COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
We are seeking a Communications Manager to manage the communications function aimed at raising awareness of Start Network and our initiatives and programmes across our global membership, donors and external stakeholders.
The successful candidate will have substantial communications experience in a membership organisation, funding provider, or charity.
Please note the this role is a 13 months fixed term post with the possibility of extensions subject to funding.
The Start Network is at a critical point in its journey. We are looking for people to join us who are committed to our vision of system change. People with open mind-sets and approaches that are innovative, collaborative, and receptive to change. Start Network is a dynamic, exciting, and forward-thinking organisation and we need diverse opinions and views to effect system change. We are therefore looking for people who are open to thinking differently, are prepared to challenge, and be challenged and can experiment. People who put the individuals and communities we serve at the heart of all their work and want to work towards creating a different humanitarian aid sector.
For this role we offer a competitive salary and benefit package subject to relevant country legislation.
SKILLS
The post-holder will have demonstrable experience in external communications, brand, creative multi-media content, and media. They will be a great writer, editor with good attention to detail. They will have experience of managing budgets, suppliers and people.
The post-holder will be adept at forging and maintaining effective relationships and partnerships, across organisational and/or geographical boundaries. They will be a confident verbal communicator, negotiator and able to present complex information in an accessible way. They will be able to prioritise work, managing time and resources effectively. They will have a flexible, ‘can do’ attitude with the ability to manage an unpredictable workload.
The candidate will be passionate, proactive, open and adaptive to learning, they also will relish the opportunity to try different styles of communications and will willing to test new ways of working.
The post-holder will be fluent in English and preferably multi or bi-lingual with French, Arabic or Spanish.
Occasional travel required.
KEY ACTIVITIES
Content
Manage the creation and editing of inspirational, informative, and educational creative and multimedia content, for Start Fund and other Start Network’s initiatives and programmes
Create, edit, and commission high quality written content and thought leadership across the network
Work with the National Communications Advisors to gather stories and content about Start Network work at the national level
Work with the External Affairs and Advocacy Manager to lead colleagues and members in the generation of content that secures coverage in media and other channels and platforms
Manage external providers to create content in a variety of media, including photography, design, and video content
Brand, media & positioning
Responsible for developing and implementing strategic communications plans using earned media, owned content, partnerships, and digital and social strategies
Maintain the Start Network brand and manage its use by members and partners, when communicating Start Network funded activity, such as through guidelines and templates
Manage any external agencies and designers using the Start Network brand in the creation of materials
Manage the organisation’s press office and work with the External Affairs and Advocacy Manager to ensure the positioning of Start Network in key media titles
Events, marketing and social media
Work with the Digital Officer to manage the day-to-day communications of Start Network work on the website and on social media
Support the communications around Start Network events, to ensure the correct use of brand, the right delegates attend and to drive engagement through social media
Create e-marketing content to build engagement with key events, campaigns and programme launches
Strategy and leadership
Work closely with leaders in other functions establishing yourself as a trusted advisor to key partners
Drive the upskilling of the team in communications strategy, content production, including through templates, guidance and training
Ensure high quality and performance of communications, tracking deliverables and KPIs
Develop and manage the delivery of communications strategies to communicate the Start Network’s initiatives and programmes
Manage the organisation’s reputation and crisis communications of the Start Funds
Manage budgets and suppliers in the delivery of communication activities.
Key competencies
- Promote different ways to engage different audiences, advising others on how to maximise impact through feedback and coaching
- Flex communication style to convey complex information concisely to different audiences, avoiding jargon and using simple language
- Hold others to account for their work in consideration of strategic goals by looking at decisions in relation to our theory of change, vision, mission and purpose
- Actively promote collaboration by spotting and breaking down barriers to siloed working, connecting colleagues, teams and initiatives
- Develop teams by creating safe spaces for them to be challenged and supported to try new things and learn from one another
- Develop teams by creating safe spaces for them to be challenged and supported to try new things and learn from one another
- Enable others to deliver results by setting direction, providing clarity around roles and responsibilities, and creating a positive culture
- Identify opportunities and take calculated risks to capitalise on opportunities that further our purpose and mission without compromising our vision
How to apply:
We work with Applied, an online recruitment platform designed to allow teams to measure candidates on what actually matters. Rather than relying on CVs and cover letters, Applied allows you to demonstrate your skills and abilities through competency based questions which are blind- reviewed by our team to avoid personal bias.
To apply please visit: https://app.beapplied.com/apply/m5qg3llwfr
Applications for this role will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, so please apply early where possible. We reserve the right to close applications early if we reach a satisfactory number of applications.
Any offer of employment is subject to relevant checks. Please refer to our privacy statement and candidate privacy notice regarding treatment of your data.