Communications Manager
We are looking for an experienced, hands-on communications all-rounder with a breadth of skills to help deliver the strategic communications objectives for a national youth charity.
The charity is poised at an exciting phase of growth, with seven large scale youth centres (called Youth Zones) set to open over the next three years, a new three year organisational strategy, and an ambitious strategic communications strategy to support this in place.
As an equal opportunities' employer, we welcome applications from under-represented groups; in particular from Black, Asian, Mixed Race & other ethnically diverse individuals, people with disabilities, and members of LGBTQ+ communities. Our dedicated Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Group, with support from the Senior Leadership Team, is actively promoting and advancing diversity and inclusion, ensuring a culture where everyone can be themselves and thrive.
Position: Regional Communications Manager
Location: Hybrid working: two days a week in the Bolton office combined with home-working and travel across our Youth Zones in development (Barnsley, Crewe, Grimsby, Preston) plus occasional other travel as required.
Salary: £33 - £35,000 per annum
Contract: Fixed-term contract (possibility of becoming permanent) for 12 months
Hours: Flexible working and will consider 4 days a week (37.5 hours full time).
Benefits: Agile working with flexibility in working hours; 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (rising to a maximum of 30 days); birthday leave, additional annual leave purchase scheme; company matched pension; company sick, maternity, paternity & adoption pay; Employee Assistance Programme, active and engaged networks to join (including Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) and access to Charity Worker discounts.
Closing Date: 5pm Wednesday 21 August
First stage interviews (virtual): Wednesday 4 September
Second stage interviews (in-person): Thursday 12 September
About the Role
This is a key role within the communications team that will see you create understanding and awareness between the organisation and the key local and regional audiences that matter, as the charity embarks on its biggest ever period of growth.
This role will involve managing a small portfolio of local end-to-end integrated communications and PR programmes at various stages, to launch new Youth Zones in Barnsley, Crewe, Grimsby and Preston. You will work closely with each Youth Zone's Relationship Managers and Fundraisers, as well as its CEO, and Trustee Board, and Young People's Development Group, acting as their trusted communications advisor.
In addition, you will oversee and lead a fundraising focussed communications and marketing campaign to boost reach to new funders (who we call Founder Patrons) in the areas where there are new Youth Zones.
The breadth of this role means no two days are the same, which is why we are seeking somebody organised, dynamic and self-motivated with exceptional project management and stakeholder management skills.
About You
We will be looking for someone that can demonstrate a broad range of communications skills from working with local media to place newsworthy, positive stories around the Youth Zones development, to supporting the development of new Youth Zones websites.
If you are as confident pitching a story to media as you are managing a branding project or overseeing an event, then this could be the role for you.
There will also be opportunities to contribute to the national communications plan, working closely with the Director of Communications and Brand on several high-profile projects, including overseeing and launching the new Youth Advocates programme, working with young people across the Network.
To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter (of not more than one page), explaining clearly why you are interested in the role, and answering ALL points as outlined on the role profile.
About the Organisation
A national charity that believes all young people should have the opportunity to discover their passion and their purpose that fund and build state-of-the-art, multimillion-pound youth centres called Youth Zones in the country's most economically disadvantaged areas. The organisation trains the amazing people that run them and offers continuing support to Youth Zones nationwide through a national network of independent youth charities.
The charity recognises that the workforce is under-represented in certain areas and are committed to addressing this. Therefore, they actively encourage applicants to submit anonymous applications; in practice this means removing your name and email address from your CV and cover letter. The HR Lead will have these details from your submission, but they will not be available to the selection panel when they are considering your application.
The charity is committed to the safeguarding of young people. In accordance with their Child Protection and Safeguarding procedures, this position requires a basic DBS check.
Other roles you may have experience of could include Communications, Marketing, Marketing and Communications, Communications Manager, Marketing Manager, Marketing and Communications Manager, Brand, Media.
PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.