Communications & Engagement Manager

Transcription

1 Communications & Engagement Manager In 20 years when you look back at your divorce, what do you want your children to say about the experience...? This is the powerful type of question that a Resolution lawyer asks a client in their first meeting. Resolution s 6,000 members believe in a constructive, non-confrontational approach to family law matters and the positive effect this has on families and children. Underpinning everything we do is the Resolution Code of Practice, which is the cornerstone of our organisation, promoting an approach to family law that is sensitive, constructive, costeffective and most likely to result in an agreement. The principles of the code are widely recognised and have been adopted by the Law Society as recommended good practice for all family lawyers. Resolution supports the development of family lawyers through - - national and regional learning and training programmes - publications and good practice guides and - our accreditation scheme. Resolution trains and accredits mediators and is the only body providing training and support for collaborative lawyers in England and Wales. The family law sector, like many others, finds itself at a crossroads. The Comprehensive Spending Review has meant dramatic cuts to legal aid funding, with family law taking perhaps the biggest hit. The cuts to family legal aid will mean that many separating families will have no option but to muddle through by themselves without access to information and advice about their legal rights. In addition, the current Family Justice Review is likely to mean a changing landscape for family law, lawyers and families in the UK. As the voice of family law professionals and the people they serve, Resolution is not merely a spectator to this. Where we agree with government we actively support; where we agree with the principles of reform but think government is going about it the wrong way, we seek to find a solution; where we think government is wrong and refusing to change, we campaign against it. We need to ensure that separating families receive the right sort of help and support and that the importance of legal help and advice is properly understood and valued. We need to help the sector strengthen and secure its reputation and make sure that government decisions about the future shape of family law are well founded. There has never been a more exciting time to join Resolution. Job Description: Communications & Engagement Manager (REVISED - October 2011) Page 1 of 5

2 A new role: Who are we looking for? We are looking for an exceptional individual to join our Communications team and manage the delivery of our engagement and campaigning strategies including producing and distributing marketing materials to promote the organisation to internal and external audiences. This is an exciting and fulfilling post for a Communications all-rounder : someone able to turn their hand to media work, influencing government, as well as the full range of e- communications and some desk-top publishing. The communications team consists of four full time posts: the Director of Communications, the Communications Manager, Head of Policy and a Campaigns Officer on a fixed term contract. Administrative support is available but staff members need to be largely self servicing. You will be one of a small but strong and committed staff team. You will have the grounding to know that in a small organisation you need to roll your sleeves up, be flexible and adaptable. If you are passionate about the effect Resolution s work can have on individuals and families across the UK and want to work on campaigns and communications in an organisation which aims to fulfil its mission in being the first for family law then this is the role for you. I look forward to receiving your application. Matt Bryant Director - Communications & Engagement October 2011 Job Description: Communications & Engagement Manager (REVISED - October 2011) Page 2 of 5

3 Job description Communications & Engagement Manager Overall purpose of the post: To ensure Resolution s members and our code of practice are at the heart of everything we do through communications, marketing and policy work. It is the Manager s role to provide outstanding coordination and day-to-day management of this directorate s activities. The Director will collaborate and work with a united team of staff and volunteers in order to provide the very best communications and campaigning for and on behalf of our 6,000 members and to significantly raise Resolution s profile with the media, government and opinion formers, utilising the full range of communications tools. Key responsibilities of the role: Members Services: Manage and deliver Resolution s communications and engagement strategy in order to: o ensure that Resolution s voice is heard in the political discourse of this country o help family lawyers our members secure and strengthen their position and reputation o consolidate and improve the reputation of Resolution with the full range of its stakeholders Communications, Policy and Marketing: Manage delivery of corporate communications content via the website and produce marketing materials as appropriate Products and Services Communications: Manage Resolution s network of Regional Press Officers, who are volunteer members of the Association, provide them with press releases, standard articles and with advice on their media contacts Influencing and Engagement: Work collaboratively towards the delivery of a major influencing campaign focussing on family legal aid and the implementation of the family justice review (October 2011 October 2013 working with an external agency) Project Management: Play an active part in the Communications team to ensure good management of the organisation s outputs, and adopting an integrated team approach with effective project management across functions Joined-up Team Working: Work collaboratively with members, committees, staff, other stakeholders and partners Co-ordination and Day-to-Day Management: Ensure excellent smooth co-ordination and a pro-active, can-do approach to service development and delivery sometimes including line management of staff, volunteers, external freelancers, consultants and agencies as and where necessary Job Description: Communications & Engagement Manager (REVISED - October 2011) Page 3 of 5

4 Person Specification: Essential At least two year s demonstrable experience of co-ordinating and day-today management of organisational and sector-wide communications strategies that deliver results at both local and national levels Proven track record in coordinating innovative service development in a membership / not-for-profit organisation Excellent political and news judgement and a background in policy. In particular, prior experience of working in an organisation closely aligned with politics such as government departments, lobbying agencies, non-profits Experience of effectively using the full range of communications mediums in marketing and campaigning: print, online, social media and audio-visual Proven ability to influence and negotiate at all levels Excellent communications and interpersonal skills, including negotiation, managing and leading on a variety of issues sometimes in challenging and complex situations Strong written skills gained from experience of journalism, press officer or as a parliamentary officer sharp, focused copy to project briefs and reports, with the ability to communicate complex information in a clear and concise fashion Ability to manage the pressures of shifting priorities in light of the news and government agendas while at the same time keeping sight of and ensuring progress on long-term goals in an organisation of 5m + Demonstrable experience of project management across an organisation including implementation Comprehensive customer relationship management (CRM) experience with a Desirable Ideally with project / pilot development experience in the commercial, not-forprofit and public sectors Track record in management of staff or volunteers Working in a legal advice & guidance environment Working in organisations of 5m + Experience of developing integrated high profile public influencing and engagement campaign Experience of live and pre-recorded media interviews and an ability to train others in the skills necessary to give media interviews Day-to-day management of communications work ideally working with a key government department both as a recipient of funds and as a strategic delivery partner Clear understanding of the issues facing family law, families and law firms Experience of co-ordinating media activity with staff and/or volunteers across multiple geographical regions Experience of research and intelligence, customer relationship management Implementation of databases and practical experience of information analysis and information architecture, Job Description: Communications & Engagement Manager (REVISED - October 2011) Page 4 of 5

5 database of 10,000+ Experienced presenter and the proven ability to easily establish credibility and inspire large audiences such as at major conferences, senior government briefings and commercial negotiations Self-starter with demonstrable entrepreneurial qualities, personal presence and the ability to inspire colleagues, volunteers and partners. audience segmentation, focus groups and user journey Reporting to: Director Communications & Engagement Responsible for: Volunteers and contractors as and when necessary Liaises with: Key Stakeholders include: Resolution members, the Resolution team including directors, staff and volunteers in both the Petts Wood and Covent Garden sites; stakeholders and other NGOs; freelancers and contractors and others as necessary. Location: Based in the organisation s head office, currently in Covent Garden, London, with some time spent in the Petts Wood office, and travel across the UK (and potentially internationally) as necessary. Terms and conditions Salary range: 30,000-35,000 (including London Weighting), salary awarded dependent on experience. Manager Salary band: Contract: Permanent, following 6 month probationary period. Notice period is 1 month (on either side) prior to passing probation, 3 months after. Benefits: Pension: Hours: Annual leave: Resolution may from time to time hold a permanent health insurance policy to cover all staff. Resolution will match any employee contribution between 3% and 6%. This post is a full-time working week of 37½ hours per week, normally Monday Friday, Monday to Friday. Some unsocial hours may be required from time to time for which time off in lieu may be given as per Resolution s policy. 28 days (which includes 3 compulsory days off between Christmas and the New Year when Resolution closes). In addition, all of the UK bank holidays per year. Job Description: Communications & Engagement Manager (REVISED - October 2011) Page 5 of 5