Freelance Communications Lead – Fulfilling Lives

Job Description

Reports to: Head of Programme, Resolving Chaos

Location: London (Oxford Circus / Waterloo offices)

Hours:At least one day a week (7 hours a week) - subject to confirmation at interview

Purpose of the role

This is a freelance role to support communications for Fulfilling Lives - a multi-agency Big Lottery funded project which supports people with complex needs in Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham (LSL).

The post-holder will be employed by Resolving Chaos to take forward a programme of communications activity for the project, but will also work closely with St Giles Trust, Thames Reach, Certitude, South London and Maudsley NHS Trust and the three local authorities who form the LSL Fulfilling Lives partnership. The post-holder will also work with the Big Lottery and project’s clients to ensure their needs are incorporated into all communications work.

Duties of the post

  1. Working with the partnership to update and take forward communications activity for the LSL Fulfilling Lives programme. This includes attendance at Operational Group meetings as needed.
  2. Identifying news stories and key milestones for Fulfilling Lives. Translating these into successful media coverage and liaising with journalists as appropriate.
  3. Liaising with staff and clients on Fulfilling Lives to source positive case studies of the work and interpret them for relevant channels.
  4. Taking the lead for developing and updating the Fulfilling Lives website and other social media channels.
  5. Producing copy for newsletters and other publications associated with Fulfilling Lives and liaising with designers and printers in respect of these.
  6. Working with current and former clients helped by Fulfilling Lives– especially those in the expert service user group - to ensure they have a voice. Supporting them in producing content for newsletters and any other relevant channels.
  7. Supporting in the organisation of a programme of events to celebrate Fulfilling Lives and working with partners, funders and clients in respect of these.
  8. Working with film makers and photographers as needed to capture audio visual content about the project’s work.
  9. Obtaining and logging consents from clients on public usage of any material gained about their stories and circumstances.
  10. Liaising with high profile public figures including politicians, policy makers and celebrities to broker their support for Fulfilling Lives.
  11. Working with members of the Core Group to ensure that data around the project’s impact is disseminated and communicated.
  12. Any other duties as may reasonably be required.

Person specification

  1. The ability to work without close supervision and take ownership and responsibility for work.
  2. Experience in working with the media, including the ability to identify potential stories and generate positive publicity through media work.
  3. Experience of briefing spokespeople for media work, speeches and presentations.
  4. Excellent digital communications skills to include using content management systems to update and maintain websites, using and developing social media channels for the project.
  5. A good eye for design and experience in working with designers and printers.
  6. Experienced in working and interacting with vulnerable people and supporting them in publicity, including an awareness of professional boundaries around this area.
  7. The ability to work within a multi-agency partnership arrangement and adopt a collaborative, joined-up approach.
  8. Excellent written and verbal communication skills including the ability to write compelling, accessible and grammatical copy.
  9. The ability to tailor communication materials to suit the needs of different audiences.
  10. The ability to interact with a diverse range of individuals from different backgrounds and with different experiences.
  11. Experience of briefing and supervising photographers and filmmakers commissioned in respect of the project.
  12. Experience in juggling multiple tasks and using judgement to prioritise accordingly.
  13. The ability to remain calm under pressure and maintain good working relations with colleagues, partners and clients.
  14. Excellent IT skills, including use of MS Office.