Stories Manager

We are recruiting a Stories Manager to develop and drive our strategy to put the stories of our volunteers, callers and fundraisers at the front of our communications and fundraising work. 

This role is an exciting opportunity for a candidate experienced in working with case studies and storytellers who can efficiently manage a range of different stories sensitively and with confidence. If successful, you will lead the Samaritans case study function, support the organisation with its handling of real life stories and manage the relevant systems and processes. 

Storytelling is not only central to the way we communicate but it is central to our theory of change. We know that in sharing personal stories we can help others who are struggling find courage to seek help. We can tackle the stigma surrounding suicide. Storytelling and lived experience cuts right across media and campaigns, fundraising, events, policy and influencing work and support.  ​

This role will develop and implement a strategy to support the organisation (primarily the media, fundraising and individual giving teams) to champion the voices of those who have used our service, or have experience of suicidal feelings within our press activity, cash appeals, fundraising events and campaigns and policy work. This role will help bring Samaritans brand and work to life.

The Offer

• Permanent Contract 
• Full time (35 hours per week)
• £39,000 - £44,000 per annum
• We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences
• Hybrid working model, linked to our office in Ewell, with a mix of home and office based working

Skills and Experience 

• You’ll be a compassionate and talented story-teller, with a journalistic or similar background. 
• Experienced in case study management and stewardship, ideally in the charity sector, you’ll be passionate about our cause and keen to utilise your expertise in sourcing, interviewing and presenting people’s stories in a range of engaging ways and through different channels, including feature articles in the mainstream media, social media content and videos.
• A passion for People with adept interpersonal and communication skills, you’ll build new relationships with sensitivity and an understanding of the lives of those affected by suicide 
• Along with the principles of safeguarding and ethical storytelling practice. 

What’s in it for you – our benefits 

So, you want to work for us? Good choice. We like it here too. We offer competitive salaries, flexible and hybrid working to suit your needs, family-friendly policies, 28 days annual leave inclusive of wellbeing days and a matched pension contribution up to 5%. You’ll have a structured induction and ongoing projects, secondments & learning opportunities. We also have colleague-led affinity groups made up of people with shared identities. 

Your health and wellbeing is our priority. We have a staff community of Mental Health First Aiders, a Health Cash Plan and an Employee Assistance Programme. You’ll have free subscriptions to Headspace (your personal guide to mindfulness, sleep, focus, movement, and more) & Perkbox (an employee benefits platform with online exercise classes). That’s not all. We listen to your ideas and have staff forum and social committee networks.

Being Inclusive 

We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from Disabled, BAME and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans. 

Application 

If this role sounds like the opportunity for you, please apply. You’ll be asked to upload your CV and provide a Cover Letter (2 pages maximum) tailored around your motivations for applying and your skills and experience in relation to the job outline. Please include reference links to 2 of your favourite pieces of story-telling work. 

This role will close for applications at 5pm on Wednesday 05 June 2024, with interviews scheduled to take place on Monday 17 June 2024.