Ataxia UK is seeking a Communications Intern to provide support across the breath of our communications work. You will work under the guidance of the Communications Officer. The role will allow you to tap into your academic experience and use it in a professional setting. To be successful you must be pro-active, creative, dedicated and self-motivated.

The primary responsibility will be to oversee the production of content of the Ataxia Magazine: a quarterly publication that is sent to around 4,000 of Ataxia UK’s supporters. The applicant must have confidence in their ability to source relevant stories, conduct interviews and write in a way that is in-keeping with the house style of Ataxia UK.

The role will give you the opportunity to gain valuable experience of working within the charity sector and more specifically a communications department. You will also work closely with the fundraising department and will assist in any content production where necessary.

The candidate may occasionally be required to work weekends, however the charity encourages flexible working and any time worked will be remunerated in lieu. Six of our last interns have either gained full time employment within the charity sector, or successfully entered into Higher Education. We ask for at least six months commitment to the role.

Responsibilities:

  • Ataxia Magazine.To oversee the production of the Ataxia Magazine. This will involve sourcing stories and images for the quarterly publication. The candidate is expected to confidently conduct interviews and write in a concise, informative and on-brand style whilst hitting the regular deadlines required
  • Ataxia UK Website. Drafting and uploading content for the Ataxia UK website
  • PR work.Gathering and analysing charity data and ataxia-related stories to be packaged and produced for PR and communications use
  • Social Media. Update social media pages, generate content, and assist in developing and implementing social media strategies.
  • Conferences. To assist in the marketing of Ataxia UK conferences as well as supporting them in an administrative capacity
  • Help & Assistance. Assisting in general communications enquiries and information requests such as ataxia healthcare documentation and Ataxia UK branding. To also assist in general offices duties where necessary

Person Specification:

Essential:

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • A keen eye for detail with meticulous proofreading abilities
  • Knowledge and experience with social media (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other social media platforms)
  • Confidence and drive to source relevant stories and conduct interviews
  • An interest and enthusiasm for working within the charity sector
  • A willingness to assist in Ataxia UK events as well as a flexible approach to working hours
  • Acceptance of the ethical use of animals in medical research; and human embryonic stem cell research
  • Competent user of the Microsoft Office package
  • Trustworthy and reliable; discretion in handling sensitive information
  • Self-motivated and able to work independently or as part of a team

Desirable:

  • A communications related degree such as English, Journalism, or Marketing etc.
  • Experience using a Content Management System to upload, edit and maintain web content
  • Newspaper/magazine writing
  • Experience of writing content for a range of different audiences
  • Experience of using a mass mail out system such as MailChimp
  • Experience of video-editing software

How to apply:

Please send a covering letter stating how you meet the person specification as well as an up-to-date CV to Stephanie at

Any examples of published writing are also welcome.