Communications Officer

JOB DESCRIPTION

Salary: £25k per annum, (inclusive of London weighting) full-time, 35 hours per week Accountable to: Fundraising & Communications Manager Accountable for: Communications volunteers Location: London based with travel and overnight stays as required Benefits: 28 days holiday, 8 Bank Holidays, 6% non-contributory pension

JOB SUMMARY: Help develop and co-ordinate the delivery of a communications plan for the organisation which effectively employs all media and communications channels to:  Raise the profile of the issue of LGBT youth homelessness  Assist with the transmission of key messages to existing supporters and donors whilst cultivating new support  Ensure the AKT brand is recognisable nationally / internationally The role will assist the fundraising team in attracting new donors and supporters to the organisation through press and PR activity. Ensuring effective and timely communication with our target audiences and sustainable growth in both giving and support.

KEY TASKS:  Establish the AKT branding nationally, with consistent recognition in line with brand guidelines  With support from the Board, your Manager and the Chief Executive, develop and deliver a communications plan for the organisation to assist with the cultivation and transmission of key messages to all AKT stakeholders  Enable AKT to be more agile in our ability to respond to communications opportunities and maximise income when appropriate. Whilst also increasing our ability to cope with less welcome attention

of 3  Co-ordinate the enhancement of the functionality and content of the website - with a focus on developing online donations online  Oversee effective and timely communication across our social media, printed and other communication channels both internally and externally to all our stakeholder groups  Ensure the production of high quality printed and online resources, including the AKT newsletter, eNewsletter and guides to our services  Work collaboratively with the Fundraising & Communications team to ensure all required content is published and deadlines are met  Have a significant impact on donor & supporter relationships, with regular, targeted communications  Build relationships with key journalists and media to ensure our message reaches the widest possible audience  Ensure effective and timely delivery of our key messages during our 25th anniversary year (2014)  Be responsible for co-ordinating or supporting the delivery of events in your city and on occasion across AKT’s regions

PERFORMANCE MANAGMENT: This role will be performance managed through a series of key performance indicators and other targets.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:  To attend regular support, supervision and agreed training  To participate in the office cleaning with all other members of staff  To represent the Albert Kennedy Trust appropriately and effectively at all times  To work within the Trust’s staff code of conduct and all other policies and procedures  To organise and participate in some events out of office hours, e.g. fundraising and publicity events  Other duties commensurate with the nature of the post  To incorporate the values and strategic aims of the organisation into your work and behaviours All AKT employees are expected to demonstrate a commitment to the values, codes of practice and the AKT Young People’s Charter – which underpin and govern our work. ______

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL:

of 3  Educated to degree level or its equivalent  Direct experience of preparing high quality written work in a professional environment  Experience of managing web based content  Experience of producing a social media activity schedule  Excellent writing and presentation skills  Excellent information technology skills  An understanding and appreciation of promoting and championing diversity  Enthusiasm and motivation to fundraise  Confident and persuasive presentation and verbal communication skills, with ability to influence  Ability to develop strong and positive relationships with media, communications, fundraising and service delivery colleagues in the sector  Ability to work well as part of a small team and to support, manage and motivate other members of staff and volunteers  Ability to multitask, prioritise workload and meet deadlines at own initiative and with minimal supervision  Willingness to travel and to work unsociable hours

DESIRABLE:  Experience of working with Press and PR agencies  Relevant qualification in communications  A knowledge of issues surrounding homelessness and LGBT youth  Experience of line managing staff or volunteers  Experience in driving an organisation’s communications strategy and plan  Experience working within the voluntary sector