Communications Manager

Based in Oxford with opportunities for flexible working * Full-time * Competitive Salary

Job Purpose
To increase awareness and understanding of Nominet Trust’s strategy, aims and investments among key target audiences by creating and implementing targeted communications plans using a range of marketing tools.
Post Responsible to: Director of the Trust
Post Responsible for: PR agency, web agency, freelance design, copywriting, video editing and photography support
Key responsibilities
  • Develop Nominet Trust’s marketing and communications strategy and plan, in close consultation with the Director
  • Implement the marketing and communications strategy on budget and to schedule, undertaking market research as relevant and evaluating/reporting on its outcomes.
  • Lead the development of Nominet Trust’s brand identity across all communications channels including ensuring appropriate use by investment recipients
  • Manage, develop and implement Nominet Trust’s publications (including annual report), web, events, PR and video promotion plan on budget and to schedule, ensuring that the activities deliver against the overall marketing and communications strategy.
  • Responsible for project management, developing ideas for content in consultation with other Nominet Trust staff, sourcing and briefing copywriters as well as editing and approving copy in consultation with the Director.
  • Manage and direct external agencies to ensure appropriate messages and maximum coverage in media relevant to Nominet Trust’s audiences. Form and develop relationships with relevant publications and journalists and analyse media coverage using external agency.
  • Manage teams and individuals ensuring that they are both challenged and supported in their roles and have the necessary skills and resources to fulfil their objectives.
  • Manage the maintenance of an up-to-date contacts database to ensure that the right audiences receive appropriate information at the right time, taking into consideration costs as well as both audience and Nominet Trust’s needs.
  • Capture and present information on Nominet Trust’s plans and activities effectively by keeping up to date on new and on-going initiatives. Liaising with other Nominet Trust staff to ensure that appropriate messages are conveyed to key audiences.

Internal & External Relationships
Internal
  • Director – to develop the communications strategy and plan; report monthly on progress against operational plans; liaise regarding key messages to key partners
  • Head of Development Research – stay abreast of projects and partnerships and liaise regarding publications, events, web and PR activities
  • Researcher - stay abreast of research and evaluation activities and liaise regarding publications, events, web and PR activities
  • Projects Manager – stay abreast of project delivery schedules in order to plan marketing activities
  • Chairman and Board - monthly communications reports and update in person at Board meetings, where appropriate.
External
  • Press and broadcast media –promote the Director as spokesperson; drafting stories and press releases as well as the development of press relationships through visits, events and other comms activities
  • Communications-related suppliers including the designers, printers, video editors, PR and copywriters
  • Nominet Trust audiences (policy, practice, research and industry) - representing Nominet Trust at external events and addressing them indirectly through communications and marketing collateral
  • Partner organisations including private sector companies, associations, government agencies, public sector bodies and corporate sponsors – development of relationships to assist communications and distribution activities as well as the development of project-specific PR and sponsorship of events and awards/competitions.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience
  • Educated to degree level and/or with relevant professional qualification or with the equivalent level of experience working in a series of progressively senior roles relevant to the post.
  • At least 5 years’ experience managing a marketing environment with demonstrable knowledge of communications and distribution, PR, event management and web/e-comms strategies.
  • Proven ability to effectively develop and implement communications and marketing strategies and plans, both for specific activities and general organisational promotion. Successful implementation of strategies for maximum impact.
  • Demonstrable understanding of the methods of targeting and communicating with different groups, using a variety of communications channels including social media.
  • A good understanding of how the media operate and how to influence it.
  • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
  • Project management experience with the ability to work to deadlines within budget, demonstrating a flexible and calm approach to changing circumstances
  • At least two years’ experience in the strategic management of contact databases and the development of distribution strategies.
  • Some experience of video production, of developing visual narratives and of communicating key messages through digital media desirable
  • Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a proven demonstration of energy, resilience and commitment.
  • Experienced in motivating staff, setting objectives and managing performance.
  • Good inter-personal skills, able to understand people’s concerns and be confident in addressing them. Experienced at providing feedback which leads to positive outcomes.
  • Can demonstrate a coaching style to develop and mentor other team members
  • Able to clearly communicate the strategic direction to reports and team members, in such a way as to engage and motivate them.
  • Computer literate – competent with Microsoft Office.
  • Need to be able to work out of hours and be willing to travel for events.
  • A team player, with a helpful friendly manner, who will play a full part in a closely knit, small team which is dedicated to the provision of an effective service.
  • An interest in technology as a medium for positive social change and in the objectives and activities of Nominet Trust