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.
Join Our Team as a secondee: VCS Neighbourhood Facilitator
Transforming Communities, Enhancing Well-being
Are you passionate about making a tangible difference in your community? Do you have a knack for connecting people and organisations for a common cause? If yes, then seize this unique opportunity to become a Neighbourhood Facilitator for the City & Hackney Neighbourhoods Programme.
About Us
Hackney CVS is the leading force in City & Hackney’s voluntary and community sector, committed to supporting groups to meet the needs of the local community, especially those most in need. Through our City & Hackney Neighbourhoods Programme, we're pioneering a place-based approach to integrated health and care across eight Neighbourhood Forums. Our mission is to empower residents and the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) to lead the change towards improved health outcomes and reduced inequalities.
The Role
As a Neighbourhood Facilitator, you will be seconded into Hackney CVS and:
- Lead two of the eight established Neighbourhood Forums, driving community engagement and cross-organisational collaboration to identify local issues and co-produce solutions.
- Work closely with resident groups, service providers, and the Neighbourhood Leadership Group, ensuring that community insights and VCS expertise shape local services and pathways.
- Organise engaging community forum meetings, conduct outreach, and foster strategic connections to enable positive system change.
- Serve as a bridge between residents, VCS organisations, and health and care partners, creating opportunities for co-creation and influencing system changes to address health inequalities.
What We Offer
- A secondment opportunity from July 2024 – March 2026, with a pro-rata salary of £34,944
- A contribution of £5,700 per annum to employer costs to the secondee’s employer.
- Professional development opportunities, access to chairing and evaluation and impact training and more.
- The chance to work within a supportive team and contribute to meaningful, community-driven change.
- Hackney CVS benefits include a beautiful garden for relaxation, staff wellbeing champions, a summer away day, and a festive party.
Who You Are
- A self-starter with excellent organisational and communication skills, passionate about community well-being.
- Experienced in health/well-being, outreach activities, and facilitating group discussions, preferably within the City & Hackney area.
- Knowledgeable about the VCS/not-for-profit sector and the public sector landscape, especially in health and social care.
- Skilled in partnership building, project management, and problem-solving, with a creative approach to identifying solutions.
Join Us
This is more than a job; it’s a chance to be at the heart of community transformation in City & Hackney. If you're ready to make a difference and have the skills we're looking for, we would love to hear from you.
For further details about the Neighbourhoods Programme, visit our website.
Deadline for applications: 23:59 pm on Sunday 12 May 2024
Interviews: Week commencing Monday 20 May 2024
Hackney CVS is committed to diversity and equality of opportunity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Transform lives, communities, and systems. Become a Neighbourhood Facilitator.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Location: Home or office (Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire) working available. This role is available fully remotely.
Hours of work: This role is offered between 15 and 36.25 hours per week. This will be discussed with candidates at the interview.
Contract: This is a temporary position. Because of the uncertainty of the availability of funding, the Company cannot at this stage confirm exactly how long this will be for and cannot guarantee you any minimum or maximum period of employment.
*Candidates should be able to start as soon as possible and no later than 29 May 2024
About the role
The Welfare Scheme Assessor will be a part of a small, but committed team with big ambitions that works cohesively and effectively together to get things done.
You’ll be an important and valued member of the team and, with the support of North Lincolnshire Citizens Advice, will be responsible for ensuring client focused outcomes are met in a pressurised environment.
You’ll be the first point of contact for residents applying for support from the welfare assistance scheme. You’ll offer applicants a holistic assessment designed to maximise household income, reduce expenditure and build greater financial wellbeing.
You’ll enable people to move as quickly as possible to problem resolution and to manage their essential needs so they are less likely to fall into debt and manage cost of living increases.
You’ll be responsible for making decisions on applications for financially based welfare support and will administer funds to households who would otherwise struggle to buy food or pay essential utility bills or meet other essential living costs.
You’ll enable people to take control of their financial wellbeing and signpost them to local statutory services and community groups that provide practical, social and emotional support.
What we offer our staff
We provide an employee assistance scheme managed by LifeWorks. Benefits include:
- 24/7 - 365 telephone helpline
- LifeWorks online support website
- LifeWorks app
- 6 sessions of face to face counselling per issue – unlimited issues per annum
- Employee legal helpline
- Consulting services – financial, debt advice, housing, relocation, parenting, eldercare, work performance, health and wellness advice and much more
- Childcare and eldercare matching service
- Savings on everyday purchases and life events
- Access for family members and dependants – excluding counselling and legal advice
Annual leave: Annual leave is 25 days from 1st January to 31st December, plus 8 bank holidays. We offer additional long service leave of 5 days after 4 years of employment
How to apply:
The recruitment process and how to apply You should submit:
- A CV no longer than two pages
- Cover letter detailing how your skills and experience will help you in the role.
Applicants will be assessed and interviews offered on a rolling basis.