Islamic Relief Worldwide

Transcription

1 Islamic Relief Worldwide Islamic Relief UK (IRUK) Copywriter and Editor BASE LOCATION: REPORTING TO: LINE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES: London, UK Marketing N/A ISLAMIC RELIEF: Islamic Relief is an international relief and development agency striving to alleviate poverty and suffering around the world regardless of colour, race or religion. Established in 1984 in response to the widespread famine in East Africa, Islamic Relief has grown to be a key, well known and respected aid agency in disaster relief and the ongoing development of people in over 30 countries. It specialises in education and training, health and nutrition, water and sanitation, income generation, orphan support, emergency relief and disaster preparedness. Islamic Relief is a member of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) and is an implementing partner for DFID, ECHO, the World Food Programme and UNHCR. PURPOSE OF DIVISION (IRUK): Islamic Relief UK (IRUK) is a Strategic Business Unit (SBU) that is part of Islamic Relief Worldwide. IRUK s focus is strengthening effective funding, mobilising for change through advocacy and awareness-raising, and strengthening programme development and delivery. IRUK works with various partners and institutions, from governments, non-governmental organisations and local authorities to grassroots communities. PURPOSE OF DEPARTMENT (): In close cooperation with the other parts of the organisation, the Communication Department develops IRUK s branding, messaging and marketing strategy. The department helps the entire IR family to convey key messages consistently and coherently to internal and external individuals and the humanitarian and development community. The department provides the various IRUK stakeholders with access to adequate, timely and high quality information, material and resources to bolster their ability to convey advocacy and fund-raising messages through visual media, publications, campaigns and websites. JOB PURPOSE: As part of the Marketing team, the Copywriter and Editor will be responsible for delivering high-quality, engaging copy for a wide variety of projects. This principally involves writing content for fundraising and promotional materials; advertising campaigns; marketing campaigns; web page content; newsletters and blogs. The role also involves sub-editing and proof reading material written by others to ensure quality control and brand consistency. This post requires a creative individual with strong writing ability and a demonstrable passion for writing, as well as meticulous attention to detail and a firm grasp of grammar and plain English communication. The post holder will be able to work to tight deadlines, and will be able confidently to adapt and tailor messages for distinct audiences including donors by different age and behavioural segments, the general public, VIPs, politicians, the media and corporate/brand partners.

2 ORGANISATION CHART IRUK Under Review UK Director PA to UK Director Campaigns Deputy Director - Fundraising Corporate Services Programmes Department Structure Under Review Support Officer Web & Social Media Editor Marketing Media Relations External Relations & Advocacy Multimedia Copywriter Media Media Team Support Officer Public Affairs Campaigns Graphic Design Web Developer Marketing Assistant Data Analyst Copywriter and Editor Digital Marketing Specialist Digital Marketing Officer 2

3 KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS Regular engagement with the Marketing, Media Relations and External Relations units within the department to plan and execute writing tasks and edit copy. Particularly close working with the Marketing, Social Media and Web Editor, Webmaster and Graphic Designer. Liaison with representatives of the Fundraising, Programmes and Corporate Affairs departments to identify and service copywriting needs. SCOPE AND AUTHORITY Scope of the Role: Reporting to the Marketing, the Copywriter and Editor will be responsible as a writer for most copy editing requirements of Islamic Relief UK, and as an editor for copy editing the contributions of others. We need a creative individual with a flair for compelling writing and an engaging, adaptable voice that is capable of relating well both to a primarily Muslim audience and to a wider public. This is a role that requires not only outstanding writing ability but also planning ability, an ability to uphold high standards of editorial quality and brand consistency, and an ability to work collaboratively and supportively with a wide range of stakeholders. Responsibility for Resources: Although this role has no formal responsibility for resources in terms of budget and staffing, it carries significant responsibility in terms of brand equity and reputation. The post holder will play a significant part in how Islamic Relief and its work are presented and perceived externally. As a leading international relief and development agency, the reach of our materials is extensive and the copy at the centre of those materials is a crucial component. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES The job holder is accountable for fulfilling his or her role and responsibilities in line with Islamic values and principles of fairness, humanity, honesty, respect and fair treatment of his/her colleagues and staff. Writing To write marketing copy for all major campaigns and emergency appeals for a wide range of mediums including donor s and SMS, newsletters and direct mail booklets, advertising scripts, posters, leaflets and the IRUK website To be the principal content writer for the Islamic Relief UK website To undertake other writing tasks as defined by the Marketing To work closely with the Social Media and Web Editor to ensure a coordinated and coherent approach to content on the web To work closely with the Marketing and the to develop a defined house style document for Islamic Relief s written communications, covering key messages and brand concepts, tone of voice, writing style and linguistic conventions To run coaching sessions periodically for other writers in the department and key in-house writers in other departments. 3

4 Editing To sub-edit all material for external publication, with the exception of press releases and social media content which are sub-edited within the Media Relations team/social Media team/ To proof read print materials, donor s and other material prior to publication To ensure that all copy meets with the standards and guidelines set down in Islamic Relief s house style document. Other To cover selected UK fundraising, advocacy and corporate events as a correspondent, in order to report on them for the IRUK website To forward plan written communications output in consultation with colleagues, to ensure a coherent, coordinated and effective approach To develop and maintain the IRUK blog including writing fresh content, editing content submitted for the blog and developing an annual content plan To contribute to strategy and plan development for the department as a whole To perform any other tasks required by the Marketing to further the work of the team 4

5 PERSON SPECIFICATION It is essential that the post holder shows a good understanding and empathy with the Islamic values and principles as well as commitment to Islamic Relief s vision, mission and values. Essential Knowledge, Skills and Qualifications Proven writing skills and strong all-round communication skills Degree-level education, ideally in English, Media/Journalism or creative writing Knowledge of and interest in international affairs and development Good research skills Good interviewing ability A creative, conceptual thinker who is comfortable in a range of writing formats, from serious long copy to a witty one-liner A versatile writer who can connect with a variety of audiences within the British Muslim community and among the wider public and key stakeholders A strong sub-editor and proof reader, with meticulous attention to detail and impeccable standards of grammar An ability to communicate complex and dry concepts in plain English and compelling copy. Experience Significant professional copywriting experience, either in house or for an agency A demonstrable track record in writing for publication in print and/or online, with a broad portfolio of work Experience of writing in a not-for-profit context and for a Muslim audience is valued. Personal Qualities Strong motivation for and empathy with the aims and objectives of Islamic Relief A genuine passion for making a difference Understanding of and affinity with Islamic Relief values Strong organisational ability, including prioritising and planning, meeting deadlines Systematic and meticulous Willingness to travel and work outside normal office hours when necessary Self-starter able to work effectively on own initiative Collaborative team player who enjoys working with a range of creative people. Signed by: (Direct Line ) Signed by: ( Department) Signed by: (UK Director) 5