Job description
Job Title:Internal Communications Manager (maternity cover)
(0.6FTE)
Division:Communications
Responsible to:Head of Communications
Outline description
The Internal Communications Manager is responsible for leading on the development and delivery of employee and volunteer communications at ZSL.
The role is also responsible formanaging the production of the Society’s portfolio of internal publications including our newsletter ZSL Life and DG Update, which is distributed in email format.
The post holder will ensure all colleagues across the organisation - whether they are based in London, Whipsnade or overseas - are kept fully informed about Society developments, are engaged with our work and appreciate the essential role they play in helping ZSL to achieve its mission.
This role will report into the Head of Communications, but will work closely with all directorates, especially Human Resources.
A key approach of this role is to support and advise colleagues on their own internal communications, working towards a co-creation approach.
Two key projects for internal communications in 2017/18 will be the roll-out of the new ZSL strategy, which will require a comprehensive engagement plan for internal audiences, and the development and launch of ZSL’s first Digital Workplace. The Digital Workplace project is a joint internal communications/ICT initiative.
Key areas of responsibility
Internal Communications
1. To work with the Head of Communications to deliver a comprehensive engagement plan for ZSL’s new strategy. The programme will include agency support.
2. To co-lead on the development and roll-out of ZSL’s first Digital Workplace, which will be built on Office 365/SharePoint.
3. To continue work embedding internal communications into our culture at ZSL, including the continued implementation of our internal communications strategy and its associated programme of work.The role of Internal Communications Manager is a relatively new one (15 months), and we are at an exciting point in the development of this area.
4. To manage internal stakeholder communications during any corporate or reputational issue or crisis.
5. To work closely with senior management to develop and enhance their communication channels with employees i.e. Town Hall meetings and quarterly briefings.
6. To advise colleagues on their own internal communications; ensuring it is timely and well executed.
7. To manage all Internal Communications channels, including the employee and volunteers newsletter, intranet, organisation-wide emails, employee briefings etc.
8. To develop and maintain an internal communication toolkit for colleagues at all levels.
9. To work closely with the PR team to ensure alignment of internal and external communications.
10. To work closely with HR and senior management to identify ZSL’s target culture and how Internal Communications can help to achieve this.
11. To engage with and develop good working relationships with trade union representatives.
12. To manage the operating budget for internal communications.
Publishing
- To manage and develop the production of ZSL’s internal publications.
- To manage costs and production processes to ensure these meet cost benefit and ethical guidelines.
Key interfaces
The post will be expected to be able to interface at all levels across the organisation.
Knowledge and experience
Educated to degree level or equivalent.
The post requires a strong track record in internal communications management.
Human resources
The tough goals of the position will only be met if the post holder secures the confidence and trust of the full ZSL staff and demonstrates they are working together in the same direction, operating a flexible but focused approach.
Communication
Exceptional communication skills are of course essential and also the ability to work with non-media focused divisions motivating them to support the broader communication goals and understand their importance without being obtrusive.
Liaison
It is vital that the post holder is capable of understanding and interfacing with the whole of ZSL. This must be a two-way process, requiring clear understanding of potential communication opportunities within ZSL, but also the implication or impact the action will have on specific areas of the organisation as well as ZSL as a whole.
Mental demands
Judgement and decision making
The role will be instrumental in shaping ZSL’s communication strategy and by so doing mould the internaland external perception of the organisation. Considerable judgement is required in the recommendation of these strategies.
Original thought and problem solving
Creativity is a key attribute. Given the competitive communications environment, ZSL’s current profile and relatively small budgets there is a strong need to be innovative and distinctive. Given the need to do things differently, this will require an understanding of the risks involved and also the ability to sell ideas across the organisation. All activity needs to be mindful to safeguard ZSL’s reputation and position of authority in its subject.
Concentration
They will need to apply clear thinking and logic to the communications process. This will involve not only developing strategies that meet ZSL’s communications objective but also identifying potential risks and threats.
Flexibility
Flexibility is essential to this post. This is involved at a strategic level; where plans may need to be revised as event or opportunities arise. It is also required on a day-to-day basis in the management of internal and external contacts.
Working Conditions
The position will be primarily based at the offices in Regent’s Park site. The nature of the job will require working away from the main office, either at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo or in meetings at other locations.
The post will be permanent and 22.5 hours per week.