Policy Communications Officer

Policy and Communications Officer

Employer – Kids

Location – This is a remote position, but it is anticipated you will need to travel to London for meetings approximately once a fortnight.

Salary - £27,000

Hours – 12 month contract. 36 hours. Flexible hours can be discussed at interview.

Closing Date: Wednesday 17th July, 5pm.

The vacancy may close before the deadline, if we receive a high volume of applications for the role. Please apply promptly to avoid disappointment.

Overview:

Join our dynamic team and play a pivotal role in driving social change for children with disabilities. As a Policy and Communication Officer, you will support the Kids’ social change programme by delivering clear, evidence-based policy and influencing objectives. You will collaborate across teams to ensure that the voices of disabled children, young people, and their families are central to our mission of systemic transformation.

Key Responsibilities:

Writing and Content Production:

• Craft compelling policy briefings, solutions, and reports.
• Develop engaging, policy-based messaging for diverse audiences, including government officials and the public.
• Create a variety of communication assets such as presentations, speeches, consultation responses, and letters.
• Produce content for various channels and support the creation of content by colleagues and young people/parents.

Research:

• Conduct thorough research and gather evidence from internal and external sources to support policy initiatives.
• Centre the experiences and insights of disabled children, young people, and their families in policy solutions.
• Maintain a well-organised, evidence-based content bank for communications and policy work.
• Stay updated on SEND policy developments, analyse news, and generate responses.

Outreach and Engagement:

• Coordinate outreach efforts to government and key stakeholders.
• Manage the organisation’s policy voice on social media.
• Plan and pitch stories to journalists to promote our work.
• Handle reactive media tasks, including responding to press opportunities.

Cross-Team Collaboration:

• Oversee platforms to facilitate campaigning activities.
• Collaborate with marketing to engage parents, carers, and young people, expanding our audience.
• Assist the Head of Policy, Voice, and Influencing in executing strategies and plans.
• Support coalition and alliance efforts, coordinating meetings and fostering relationships.

Person Specification:

Experience: Proven experience in a policy, influencing, or communications role.

Communication Skills: Exceptional written communication skills with experience in producing varied content for different audiences.

Research Skills: Strong research abilities to identify, evaluate, and analyse data supporting policy and communications.

Policy Development: Experience in policy development or using policy and evidence to influence outcomes.

Specialist Knowledge: Understanding of SEND issues and how to use social media to promote policy work.

Join us in making a significant impact on the lives of disabled children and their families through dedicated policy and communication efforts.

The good stuff/benefits

• Join a company that truly cares about your wellbeing
• Enjoy an enviable annual leave package, starting at a generous 25 days and growing each year up to 30 days.
• Option to buy an additional 5 days holiday.
• Enjoy your entitlement to Bank Holidays.
• We've got your back with Maternity and Paternity Pay.
• Rest easy knowing you're covered with our Death in Service plan.
• Invest in your pension plan with the option to top it up knowing that Kids is also contributing 3%.
• Achieve work-life harmony with flexible hours tailored to your needs.
• Unlock exclusive discounts at hundreds of online retailers through our employee benefits portal.
• Spread the word and reap the rewards with our enticing "Recommend a Friend" scheme.
• Access confidential support and expert guidance 24/7 through our Employee Assistance Programme, helping you navigate both personal and professional challenges.
• Take care of yourself with Company Sick Pay which you are entitled to from your first day.
• 5 days of paid family/carers leave.
• Salary sacrifice schemes available
• Develop your mentoring skills by either being a mentor or signing up for our mentoring programme.
• Expand your horizons with Kids’ online learning platforms, offering a wealth of professional courses for your personal and career development.
• Apprenticeship programmes available for employees
• Benefit from a colleague engagement programme enabling your voice to be heard.
• Lean on us during difficult times with Bereavement Leave.