Job description and person specification

UK services writer
Salary band / EP1G / Job reference number / 7GD
Area / department / Communications / Region / division / UKO
Work location / UKO / Reports to / Editorial Manager
Contract / Permanent; full time / Last updated / March 2015

Scale and scope of role

Direct reports / N/A
Budgetary responsibility / accountability / N/A / Accountability for other resources / N/A
Reach and impact / N/A

Context

The British Red Cross helps people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. We are part of a global voluntary network, responding to conflicts, natural disasters and individual emergencies. We enable vulnerable people in the UK and abroad to prepare for and withstand emergencies in their own communities. And when the crisis is over, we help them to recover and move on with their lives.

Within the UK, the British Red Cross operates through about 3500 staff and over 30,000 volunteers. Geographically, the UK is organised into 20 areas, which are grouped into three regions.

The editorial team shapes the Red Cross story through Red Cross publications, appeals and campaigns, the Red Cross website and other digital, internal and external channels.

Overall purpose of the role

The post-holder will be part of the editorial team, and will specialise in the British Red Cross’ work in the UK. He or she will: acquire an excellent knowledge of this specialist area; build effective working relationships with UK services and other relevant staff; and write or edit content for publications, exhibitions, websites and internal communications. The post-holder will also act as deputy editor for Life magazine, the publication for British Red Cross volunteers and staff.

Main responsibilities and duties

  Be the editorial team’s expert in British Red Cross work in the UK, keeping up to date with projects and developments in this area. Proactively seek out information and suggest ideas and hooks for content

  Write and edit creative, high-quality content for publications, websites and internal communications.

  Forge and maintain excellent working relationships with key internal and external operational stakeholders and staff, advising them on communications strategies and tactics in support of their aims and objectives. Ensure a good flow of first-hand information, case-studies, images, etc and proactively seek these from stakeholders.

  Upload content to our website and intranet using the content management system. Use Google analytics to inform decision-making and work with the web editor and digital team to shape structure and content. Develop, edit, maintain and optimise content for the web.

  Select, crop and size images to accompany items on our website and intranet.

  Develop creative ways (through medium, format, angle, style, etc.) to communicate the work of the UK services division, in close liaison with relevant staff.

  Secure appropriate sign-offs of own copy for technical accuracy, in liaison with relevant staff.

  Act as the communications or editorial team lead, including writing and implementing communications plans, for selected, planned communications projects/campaigns (eg World First Aid Day) and lead or contribute to cross-divisional communications project teams as required. Provide expert advice on content and support departmental planning accountabilities.

  Work with designers and creatives to implement project briefs drawn up by the production co-ordinator.

  Produce content around other aspects of the Red Cross’ work as needed, including volunteering, youth and schools, fundraising and advocacy.

  Edit content that is produced from elsewhere in the Red Cross.

  Adhere to British Red Cross house style and tone of voice, and contribute to their development. Offer expert services and advice to colleagues across the organisation in these areas.

  Act as deputy editor of Red Cross Life magazine.

  Cover for other members of the writing team as needed.

  Cover for the social media officer when necessary, managing and monitoring the organisation’s social media channels.

  Take part in an out-of-hours weekend rota to provide editorial cover in case of an emergency (eg provide copy for the launch of an emergency appeal).

  Uphold the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement; work in pursuit of the organisation’s vision, mission and objectives; work within its equal opportunities framework; and support and promote its values, demonstrating the behaviours and competencies set out in the management development framework.


NB. Duties may evolve over time, so the job description will be subject to

periodic review
Person specification
*Minimum criteria

/

Requirements

Skills

/   * Excellent writing, copy-editing, sub-editing and proofreading skills
  * Experience with selecting and manipulating images (e.g. with Photoshop)
  *Good interpersonal and communication skills

Knowledge (including education and training)

/   Educated to degree level or equivalent
  * Familiarity with online content management systems
  Understanding of social media sites and monitoring tools
  Understanding of how multimedia content can enhance website user experience
  Knowledge of the implications of search engine optimisation, usability and accessibility for digital content
  Familiarity with the Sitecore content management system

Experience

/   Proven experience of writing for print and online
  Proven experience as a writer in a media, in-house comms or agency environment
  Experience of working in a fast-moving, deadline-driven environment
  Experience of using social media in a professional context
  Experience of sub-editing magazines

Competencies

/   *Proven ability to forge strong contacts in specialist areas
  *Experience of working effectively in a multi-disciplinary team
  Project management

Additional requirements

/   Uphold the Fundamental Principles and act with integrity, in accordance with the Society’s obligations and values (inclusive, compassionate, courageous, and dynamic).
  Recognise the implications of working within a charity and a voluntary organisation.
  Ensure anti-discriminatory practice and promote diversity.
  *Able to respond appropriately and effectively in an emergency situation, given the needs of the organisation.
  Demonstrate flexibility and open mindedness
  Recognise and value the contribution of others
  Take responsibility for own and team’s decisions and actions

NB All disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria, denoted by *, will be short-listed for interview in line with our commitment under the two-tick symbol scheme.

Job description and person specification / 2