bank Holidays for full time staff (pro rata for part time staff).
- Flexible working to promote a good work / life balance.
- Opportunities for continued training and development.
- Annual team retreat to recharge, re-envision and build relationships across the team.
- Regular support and supervision.
- Competitive pension scheme (5% employer contribution matched by 5% employee contribution).
Empowering individuals and families to thrive as they rebuild their lives.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
ABOUT US
The Woodland Trust is the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity. We want to see a world where trees and woods thrive for people and nature. The Trust engages and inspires people to make their difference tackling the nature and climate crisis helping protect, restore and create our vital woods and trees.
THE ROLE
The Contracts Manager will join our Operations team to represent the Woodland Trust locally, supporting a diverse portfolio of sites within North England, in line with the Trust’s standards and ensuring the safety of our colleagues, visitors, contractors and volunteers. It shall be the Contracts Manager’s responsibility to support Site Managers’ in the preparation and delivery of grant applications, operational contracts and projects including silvicultural operations.
The Contracts Manager will initiate, develop and project manage new innovative projects within and across the woodlands, working with external partner and a cross-departmental team of foresters, people engagement specialists, communications specialists and funders.
They will identify opportunities to streamline services, develop our contractor base and maximise the income and grant aid potential of work programmes. They are responsible for ensuring that all necessary agreements, mitigations and consents are in place in preparation for the delivery of contracts and in accordance with all Woodland Trust Health and Safety policies and procedures.
This is a 2-year fixed term contract until end of April 2026. A company car will be provided with this role.
THE CANDIDATE
With previous experience in land-based management in the forestry, woodland management, or nature conservation sector, you’ll have experience in writing and reviewing site management plans, budget and contract management, and Health and Safety management.
You’ll have experience in the writing and delivery grant schemes across woodland creation and for specifying, instructing, and supervising woodland management operations. You’ll be experienced in planning, monitoring, and delivering multi-disciplinary projects to time and to budget and in engaging with contractors and suppliers on pricing, implementation, and delivery.
You must have a proactive ‘can-do’ attitude, excellent communication skills, be commercially aware and able to build effective partnerships internally and externally. You’ll have experience engaging with external stakeholders, communities and volunteers with a collaborative approach. A working knowledge of the operational, ie Forest Works Management of woodlands would be desirable.
A full driving licence is a must have, along with the ability to undertake travel across a wide area, sometimes to remote locations. Occasional overnight stays will be required and you will be expected to live in the region and within easy reach of key sites in North England.
Our Organisational Nature enables us to better understand what it means to be part of the Woodland Trust, empowering us to make an impact, every day. We want you to be able to role model our values; ‘Grow Together’, ‘Focus’, ‘Explore’ and ‘Make it Count’ to ensure each of us plays our part in helping to protect, restore and create our woods and trees.
WHAT TO EXPECT BY JOINING A TEAM AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE
There’s no other organisation like the Woodland Trust. Joining the team you will be making your contribution to tackling the nature and climate crisis. In return, we recognise and value our people. You'll have our full support, training and opportunities for professional development, along with a contributory pension, life assurance, good holiday allowance and the opportunity to work flexibly from home.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
At the Woodland Trust, we want to reflect and represent the full richness of diversity in the UK. Fewer of our employees are Black, Asian or minority ethnic; disabled; from lower socio-economic backgrounds or under 25; so we are particularly keen to receive your application if you are from one or more of these groups. We can also discuss anything you may need to achieve your full potential at any stage of the process. We assess your application solely on your demonstrated suitability for the job. Nothing else.
To ensure anonymised recruitment, if you have uploaded your CV, shortlisting panels do not see your CV until shortlisting has been completed. Before submitting your application, please ensure you have completed the supporting information section with details of experiences that clearly evidence as many aspects of the job description as possible.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. If you are interested, we'd encourage you to submit your application as early as possible.