Royal Economic Society

Communications Officer – Job Description

Job Summary

Title: Communications Officer

Reports to: Communications and Engagement Manager

Location: Westminster, Central London (occasional travel to meetings within the UK may be required)

Salary: £24,000-£27,000 per annum

Hours: 35 hours per week

Job Type: 12 monthinitial fixed term contract (with possibility of extension subject to organisational priorities & allocated funding)

Closing date: 15thJanuary 5pm.Interviews are likely to be held later that week (w/c 15th January).

Job Overview
The Royal Economic Society (RES) is going through an exciting period of development, including the creation of a centralised office in Westminster under the Society’s first Chief Executive. The Communications Officer is a varied role, supporting the organisation’s website, social media and other communications channels, as well as the broader outreach activity led by the Communications and Engagement Manager. The postholder will play an important role in supporting the launch of the Society’s new website, due to launch in late 2018.

Society Background

The Royal Economic Society is the national learned society for Economics. It was founded in 1890 and currently has more than 3,500 members, mostof whom are based outside of the UK. The Society publishes The Economic Journal (one of the oldest and most highly respected Economics research journals in the world) and The Econometrics Journal, organises a large international Annual Conference, together with other events/activities for academics, students and the public. The Society is a registered charity. Further information about the RES and its activities can be found at

Job Description

Tosupport the Society’s communications activities, including to Society members and prospective members, the media, policy professionals and the wider public, in line with the stated objectives and aims of the Society. During the initial fixed term contract, the individual will focus on supporting the development of the Society’s new website and on related digital initiatives. The role has the possibility of being extended following the fixed term contract, and to evolving as the organisationdevelops.

Key Responsibilities

  • Work with Communications & Engagement Manager and external consultants on the development of the Society’s new website
  • Contribute to refining and development of content for new website, in preparation for launch
  • Create content for social media channels, monitor and moderate channels as required
  • Create social media style guide
  • Write copy for website, event coverage and news items to support communications efforts across channels, in partnership with colleagues
  • Devise, write and design marketing materials to promote Society activities in partnership with colleagues
  • Provide support for Society events, including occasional attendance where required
  • Help build photo and video library through sourcing event coverage, as well as taking photos/video at key events
  • Work collaboratively with related organisations on cross-promotion of appropriate activities, proposing partnerships where appropriate
  • Analyse and report on results of Society communications, in partnership with colleagues
  • Support wider engagement work of Communications & Engagement Manager, including media, policy and public engagement activity
  • Provide secretariat support for relevant committees and working groups
  • Undertake other tasks as required by line manager

Person Specification

Essential Skills

  • Degree level of education or equivalent
  • Professional, volunteer or personal experience of creating and publishing digital content for a website and/or social media
  • Familiar with content management systems and basic online editors (eg/. Wordpress, Umbraco)
  • Strong copywriting skills and tone for varying channels and audiences, with excellent attention to detail
  • Basic photography, social media and video production skills that can be built on in the role
  • Proven ability with Microsoft Office packages and an ability to pick up new software and technologies quickly
  • Self-assured liaising effectively with a broad spectrum of stakeholders in-person, by phone and email
  • Knowledge of current economic issues with a keenness to engage in the public arena
  • Proven ability to prioritise a busy workload

Desirable Skills

  • Economics degree or equivalent
  • Knowledge and experience of the academic sector, including learned societies
  • Knowledge of membership organisations
  • Familiarity with Customer Relationship Management systems and e-marketing tools
  • Knowledge and understanding of dealing with the media

Application Process: Please send your CV along with a personal statement outlining how you meet each person specification point.Forward all applications to

Note that any applications without a personal statement will not be shortlisted.

Enquiries: For further information, or if you require any reasonable adjustments in submitting your application, please contact the office via e-mail at

Please note, no agencies.

The Royal Economic Society is committed to equality and valuing diversity.

The Royal Economic Society, 2 Dean Trench Street, Westminster, London. SW1P 3HE

The Royal Economic Society is a registered charity No. 231508 & a charity registered in Scotland: No. SCO43245 VAT Registration: 214168584