Communications Officer (Digital)

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Prosper Wakefield District is a charity and the largest independent grant maker in the Wakefield district, working to help people to live longer healthier lives.

Our vision is for a stronger, healthier, more equal Wakefield, where charities and partner organisations from all sectors work together to support people to thrive.

We want to recruit an experienced Comms Officer to help us shout about our amazing work, and the positive difference we are making to the lives of so many people across the Wakefield district.

If you’re a strategic thinker with excellent communication skills and a flair for marketing, we want to hear from you. Our new Comms Officer will help ensure our grant-making activities have the maximum impact; they will develop and drive our communications strategy and raise awareness of Prosper’s purpose with our wider partners.

Job Title: Communications Officer

Location: The office is based at 35 Peterson Road, Wakefield, WF1 4DU. The role will allow for some flexibility in hybrid & remote working, subject to agreement with your line manager.   The role may require some travel within the Yorkshire and Humber region.

Hours: 21 – 35 hours. The role can be delivered on either a P/T basis (minimum of 21 hrs) or F/T of 35 hrs (generally 9.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday).  The role can also be delivered on a Job Share basis. The role will require occasional working outside normal hours. 

Benefits: 28 days paid holiday p.a. (pro-rata for P/T hrs). Pension contribution. Flexible working.

Length of contract: Fixed term contract for 2 years with the potential to become a permanent post.

Reports to: Philanthropy and Partnerships Manager

Liaising with: CEO, Prosper Charity Administrator, Trustees of the charity, wider partners.

Salary band: £29,000- £32,000 (pro-rata for P/T hrs) depending on experience and qualifications.

Closing date: 12 noon Tuesday 7th May 2024

Interviews will take place on Tuesday 21st May 2024 

 Applicants shortlisted for interview will be notified by Friday 10th May 2024

 Start date: As soon as possible.

PROSPER COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER:  JOB DESCRIPTION

The Communications Officer is a vital member of the organisation. As we experience unprecedented growth, we are looking for someone who shares our excitement and is ready to contribute to the next chapter of the charity’s journey.

Our Communications Officer will play a key role in promoting our mission, engaging supporters, and raising crucial funds to enhance our grant programmes. You will be at the forefront of promoting the impact of our grants; you will be engaged with our communities and partners, to create compelling and exciting content that resonates with our audiences. This role offers a unique opportunity to blend your marketing and communications skills to raise awareness, drive fundraising efforts and showcase our work.

By joining us, you’ll be part of a passionate and dedicated small team working towards a common goal of improving lives and contributing to the well-being of communities across the Wakefield district. We offer a supportive and collaborative work environment where your creativity and innovative ideas are valued.

Main duties of the job

Your role centres on shaping the charity's influential presence in the district and the wider region. You will:

·       Develop a Marketing and Communications Strategy and deliver the charity’s communication and marketing plans, work closely with all team members to advise on the key narratives, best modes of communications and the target audiences.

·         Provide strategic advice and guidance on communications to the Chief Executive and trustees.

·         Produce high quality written and visual content for all communication channels.

·         Create compelling content that evidences the social impact of our grants.

·         Liaise with beneficiaries to gather stories and case studies showing how grants have been used, how they have made a difference. Share best practice via the website and through blogs and images.

·         Update and develop the website and take responsibility for the content and upkeep.

·         Manage our social media platforms (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram) and report on analytics.

·         Ensure that digital marketing content aligns with Prosper’s brand identity and message.

·         Look for new ways to raise our profile through social media, press and other forms of communication.

·         Develop networking relationships with local, regional, and national press, and via partner’s websites, to share funding stories.

·         Design any marketing materials and liaise with suppliers with regards printing.

·         Produce a monthly e-newsletter to be delivered to stakeholders.

·         Co-ordinate events and other promotional activities.

·         Work alongside the Philanthropy and Partnerships Manager to engage with businesses and charities.

·         Arrange for staff, trustees, and other stakeholders to take part in site visits to beneficiaries.

·         Represent the charity at the Wakefield Funders Forum and Yorkshire Funders Forum and seek other networking opportunities.

• Build and maintain excellent working relationships with a range of key stakeholders including grants beneficiaries, trustees, funding partners, third sector leaders, health and statutory partners, elected members, and politicians.
• Facilitate effective internal communication within the organisation.
• Keep staff and trustees informed about key developments, events, and achievements.

·         Other tasks, commensurate with the post, that the Chief Executive and Philanthropy & Partnerships Manager may deem appropriate (including occasional support for work that cuts across other areas of the charity’s work)

Person Specification

·         Familiarity with the charity sector

·         Excellent written and verbal communication skills

·         Proficient in digital marketing tools and platforms, including social media management.

·         An understanding of performance evaluation tools such as Google Analytics.

·         Knowledge of, and skills in, social media management, with a focus on increasing reach and engagement.

·         Experience of using Canva.

·         Knowledge of communications, public relations, journalism and marketing communications techniques, approaches, and procedures

·         Knowledge of using WordPress or similar to update the website and create new content.

·         Ability to work collaboratively and independently, managing multiple projects simultaneously.

·         Passion for the charity's mission and values.

·         Must be able to work out of normal office hours when required.

·         Must have a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.