Communications & PR Manager Job Description

Transcription

1 Communications & PR Manager Job Description Title: Place or base of work: Reports to: Direct reports: Salary: Hours: Contract: Communications & PR Manager Thrive s National Headquarters at Beech Hill, near Reading (some travel to other Thrive centres and elsewhere may be necessary) Head of Innovation & Marketing Information & Communications Officer (plus a new post of Digital Marketing Officer is proposed) 30, ,000 per annum pro rata hours per week; can be flexible Permanent Purpose of the Role Reporting to the Head of Innovation and Marketing, this is a permanent role for an experienced Communications and PR Manager who can help us develop our communications strategies. This is both a strategic and hands-on role with primary responsibility for all Thrive s external communications and PR activity. The role crosses all functions and work areas and will focus on raising awareness and promotion of our services throughout the sector and public audiences. Communications 45% PR 35% Organisational/Team/Budget management 20% Communications Create, direct and implement Thrive s communication strategy and activities as detailed in the business plan to meet the organisation s aims and objectives Support Thrive s teams and senior managers to create communication plans which promote Thrive s activities and meet objectives Give communications and publications advice to Thrive s managers and Trustees to promote Thrive s activities, in particular being a key advisor and spokesperson when handling media issues Create, write and send Thrive s monthly e-newsletter and give editorial input into any other regular communications sent out in the name of Thrive Research, write, edit and send Thrive's quarterly e-publication Growth Point aimed at professionals in health, care, social and therapeutic horticulture, the environment and education - Sent out via four times a year 1

2 To work with supporters, clients, volunteers, staff and stakeholders to build strong case studies Oversee the Information/Publications service, developing plans in line with the overall Communications Strategy and providing line management for the Information & Communications Officer Ensure all communications activity, including social media, reinforces the brand positioning and strategic direction of the charity, reinforcing key messages Create enticing posts for Thrive s social media platforms and copy for the website and update through CMS Daily monitoring and engagement on Thrive s social media platforms and community To develop and grow Thrive s online communities To constantly review developments in the use of social media and analysis of its effectiveness, and incorporate such innovations in the charity's social media strategy and practices as appropriate PR Pro-actively generate media coverage, provide copy and images and act as the point of contact for the media and all external organisations and partners. Ensure all opportunities are developed and capitalised upon Report on and evaluate media coverage, including use of media monitoring service. Ensure media coverage is effectively communicated to key internal audiences Sell in stories, write and distribute press releases and manage media relations to deliver highprofile coverage of Thrive s activities Develop positive relationships with journalists in targeted media, including national broadcast and print, regional and trade press, to reach our key audiences Manage Thrive s input into press releases from partners and other stakeholders including drafting and signing-off quotes for senior staff and trustees Commission any professional photography needed within budget, arranging our own photography, and manage Thrive s digital photo library Ensure media database is up to date and develop further contacts Lead the development and implementation of the Crisis Communication Plan, working with Managers and Trustees as appropriate 2

3 Provide advice, support and coaching to Thrive staff, Managers and Trustees on media interviews Organisational/Team/Budget management Prepare and implement annual objectives, delivery targets and budgets in accordance with strategies for the Communications & Information team Prepare management information, reports, briefings and presentations Establish systems and processes to measure the impact of communications & PR activities to deliver greater efficiency Plan and manage staff and volunteer resources to ensure appropriate staffing and long-term retention of talent; monitoring and managing staff and volunteer performance within the Communications & PR Team conducting annual performance reviews; coaching and mentoring staff and volunteers as appropriate to improve performance This list is not exhaustive. Amendments and additions may be required in the future, in line with policy and other changes. 3

4 Person Specification Area Essential Desirable/Useful Experience Managing social media channels & measuring, evaluating & optimising campaigns Experience of using media database/distribution software and media monitoring/evaluation software, or evidence of mastering new software quickly Proven ability to communicate with a variety of external audiences Experience of producing information for differing target audiences Ability to work effectively on communications projects involving many partners and levels of signoff Relationship building and management, internal and external contacts Comms & PR strategy and planning Managing budgets, setting and working to KPIs Staff management and motivation Skills and Knowledge Personal Qualities Photo and video editing skills, preferably Adobe Cloud Suite Content management systems - website Demonstrable experience of generating positive, targeted news coverage Able to provide advice and support to others on getting the most out of media relations (e.g. giving interviews) An understanding of SEO, content & digital marketing Knowledge and experience of paid promotions across social media platforms, including knowledge of how to use paid for mediums to enhance engagement and response Ability to work to deadlines Excellent at building and maintaining relationships with media contacts and people at all levels of an organisation Excellent communicator Flexible and adaptable Able to remain calm under pressure and to take the lead in a crisis Ability to influence/be persuasive Dynamic and creative Other Committed to the aims of Thrive & CPD Willing to undertake some out of hours work Full driving license Working for an organisation supporting the needs of vulnerable adults and/or children Proven experience of generating positive media coverage of STH, Green Care or environment-related stories as a press officer, especially broadcast coverage Established relationships with sector relevant journalists Experience of working for a charitable organisation Knowledge of Social and Horticultural Therapy or other therapeutic interventions designed to meet the needs of disabled/disadvantaged adults and/or children Ability to manage and motivate volunteers and interns Knowledge of CRM databases Hold a relevant degree and/or journalism/pr qualification 4

5 Thrive is a Disability Confident Employer and as such we are committed to the employment and career development of disabled people. We will offer an interview to give you the opportunity to demonstrate your abilities at an interview, if you declare that you have a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the job. By minimum criteria we mean that you must provide us with evidence in your application which demonstrates that you generally meet the qualifications, skills or experience defined as essential in the person specification. Successful appointment to this post will be subject to satisfactory references and Disclosure & Barring Service check. 5