Recruitment pack Communications Manager (maternity cover, 12 months) Location: Aldgate, London Contract type: fixed term, 12 months Hours: Full time, 35 hours pw Salary: 34,000 (incl ILW) Pay Review Pending Closing Date: 9am Wednesday 23rd May 2018 Interviews (tbc): Tuesday 29th and Wednesday 30th May 2018
Introduction Dear Candidate Thank you for your interest in this post. This pack will give you some more information about the role. Please feel free to contact us if anything is not clear or you have further questions. Homeless Link is the national membership charity for frontline homelessness agencies and the wider housing with health, care and support sector in England. With over 700 members, we work to improve services and campaign for policy change that will help end homelessness and ensure that everyone has a place to call home and the support they need to keep it. Our member agencies range from hostels, day centres, street-based outreach work and resettlement suppport to wider supported housing, health and social care provders. Our focus is to change the way that we, as a society, think and act towards single people who become homeless and other vulnerable groups. We do this by influencing policy and strategy at a national and local level. We also work, in partnership with our members, to ensure services for the most vulnerable in society are the best they can be and to seek out alternative solutions. We give information, advice and a fresh perspective; connecting organisations and people. In addition, we provide a range of support to our members via events, training, consultancy and other services, including In-Form, our client monitoring system. We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Communications Manager for a 12 month fixed term contract to cover maternity leave. The Communications Manager will help lead our communications work and drive our external communications, increase our media profile and improve communications with our members. We are looking for a dynamic, creative and strategic communicator who shares our passion for ending homelessness and supporting the most vulnerable in society and can help us maximise our impact. You will have an excellent track record of planning and delivering effective media and communications campaigns at a national and local level that have influenced positive change. The Communications Manager (maternity cover) is based at our head office in London. The starting salary is 34,000.00 per annum, including inner London weighting, plus a generous package of benefits including 30 days annual leave, flexible working and a contributory pension scheme. Please note, it is our policy for new appointees to commence employment at the starting salary. Finally, we are actively seeking to increase diversity within our organisation and would greatly welcome interest from people with direct experience of homelessness, from a black or minority ethnic background and/or with a disability. We thank you for your interest and look forward to receiving your application. Helen Mathie Head of Policy & Communications (Job Share) Recruitment Pack 2
About us Our vision Our vision is a country free of homelessness where everyone has a place to call home and can expect the support they need to keep it. To achieve this ambition, as a society, we need to: Act faster to prevent people losing their homes Ensure that if some becomes homeless, it s for the shortest time possible Provide long-term accommodation and help for people with complex problems Support people to realise their potential and avoid homelessness in the future. What we do We are the national membership charity for organisations working directly with people who experience homelessness in England. We work to make services better and campaign for policy change that will help end homelessness. Advice and support We look for and share good practice from the front line, helping others to boost the quality of their work. We also develop new products that can help improve services and fund our campaign to end homelessness. Our national and regional teams offer support, link up agencies, and provide advice, consultancy and tools to help improve services. Information, research and training We provide access to a wealth of up-to-date information, including good practice toolkits, the latest research, sector news and policy updates. We also pilot new approaches to tackling homelessness and supports staff to improve their skills through training. With data on thousands of services, we use information to identify trends and enable the public and professionals to find local help and support. Influencing We work with local and national Government to improve the policies that affect people experiencing homelessness. Using our detailed knowledge of what s happening on the ground we campaign to challenge preconceptions and help bring about change. Networking and events Through our national, regional and online events we provide professionals with the opportunity to network with others in the sector sharing knowledge, experiences and solutions. For more information Visit our website: www.homeless.org.uk Recruitment Pack 3
The job Role Description JOB PURPOSE To support the Head of Policy and Communications on the development and delivery of Homeless Link s communications strategy, brand, key messages and narrative. To provide communications advice and support to Homeless Link staff and our members. To work with the Head of Policy and Communications and Director of Policy and Communications to develop our campaigns and identifying opportunities for promoting our campaign messages, profile and impact of the work of Homeless Link. To use the media to further Homeless Link s aims and to increase our media profile and the profile of homelessness and the work of Homeless Link s members by generating regular, high-profile coverage. To provide a communications service that is professional, timely and consistent with our brand and policy standards. To keep effective contact with relevant media contacts, ensuring positive and collaborative relationships are maintained. To devise effective plans and approaches that increase the impact of our national and local communications. ACCOUNTABILITY The Communications Manager is part of the Policy & Communications team, alongside the Digital Communications Manager. The Communications Manager reports to the Head of Policy and Communications. LOCATION Office based in Aldgate, London. Willingness to travel within the UK and occasionally overseas. MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES Delivery To support the Head of Policy and Communications on the development and delivery of Homeless Link s communications strategy, brand, key messages and narrative. To work with the Digital Communications Manager, Head of Policy and Communications and Director of Policy and Communications to develop our campaigns and identifying opportunities for promoting our campaign messages, profile and impact of the work of Homeless Link. To devise and develop effective communication strategies and plans in partnership with Homeless Link staff and members that increase the impact of our communications. To plan, manage and evaluate the implementation of communications projects and campaigns with the support of Communications colleagues. To coordinate the production and dissemination of communications and marketing collateral. To contribute to and support the communications of Homeless Link s campaigns, products and services using the full marketing mix. To ensure the successful long term strategic development of the Homeless Link brand (and service brands) in line with the needs of our audiences and business objectives. To brief and manage external suppliers as required. Recruitment Pack 4
Media relations To generate positive coverage by implementing and coordinating both stand-alone media activity and the PR strands of campaigns and projects across Homeless Link. To provide media handling advice to Homeless Link managers and members To undertake general media relations activities as required including: - Developing media plans and proposals - Actively selling in stories to the media - Drafting and distributing press notices - Identifying key media contacts and building and maintaining relationships with key journalists - Being the main point of contact with the media and effectively and efficiently responding to media enquiries - Setting up media interviews and supporting staff with their media work, e.g. by producing briefings. To monitor, evaluate and report on communications activities To maintain and update our CRM and media database To be aware of the national news agenda identifying opportunities or bringing issues to the attention of Director of Policy and Communications and other members of the Senior Management Team. Stakeholder engagement To work with our members and the people using their services to develop strong messages and stories about the value and impact of effective homelessness and other support services for vulnerable people. To lead the development and integration in our communications of the stories of people who have experienced homelessness and homelessness service. To devise effective influencing approaches that build the reputation of our members services and find common ground with key audiences (opinion formers, civil servants and politicians). To provide communications advice to our members as required. To support and coordinate the implementation of communications activity as required. Digital Communications To use social media as part of our campaigns to target and engage key audiences and gather feedback and intelligence. To maintain and develop content on our media channels as required (website, Twitter, You Tube, Face book, etc.). Team To work closely with the Digital Communications Manager, providing support in monitoring our social media presence, preparing communications material (e.g. articles, blogs, leaflets, videos, etc.) and supporting the production of our publications including design, editing and proofing and in gathering case studies. To deputise for Communications colleagues when required To contribute to the overall work of the Policy and Communications team, responding to changing requirements. To support the Head of Policy and Communications in developing new ideas and proposals for fundraising bids to sustain the work of the Policy and Communications team. GENERAL Roles and objectives in Homeless Link may change. All members of staff are expected to be prepared to work flexibly in response to changing business needs. All members of staff are expected to undertake any other responsibilities or tasks that are consistent with their role and/or reasonably required by the Chief Executive. All members of staff are required to operate in accordance with Homeless Link s values, policies and procedures. Recruitment Pack 5
This is a description of the job as it is presently constituted. It is the practice of Homeless Link to examine job descriptions from time to time and to update them to ensure they relate to the job as then being performed, or to incorporate whatever changes are required to reflect business needs. This will be conducted in consultation with you. It is the organisation s aim to reach agreement on changes, but if agreement is not possible, the organisation reserves the right to insist on changes to your job description, after consultation with you. Recruitment Pack 6
PERSON SPECIFICATION QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE FOR THE ROLE Essential Knowledge and understanding of effective communications methods and styles that achieve impact with diverse audiences Knowledge and understanding of effective media and public affairs approaches Ability to think creatively and identify and action communication opportunities IT literate and able to use social media Desirable A professional qualification in PR, marketing or public affairs Good understanding of communication research and evaluation techniques EXPERIENCE AND TRACK RECORD Essential Significant experience of delivering effective communications strategies using a wide variety of channels Track record of achieving impact with communications, for example, achieving campaign objectives, social or attitudinal change and/or significant awareness and profile raising for an issue or brand Track record of proactive and reactive media relations Demonstrable understanding of how media coverage can be achieved and evidence of achieving this on behalf of an organisation Track record of planning and implementing multi-channel campaigns Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and ability to adapt tone and content to a variety of difference audience segments in order to effectively engage and influence Successful communication with a wide range of people, e.g. media, government, business, charities/voluntary sector and beneficiaries Ability to translate complex issues persuasively and clearly for a variety of audiences Track record of using social media to target and engage key audiences Experience of print, design and brand management Highly effective at working across an organisation building strong collaborative relationships with colleagues in other teams, including a track record of providing communications advice to colleagues Excellent project management and ability to manage multiple priorities with tight deadlines Desirable At least two years experience of working in a PR, marketing or public affairs environment Experience of commissioning and managing external suppliers Experience of fundraising and income generation, including writing fundraising proposals GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ROLES AT HOMELESS LINK Essential Willingness and ability to work outside normal office hours and travel within the UK and occasionally overseas Willingness and ability to operate in accordance with the values and policies of Homeless Link Willingness and ability to work flexibly in response to changing organisational requirements Commitment to bring into the work the views, needs and voices of people with direct experience of homelessness Recruitment Pack 7
Desirable A sound understanding of the causes, consequences and solutions to homelessness based on direct experience KEY COMPETENCIES Please note that these are for your information only at this stage. You do not have to address them in your application. We will look for evidence of these during the interview and testing stage if you are shortlisted. Personal Contribution Personal effectiveness: Motivated, perseverant and well-organised, takes responsibility for results. Problem solving: analyses problems and takes responsibility for identifying solutions Initiative: shows initiative in considering options for delivering objectives Working with others Team member: committed member of broader teams and takes responsibility to contribute to problem solving for organisation more widely. Customer focused: Focused on views and needs of service customer. Communication: Concise and accurate & where appropriate influential. Organisational Contribution Systematic: uses and contributes to organisational systems to manage resources and knowledge Project management: plans and organises projects that may involve many elements of the organisation and its membership. Resource management: Plans, develops and manages resources efficiently to deliver best maximum results. Recruitment Pack 8
How to apply Explanation of terms used Role description: gives details of the duties of the post. Use this as a guide to decide whether or not you think the job would suit you. Person specification: lists the criteria, which will be used to assess your application & covers the qualifications, specialist knowledge, experience and track record that we are looking for. Key competencies: these are for your information. We will look for evidence of all these during the interview and testing stage if you are shortlisted. Supporting people with disabilities Homeless Link is committed to improving its employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Please let us know if you have a disability we should take into consideration in this section. If you require support, modifications, adjustments, or special equipment to assist you with the recruitment process, please also include brief details about this. The line manager for the role will contact you to discuss your requirements if you are shortlisted. Supporting people with experience of homelessness As part of Homeless Link s commitment to support people with experience of homelessness, we have committed to giving feedback to applicants who have experience of homelessness. If you are happy for the panel to know if you have had experience of homelessness and you would like to contact us for feedback on your application, please tick the Yes box in this section. All applicants are able to request feedback following the interview stage. Referees One of the referees that you provide should be your present or most recent employer. If you have not been employed, or have been out of employment for a period of time, you may wish to give the name of anyone who knows you sufficiently well to confirm the information that you have given and to comment on your ability to do the job. Notifying you about your application Please note we are not able to acknowledge receipt of individual applications or notify applicants individually if you have not been shortlisted. We will notify shortlisted applicants within 5 working days of the closing date. Homeless Link is unable to give feedback on applications that have not been shortlisted. Sending in your application To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter, outlining how you meet each requirement as set out in the personal specification. Please send your CV, cover letter and the equal opportunities monitoring form to email recruitment@homelesslink.org.uk. The closing date is 9am on Wednesday 23 rd May with interviews scheduled for 29 th /30 th May. Applications received after the published closing date will not be considered. For any queries about the post, please email recruitment@homelesslink.org.uk quoting the job title. Recruitment Pack 9
What we do Homeless Link is the national membership charity for organisations working directly with people who become homeless in England. We work to make services better and campaign for policy change that will help end homelessness. Let s end homelessness together Homeless Link Minories House, 2-5 Minories London EC3N 1BJ 020 7840 4430 www.homeless.org.uk www.in-form.org.uk Twitter: @Homelesslink Facebook: www.facebook.com/homelesslink Recruitment Pack 10 Homeless Link 2017. All rights reserved. Homeless Link is a charity no. 1089173 and