Head of Communications

JOB DESCRIPTION

Salary:£35,000+ 10% pension

Location:28 Fitzroy Square, London W1T 6DD

Hours:Full-time (35 hours per week)

  1. Main Purpose of the Job

To take overall responsibility for all internal and external communications, including media activity, the website and publications.

  1. Position in the Organisation

Reports to:Chief Executive

Main relationships:Communications Officer, Policy Team, Membership Team, Honorary Officers, Board of Trustees, partner organisations, media.

  1. Main Areas of Responsibility

-Media strategy

-Member communications

-Magazine, publications and external communications

-Website

4.Specific Responsibilities

Media liaison

-To develop and implement a media strategy.

-To build and maintain effective links with press, radio and television contacts.

-To plan and implement both proactive and reactive media campaigns and responses to promote the work of the magistracy and the Magistrates’ Association, to both members and external audiences.

-To advise on lines to take and produce press releases, briefings, articles and statements.

-To maintain and develop the Magistrates’ Association’s social media profile.

-To be part of an on-call media rota

Member communications

-With the membership and policy teams to:

  • Develop and implement a member communications strategy.
  • Deliver new and creative methods of member engagement and consultation.
  • Develop and implement member training opportunities

-To participate in and speak at Magistrates’ Association Branch events and other meetings and conferences across England and Wales.

Magazine, publications and external communications

-To develop and implement an external communications strategy.

-To be part of the editorial team for the MAgistrate magazine.

-To propose articles and develop ideas for the future of the magazine.

-To provide editorial support and write or source articles where required.

-To draft and deliver the annual report.

-To work with the member and policy teams to develop ideas for and write, edit, design and arrange for printing and distribution of other publications as agreed.

-To build and maintain key strategic relationships with partner organisations, politicians, civil servants.

-To work in partnership with other organisations as required to meet strategic aims.

Website

-To develop and implement a website strategy.

-To review the current content and structure of the website and recommend changes.

-To ensure that the website meets the Magistrates’ Association member and external communication requirements.

Other duties

-To manage the communications budget

-Contribute to team meetings, organisational strategy and priorities.

-Be proactive in keeping up to date with developments affecting the role.

-Contribute to other organisational tasks, such as administration or facilities, as required.

  1. General

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the job and the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this role. It is not exhaustive and staff may be required to undertake other reasonable duties commensurate with the role.

Magistrates’ Association122 November 2013