Communications Jobs

Summary

• Strive for Excellence
• Show Compassion
• Respect others
• Collaborate
• Act with Integrity

• Ensure effective communications planning, processes, and staging calendar implementation
• Maintain good relationships with key stakeholders (Church Commissioners, Pensions Board), with a particular focus on Responsible Investment
• Monitor press coverage and distribute to all relevant internal contacts
• Respond professionally to media enquiries from news organisations, including the rapid development of agreed responses to media enquiries
• Proactively support and help prepare messaging ahead of anticipated media interest
• Support internal stakeholders in development and communication of their core messaging
• Proactively identify PR opportunities for the Church of England's National Investing Bodies
• Manage the relationship with the Ethical Investment Advisory Group, the Social Impact Investment Fund, the Giving Team, Parish Buying, and other internal stakeholders
• Build positive relationships with key financial and specialist journalists who cover the work of the National Investing Bodies
• Field media requests for interviews, photo calls, events, and similar
• Provide support with media training and photo shoots for internal stakeholders
• Take initiative in identifying and organising relevant speaking, conference and award opportunities
• Produce the Church Commissioners' annual report - liaising with internal stakeholders, collating and editing content, working with the design agency, and managing budget
• Maintain excellent relationships with external suppliers and design agencies
• Produce website content for relevant Church of England entities
• Work with the digital communications team to support with social media content for Church Commissioners and Pensions Board
• Manage the Church Commissioners' LinkedIn accounts, creating content and working with stakeholders to ensure consistent and timely content
• Deputise for the Head of Financial Communications as necessary

• Understanding of financial communications
• Experience of working with mainstream media
• Track record of delivering text to specification to tight deadlines

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Good time-management
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Good attention to detail

• Existing network among journalists
• Journalistic or communications experience within a high profile organisation
• Interest in sustainable investment

• A salary of £56,833 plus age-related pension contributions between 8-15% of salary. We will also match any pension contributions you make up to an additional 3% of salary.
• 25 days annual leave (increasing to 30 days within 5 years) plus three additional days
• Flexible working hours and location, with an expectation of just 3 days per week in our office in Westminster
• Structured induction programme and access to a range of development opportunities including apprenticeships
• Access to Occupational Health, and an Employee Assistance Programme
• Opportunity to the Civil Service Sports & Social Club, and get involved in a range of staff networks, groups and societies

King’s College Hospital Charity is dedicated to supporting life-changing care at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. We’re here to help King’s go beyond what the NHS can provide to meet the needs of current and future patients.

We make the best care possible by raising money for cutting-edge equipment and facilities, innovative research and pioneering treatment, pushing boundaries, transforming clinical services and finding new ways to improve how people experience King's hospitals.

We are looking for a creative, ambitious and supportive team member to work across the fundraising and communications department and help us build awareness and engagement with our key audiences, especially hospital teams.

As Communications and Fundraising Assistant, you will play a particularly prominent role in telling the story of what Charity funding makes possible at King’s – generating high quality content to communicate the difference we’re making, and helping our communications officer to bring it to life it on our digital channels. It will suit somebody who uses social media extensively in their personal life and can draw on that insight to help the team connect with our audiences.

Key Tasks

• Working with the Communications Officer to create content for websites, digital platforms, social media, email campaigns and other channels. This includes the Trust’s Inside King’s magazine as well as our own channels. It could involve interviewing staff, patients and volunteers, creating films, taking photographs.
• Organising, distributing and updating the Charity’s marketing materials around the Trust, including posters, leaflets and banners.
• Helping to maintain the Charity’s social media presence, creating and scheduling engaging content across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, producing analytics reports and using insights to inform future strategy.
• Developing our use of Sharepoint as an internal communications channel, and maintaining the Charity’s presence on the King’s staff intranet.
• Helping the Communications Officer keep our website fresh and engaging, identifying key user journeys and supporting colleagues across the charity to use the website to achieve business goals.
• Acting as a champion for the Charity’s work by attending regular events and assist in delivering internal engagement opportunities, such as fundraising events, celebrations, and so on.
• Generating reports on the team’s KPIs across all digital platforms, helping to improve user journeys across our digital platforms.
• Keeping communications and fundraising systems running smoothly, including the media library, filing systems, budget, and planning and reporting processes.
• Building effective relationships with digital suppliers such as website agency.
• Acting as an ambassador for and representing the Charity in a professional and efficient manner.

Person Specification

• Experience of working or volunteering in marketing or communications in a professional environment.
• Experience of supporting an organisation’s digital presence across social media, website, email marketing and internal channels.
• Extensive personal experience of using social media platforms
• Understanding of basic digital analytics tools and processes, such as Google Analytics.
• Experience of creating communications and marketing content and materials in adherence with brand guidelines.
• Ability to express ideas clearly to a wide range of audiences, turning complex information into compelling.
• Experience of using website content management systems (ideally Drupal) email marketing software (we use DotDigital), social media management tools (Hootsuite) and design programmes (Adobe Creative Suite).
• Experience of working with external suppliers and agencies to support the delivery of impactful communications.
• Photography and video production and editing skills.
• Confident and proactive, with strong sense of initiative.
• Excellent planning, time-management and organisational skills.
• Ability to build good professional relationships with partners, supporters and suppliers.
• Approachable and helpful, with a can-do approach.
• Ability to articulate our vision and mission with passion.

We are a friendly team, committed to a diverse and inclusive culture and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities. We offer a collaborative working environment with bespoke learning opportunities, 25 days holiday plus the bank holidays, and various employee benefits to help you balance your work and life. To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter of no more than one page on setting out how you meet the criteria via the Charity website by Thursday 30th May at 23:59:59.

We are seeking an experienced and successful fundraiser who has creative communication skills to join our team in the role of a Fundraising and Communications Manager.

This person will be responsible for the fundraising and communications function of the organisation, helping us to secure income via individual and community fundraising and charitable trusts and foundations as well as taking initiative to develop and grow into new areas of fundraising to help maintain and grow our services to survivors.

This post will also lead on internal and external communications and marketing to engage with internal and external stakeholders, including communities, donors, grant makers, supporters and professionals who feel as passionately about the need to support survivors of sexual assault and abuse as we do.

Benefits:

• 28 days annual leave pro rata, plus bank holidays
• 24/7 emotional and practical support
• A generous individual training budget to support your ongoing professional development

Please see the full job description and personal specification attached

Interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place on week commencing 17th June

This post will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. We strive to build a team that reflects the diversity of the community we work in and encourage applications from traditionally underrepresented groups such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQI+ people. If we can make this easier through accommodation in the recruitment process, please do get in touch.

About Al Basar International Foundation (BIF):

Al Basar is a leading charity working toward a world free from preventable blindness, where people have access to affordable and sustainable eye care. We are on a mission to create meaningful change in communities across the globe.

The Opportunity:

We are seeking a highly organised and self-motivated Communications Manager to support our growth ambitions. In this pivotal role, you'll develop and implement effective communication strategies to enhance our reputation and promote our mission. This role is not just about managing external communications; it's about being a storyteller, an innovator, and a change-maker.

In this multi-faceted and challenging role, you will work to generate, develop and place engaging media stories which assist BIF to meet its domestic and international campaigning, fundraising and brand awareness objectives. You will be tasked to develop and implement BIF’s communications strategy, working closely with staff and partners. The Communications Manager will need to operate effectively and efficiently in continually developing and changing workplace context and be capable of motivating others to embrace change.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Communication: Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies that align with our goals. Use storytelling to increase public engagement and drive donor involvement.
2. Channel Management: Oversee all external communication channels, including social media, websites, and newsletters, ensuring consistency and effectiveness.
3. Content Creation: Craft engaging, brand-consistent content across various platforms.
4. Social Media and Analytics: Analyse trends and metrics to optimise content and grow our audience.
5. Integrated Marketing: Collaborate with marketing for campaigns that support communication goals.
6. Media Relations: Build relationships with media for positive coverage and handle inquiries.
7. Marketing Material Production: Coordinate the creation of promotional materials.
8. Fundraising Support: Create communication materials that effectively convey our mission for fundraising.
9. Campaign Execution: Plan and execute campaigns, leveraging various channels for fundraising goals.
10. Strategy Evaluation: Monitor and assess the effectiveness of communication strategies.
11. Industry Trends: Stay updated with the latest in communication, social media, marketing, and fundraising.

Competencies and Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
2. Proven experience in communication management.
3. Exceptional writing and editing skills.
4. Deep understanding of social media and marketing principles.
5. Experience in fundraising and donor engagement.
6. Strong interpersonal skills for effective collaboration.
7. Proficiency in communication and project management tools.
8. Analytical skills for data-driven decisions.
9. Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Application Process: 

Why Join Us:

• Impact: Make a real difference in combating preventable blindness.
• Collaboration: Work in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
• Innovation: Bring your creative solutions to the forefront.
• Development: Access to professional development opportunities.
• Culture: Be part of a dynamic and empowering work culture.

Application Process:

Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the position. 

BIF is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of background.

About you

We are looking for an enthusiastic, effortless communicator who appreciates the power of brand, understands the ways of presenting messaging effectively for different audiences, and will help us breathe life into our digital channels with content that resonates.

You will be a confident creative with experience in producing both visual and verbal communications for a broad range of channels including website, email and social. You will be attuned to audience needs and pay attention to user analytics and feedback to continually improve engagement.

About the role

This role within the Policy & Communications directorate gives an energetic, audience-focused individual the opportunity to use their creative flair to support the British Ecological Society’s strategic goal of greater collaboration and impact.

Reporting to the Head of Marketing and with the support of the Communications team, this role will transform our digital channels and communications with reactive, creative content that engages and resonates with our audiences.

Working pattern
35hrs, Mon-Fri | We are currently running a trial of the 4-day work week; staff can opt to work 32hrs over 4 days each week at no loss of salary.
Location
Hybrid | We ask that staff spend at least 60% of their time at our London office.
 

To find out more about the role, please download the job description and job pack, or visit our website.

Duties and Key relationships Marketing and Communications

This is a new role in the Marketing and Communications department and is responsible for the media relations of the Charity.  

PR and Media Relations

• To develop relevant 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.

• Produce creative copy written for a variety of audience groups which champions and shows best practice of our tone of voice

• Develop and support in house PR roll out

· Work with external PR agency on selected press releases where relevant

· Write press releases in line with campaign launches and key moments

· Develop pitches and news stories and other promotional copy.

· Lead on media briefings that convey appropriate key messages and prepare spokespeople

· Identify and interview case studies and media spokespeople

· Pull together monthly Data Analysis reports with the support of the Marketing and Communications Manager

· Send out weekly coverage reports with the Digital Marketing Officer, monitor external activity (including competitor) and incorporate best practice.

· Analyse reports to identify new opportunities and act up to grow presence in national press by identifying proactive and reactive media opportunities.

· Be part of out-of-hours weekend monitoring rota

Communications

• Maintain the communications calendar

• Research, write and distribute media outreach activities such as press releases, media comments, media briefs, features, blogs and letters to editors

• Be the first point of contact for media enquiries and manage the press office function in a timely manner.

• Maintain library system for press cuttings, monitor cuttings and report on results

• Lead on gathering powerful stories that highlight the impact of childhood cancer on the lives of children, young people and families

• Work closely with the fundraising and digital teams to coordinate and respond to the different needs for case studies

• Maintain a detailed and GDPR compliant contact management system of all case studies

• Work closely with the Digital Team to ensure that all campaigns and content produced is reflected on the website and across social media accounts

Families

• Maintain relationships with current patient families who are sharing their cancer journey stories with the media.

• Produce stories of patient families and share online and social media

• Work with a diverse range of case studies and media spokespeople and ensure they are treated in an appropriate and safe manner.

• Be key spokesperson for families media storytelling

Other

• Contribute to the overall Marketing and Communications function of Children with Cancer UK

• Carry out any other duties commensurate with the general level of responsibility of the post

• Occasional events attendance

• Partnership relationship building

• Manage relevant cases and inboxes on Salesforce

• Marketing Cloud user

• Be part of the Officers forum

We are seeking a creative, efficient, and customer-orientated Communications Officer to join our busy Fundraising and Communications Team.

The ideal candidate will enjoy working in a collaborative team environment, will be able to develop and deliver effective multichannel communication plans that deepen relationships with individuals and church audiences, and is committed to high standards. You will be joining us at a great time, as we look to strengthen and grow our team. 

Closing date and interviews: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and interviews scheduled as appropriate. Early applications are encouraged. 

Visit our website to find out more and download an Application Pack.

We are looking for a motivated, creative, and organised Engagement and Communications Officer to join our team. This role is a unique opportunity for someone with a passion for building a fairer legal system through impactful events, engaging member outreach, and powerful communications. Working alongside the Director of Development and the Head of Communications, this role will work across teams to maintain and strengthen engagement through events, communications and corporate outreach. You will play an integral role in communicating our work as widely as possible and improving and increasing engagement with our supporters, including our members, donors and corporate partners.

The Engagement and Communications Officer will work to maximise income and support for JUSTICE through events (approximately 45% of the role), communications (approximately 30% of the role) and membership (approximately 25% of the role). They will report to the Director of Development and Head of Communications.

We want someone who can learn and grow in this role so if you don’t have every skill listed but are organised, motivated, and interested in our work then we want to hear from you.

The JUSTICE team currently work in a hybrid manner. Staff members have access to office space in London, however, attendance is currently optional. Our staff enjoy flexible working conditions, 27 days annual leave, plus the week between Christmas and the New Year, 8% employer pension contribution and access to an Employee Assistance Programme.

The application form and candidate pack are below. The candidate pack includes more information about this role including the person specification, the organisation and more details on how to apply. 

The deadline for applications is 11pm on Sunday 19 May 2024. Please mark your email with ‘Engagement and Communications Officer’ in the subject line.

Interviews will be held on Monday 3 June 2024. Candidates will be required to complete a test as part of the interview process.

JUSTICE is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, but particularly welcome applications from individuals from marginalised groups, those with lived experience of the justice system, as well as those underrepresented in the legal professional including women, people of colour, trans and non-binary people, and disabled people.

Please note that we will not respond to any enquiries from recruitment agencies.

Communications Officer 

Harrogate, North Yorkshire (with some travel across Yorkshire)  

We offer hybrid working and we are committed to paying the Real Living Wage. 

 
About Us 

Yorkshire is one of the regions hardest hit by cancer. Together, we can change this.

Yorkshire Cancer Research is a charity dedicated to funding research so that you and those you love live longer healthier lives, free of cancer. 

Thanks to supporters, the charity funds vital cancer research and pioneers innovative new services for people with cancer. These life-giving medical breakthroughs are helping more people survive cancer – in Yorkshire, and beyond.

As an inclusive employer, our aim is to ensure our workforce reflects the rich diversity of our region. We believe a diverse workforce is vital to us taking action to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer more effectively in Yorkshire. We offer equal opportunities regardless of race, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnerships. 

 
The Benefits 

We offer all employees a wide range of benefits including an enhanced contributory pension scheme, 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service), flexible working arrangements, private medical insurance, enhanced maternity leave, career progression, learning and development, wellbeing initiatives, offices within walking distance of Hornbeam Park train station, free onsite parking and a whole lot more. 

We’ve got a strong set of values that inform everything we do and we’re looking for people who are aligned with these. As our Communications Officer, you will put people in Yorkshire at the heart of everything you do, unite with colleagues and other organisations in this cause, and dare to think big and bold to make positive solutions happen. 

 
The Role 
 
As our Communications Officer, you will be responsible for planning and delivering a wide range of communications that contribute to increased brand awareness of the charity, demonstrate the charity’s expertise and impact, educate the public about cancer prevention, signs, symptoms and screening and support the generation of income for the charity. 

Specifically, you will: 

• Plan, research, create and distribute creative media content, including press releases, blog posts, case studies and videos, to support research, services, cancer insight, fundraising, events, retail, corporate partnerships and campaigns. 

• Proactively seek, identify and engage in media opportunities, such as attending events, organising photo opportunities and meeting face-to-face with case studies.

• Manage third-party suppliers such as photographers and film production agencies, obtaining quotes, providing clear briefings and ensuring work is delivered on time and within budget.

• Respond to press enquiries efficiently and to a high standard. Understand which media enquiries are appropriate for the charity’s brand and key messages and those which are not, so that the charity prioritises only those which are value-adding. 

• Organise TV, radio and press interview opportunities for the Chief Executive, Directors and Heads of. Prepare clear briefings for interviewees. 

• Demonstrate and convey professionalism at all times and represent the charity when communicating with the media, members of the public, volunteers and supporters to demonstrate the charity’s core values.

• Monitor and evaluate the charity’s media coverage and the digital impact of PR content, providing a monthly media clippings report. 

• Provide PR input to the charity’s Leadership Team, Board reports and performance dashboards. 

• Maintain continuous awareness of industry news and regularly update colleagues on key developments. 

 
About You 

To be considered for this role, you will need: 

• To be educated to a degree or equivalent level of education or have relevant experience in a similar role at a similar level. 

• Previous media experience, whether through journalism or a PR / in house media assistant role. 

• Experience in building relationships with colleagues and journalists and managing media opportunities such as interviews, broadcast opportunities and photocalls. 

• An ability to write compelling copy for multiple audiences, and media channels, often translating complicated information into a format that is easily understood by readers. 

• An agile media mind, able to spot the key storyline that will maximise the possibility of media coverage and attract the attention of the media. 

• An evaluative mindset, supporting continual improvement by analysing coverage and associated data from media activity. 

• An ability to keep a calm head when faced with a reactive media situation in a manner that best protects the reputation of the charity 

• A thoughtful and empathetic outlook, able to engage with people affected by cancer with sensitivity and respect. 

Application 

Before applying, please visit our Careers Page to view the full role profile and find out more about working for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

To apply please submit a CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to Claire Wooldridge, Head of People, before 21 May 2024. Please read our privacy notice before applying. 

Yorkshire Cancer Research is a responsible and flexible employer.  We welcome any discussion for flexible working at the interview/offer stage where we will consider an individual’s circumstances against the needs of the charity. 

We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from all backgrounds. If we can make any reasonable adjustments to support your application please contact us via our website.

About us

This is who we are

We are a creative human rights organisation with a focus on children and young people. We believe children deserve to have their rights fully recognised and respected, just as all humans do. We press for rights – not charity – and campaign for a genuine shift in how governments and societies view and treat children. Through research, policy, art and creative storytelling, we encourage people to think critically about the world.

Guided by our CRIN Code, we are committed to building a team that represents a wide range of experiences, locations, backgrounds, heritage and perspectives. We understand that the world and its problems cannot be looked at in isolation, that everything is connected, and achieving change calls for many different voices. If this resonates with you – we would really love to hear from you.

This is why we need you

We see communications as storytelling. Because stories make our world. They hold real power and have real consequences. On a basic level, the stories we hear influence the things we believe, which in turn, influence the laws and policies making up the systems that govern us. So every aspect of how we present stories – how we read, watch and listen to them – matters. Looking at our work through this lens has challenged us to reframe our thinking on how we want to communicate. 

Our website and our digital platforms are our biggest tools for communication. We have been working towards a dream of audiences encountering CRIN’s website as a holistic experience - bringing design, content and expression together. For our platforms to feel like spaces for conversation (open), not solely where people go for information (closed). Spaces to share ideas and build on the ideas of others to form a community. We still have a long way to go to get there. But we have started the work – and invite you to join us in continuing it.

This is why we are looking for a new Communications Manager to lead on planning and implementing our communications work.

About you

This is who we are looking for

You understand the power of language in all its forms: written, spoken, unspoken, and visual. You’re passionate about justice, equality and global issues facing our planet. Under the guise of your day job, you may even secretly be an artist. Crucially, you practise the disappearing art of listening.

You believe that storytelling has a crucial role to play in sharing ideas, changing opinions and building a collective vision for a better world. You have a strong understanding of how narratives are constructed and how to effectively communicate in different ways, with different audiences, on different platforms.

You’re aware that the world won’t change one tweet at a time, but you nonetheless know how to get the message across to the right people, and have a complete and nuanced understanding of digital audiences.

Knowledge, skills and qualities required

• A genuine interest in working at an organisation focusing on cutting-edge human rights issues in creative ways; 

• Experience in a communications role at manager level; 

• Approach communications with a human touch - and a hint of mischief and humour;

• Creative and strategic thinker with an understanding of communications in the digital age and an ability to adapt to new approaches and audiences; 

• Excellent copywriting and creative writing skills;

• Excellent ability to plan and organise simultaneous projects;

• Good knowledge of design software, such as Adobe Creative Suite;

• Good knowledge of SEO best practices and familiarity with web platforms;

• Experience using MailChimp, or similar email marketing platforms;

• Eagle-eye attention to detail and excellent editing and proofreading skills; 

• High level of written and spoken English;

• Thrives within a small but diverse and international team. 

Responsibilities

This is what the role might entail

Working alongside CRIN’s Creative Directors and communications team, you will:

• Write engaging and accessible copy for CRIN’s channels (website, social and digital platforms)

• Manage the communications campaigns and digital strategies for CRIN’s projects, events and activities;

• Manage content for our digital platforms in a variety of formats (illustrations, videos, audio and written pieces);

• Develop a new social media strategy and manage our social media channels

• Implement a shift in approach to CRIN’s Instagram, fully weaving it into how we communicate about our work and with our audience — beyond stats and followers — to build a community where there is mutual learning;

• Coordinate tasks for our Digital Designer and Graphic Designer as required;

• Manage CRIN’s newsletter, sending out regular news and updates to our mailing list;

• Manage website maintenance and ensure that key pages on CRIN’s website are kept up to date and search engine friendly;

• Support the Creative Directors’ work, taking CRIN’s existing research and policy work and reimagining it into different formats for different audiences;

• Any other responsibilities discussed with CRIN’s Creative Directors.

Location: UK-based, split between remote work and occasional travel to London office
Hours: 32 hours
Holiday: 22 days pro rata (for 32 hour full-time working week), off for Christmas season
Start date: ASAP

The British Society for Immunology (BSI) is recruiting a permanent, full-time Marketing & Communications Manager to lead the strategic development and delivery of marketing and communications activities across the organisation, including the activities of both the BSI and our journals. 

The British Society for Immunology is an influential and authoritative voice for immunology, a key scientific and health field that plays a central role in many of the most pressing global health challenges we face, including research into the COVID-19 pandemic, developing new treatments and vaccines against disease, and supporting ageing populations to experience healthier lives for longer. As Marketing & Communications Manager, you get to work at the heart of this exciting discipline, using your outstanding communication and project management skills to develop impactful content strategies across a wide range of activities, such as membership, events, training and policy projects, to ensure we engage effectively with our members and wider community and maximise our impact for immunology in the UK. On publishing (which will form approximately 20% of the role), the role-holder will be responsible for leading the strategic development of marketing activities for our three journals. A core part of this role is managing two staff members, the Senior Marketing & Communications Officer and Marketing & Communications Officer, and overseeing their professional development. 

This is an excellent opportunity to work within an ambitious and innovative science and health membership organisation to deliver impactful marketing and communications campaigns across a wide range of projects.

Please read the job description to find out more about the role. To apply, please email a copy of your CV and a cover letter explaining your suitability for the role. The deadline for applications is Monday 20 May. Interviews will be held via Zoom on Wednesday 29 May.

Driven by our values and behaviours, we are a high-performing, ambitious and forward-thinking organisation, who value teamwork and collaboration. We encourage applications from individuals from all backgrounds who are inspired by our values and behaviours.

We request no contact from agencies.  Due to the number of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted after the application deadline. 

We are looking for a new team member to lead on developing and delivering our communications strategy and managing our communications channels. The post is for 15 hours per week. You will have a passion for good communications and an understanding of marketing and communications strategies. You will have a good eye for detail, a great sense of visual style and the ability to write engaging content. We are looking for someone who is confident with design packages such as Canva and web tool WordPress. 

You will use a range of media including: the OCVA website, our social media accounts (which currently include Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram and LinkedIn) and traditional media such as local newspapers and radio stations.

Garden Court North Chambers is a highly successful barristers’ Chambers committed to the advancement of social justice through adherence to the rule of law and the promotion of fundamental rights. Members of Chambers specialise in inquests & public inquiries, immigration & asylum, Court of Protection, family, housing, protest rights and public law.

We are seeking a dynamic new staff member to manage the communications and promotional activities of Chambers, through our website and social media platforms, but also by incorporating training and promotional events, and by developing media engagement.

The successful applicant will line-managed by and work closely with the Head of Practice Management (HoPM). It is essential though that they are self-motivated and can work independently.

Key tasks

• To establish and maintain a communications strategy and plan for Chambers, utilising the latest in digital communication methods.
• To manage the promotional activities of Chambers, its Practice Teams, and individual members, by managing and developing:
  • Its website and social media,
  • Webinars, podcasts and other digital training methods, 
  • In-person training and promotional events.
• To assist the HoPM by promoting Chambers to professional clients.
• To manage the promotion of Chambers via the media.
• To manage and promote engagement with legal associations, charities and NGOs to further the ethos and business of Chambers.
• To promote Chambers and its members to relevant legal directories.
• To assist with the development and promotion of campaigns organised or joined by Chambers.
• To undertake internal communication work building a culture of engagement across Chambers.

The above tasks will include:

• Identifying newsworthy cases and issues upon which Chambers may wish to engage, including through liaising closely with members of Chambers and the Practice Management Team (PMgT) to identify notable cases and issues upon which we may wish to engage.
• Working under the direction of the HoPM to assist in the practice development of individual members.
• Engaging barrister members and pupils to produce high quality training and promotional material for the website and social media, including content production such as webinars, podcasts and vlogs.
• Ensuring the website is:
  • Accessible, attractive, interesting and as useful as possible to our professional and lay clients,
  • Optimised to achieve top search engine ranking,
  • Up to date, with members’ pages regularly reviewed, and news items frequently added,
  • A source of training materials and information relating to our work and ethos, including webinars, vlogs, blogs and ‘how to’ guides.
• Ensuring a variety of social media platforms are utilised to optimise the footprint of Chambers, and to promote news about Chambers’ cases and other activities as quickly, professionally and as widely as possible.
• Identifying potential new clients to the PMgT and assisting them in the promotion of Chambers.
• Maintaining and developing professional client contact lists, mailing lists and databases, in conjunction with the Practice Teams and PMgT.
• Coordinating, advertising and managing training and promotional events in conjunction with Practice Teams and the PMgT.  This to include maximising outcomes from events.
• Liaising with outside bodies, including legal associations, charities and NGOs to promote the engagement of members of Chambers and the standing of Chambers as a whole.
• Managing the use of Chambers seminar facilities for ethos-compatible third-party events.
• In conjunction with the HoPM and individual members, coordinating and drafting submissions to legal directories.
• Developing and maintaining effective relationships with journalists, media outlets and prominent actors in the human rights field to optimise the exposure of members and Chambers as a whole. 
• Maintaining and developing promotional material for Chambers to reflect and promote its ethos.
• Assisting with the production of Chambers promotional material, including sophisticated marketing materials by utilising the latest advertising platforms optimised for social media.
• Monitoring, evaluating and reporting on key communications activities, to help refine and improve the strategy.
• Working to a budget set by the Chambers’ AGM and reporting to the Staffing / Planning Committee and Chambers’ Meetings as requested.

Person Specification

The individual will have:

• A clear understanding and commitment to the ethos of Chambers.
• Experience of developing and maintaining an organisational communications strategy.
• A strong technical understanding of website and social media platform management and content production.
• Experience of the use of a range of digital communications for promotion and development.
• The ability to draft clear, engaging copy and undertake editing, under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work both in a team and on own initiative.
• The ability to think creatively and demonstrate a very high level of attention to detail.
• Strong administrative and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise.

The Communications Officer will be responsible for supporting the communications and digital team to maintain consistent and high-quality communications across our global membership, donors and external stakeholders. 

They will handle the day-to-day operations of our programme communications, website, social media platforms, member community forum, asset management, email marketing, and event communication, ensuring consistent messaging and branding.

The post-holder will need to have a collaborative and inclusive spirit as this role will involve working closely and across teams within and outside Start Network. They will be a great writer, editor with good attention to detail, and an eye for design.

The Communications Officer will report to the Communications Manager and will work closely with the Digital team to ensure success of both digital and traditional communications.

 KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Content development, publication, and dissemination

• Craft and edit compelling multimedia content for a global audience including news articles, press releases, blogs, videos, and case studies

• Adapt content for websites, social media, email campaigns, etc., ensuring each format is optimized for its specific audience and channel. 

• Plan and maintain the content calendar together with the Digital team to ensure consistent delivery and audience engagement. 

• Promote and disseminate content through various channels including but not limited to social media and partner platforms 

• Collaborate with Start Network teams, members, and hubs to transform and disseminate reports, learning materials, grants, impact stories and other resources into clear, compelling, and accessible formats. 

• Uphold the Start Network brand by ensuring all external facing materials is according to the brand guidelines 

 COMMUNICATIONS MATERIALS, AND ASSETS 

• Develop and maintain communication materials of Start Network including but not limited to fact sheets, brochures, marketing materials, presentations, core scripts, impact reports, guidance and templates, etc and ensure the team and members are able to effectively use them

• Ensure that visibility guidelines for members and programmes are kept up to date, and work with members and hubs to ensure these are being used accordingly

• Maintain the organisation and accessibility of Start Network's digital assets. This includes maintaining our digital asset platform and keeping tabs on photos, videos, presentations, logos, and other creative materials from and for members, hubs, and the Start Network team.

COMMUNICATIONS PLATFORM MANAGEMENT 

• Support the management of Start Network’s social media channels and manage day-to-day engagement in close collaboration with the Digital team 

• Lead the management of the member community by posting weekly news and updates from across our programmes and lead on the production of email newsletters and e-marketing. 

• Support the management of digital platforms handled by the Communications and Digital team 

• Communication operations 

• Support the communications team meetings, including book diaries and setting up Zoom links when relevant. 

• Manage the communications inbox and ensure enquiries are dealt with swiftly. 

• Work with the finance team to process invoices from communications suppliers. 

• Ensure communications contacts and relationships are managed using Salesforce. 

• Closely work with Event Coordinator to ensure Start Network events are well-promoted and disseminated 

START NETWORK CULTURE

• To carry out the responsibilities of the role in line with the Start Network Code of Conduct and with a commitment to safeguarding adults and children

• A commitment to the Start Network vision, principles, values, and approach

• The Start Network team is an agile group of individuals who use their experience and skills across the network, so flexibility to work in and with different teams and functions is a part of our culture.

PERSON PROFILE

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL

• Excellent prioritisation and time-management skills and an ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines while delivering quality output 

• Collaborative spirit to work with various teams both internal and external to deliver excellent output 

• Experience in crafting compelling stories in various forms for diverse audiences 

• Ability to handle and manage social media accounts and digital platforms 

• Competency in design softwares (Adobe, Canva, etc) 

• Strong editorial skills and an eye for detail 

DESIRABLE

• Minimum 2 years’ experience working in a communications function within a fast-paced environment 

• Good knowledge of the aid sector, humanitarian journalists and media, networks, and organisations

• Good working knowledge of both new and traditional media and ability to adapt content across contexts 

KEY COMPETENCIES

Communication: Flex communication style to convey complex information concisely to different audiences, avoiding jargon and using simple language

Strategic Thinking: Able to plan and deliver flexibly to take account of changing internal and/or external factors by reprioritising and asking for help

Collaboration: Embrace diverse perspectives by using collaborative language, recognising and taking account of power dynamics

Leadership of self and others: Willing to share own expertise with others in the organisation and network, both formally and informally

Ability to adapt and learn: Seek to learn lessons and apply the learning to future work by actively asking questions, being honest, curious and brave to abandon things that aren’t working

Getting things done the Start Network way: Overcome obstacles by taking initiative to identify issues, seeking help to address them and escalating appropriately