August 2017

JOB DESCRIPTION

FOR

SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER – PRINT, PROMOTIONS AND EVENTS

Reports to: Director of Communications and Public Affairs

Base: Norfolk

Hours: Full time

Department Overview

The Communications and Public Affairs Department consists of eight posts. Its purpose is to raise the profile of World Horse Welfare, gain greater support, advance its campaigns and act as the guardian of the charity’s reputation and image.

The principle roles of this post are:

The Senior Communications Officer for Print, Promotions and Events manages the Design Officer, and is responsible for all print communications for the charity, including producing its flagship magazine. The role also works with other members of the organisation to develop creative, innovative promotions and events, seek out relationships with third party organisations as well as individuals to advance our profile and promote our work to relevant new audiences. Working closely with the rest of the team and other departments, the Senior Communications Officer also ensures brand look, feel and messaging across our printed channels, events and promotions. Opportunities are available for further development and advancement in the charity.

Key Relationships:

The Communications Officer will work closely with:

·  Director of Communications and Public Affairs

·  Senior Media Officer

·  Design Officer

·  Social and Digital Media Officer

·  Film and Photography Officer

·  Public Affairs Officers

·  Staff in head office and based remotely from Head Office (fundraising, events, centre promotions officers, farm managers, field officers and rehoming officers) ensuring that key information, messaging and activities are communicated across the charity

·  Other organisations, key consultants / partners and freelancers.

Duties

·  Assist with development of a robust annual communications strategy.

·  Develop, implement and manage communications projects according to communications objectives, including developing schedules, coordinating teams, developing creative and engaging content and seeking and implementing feedback.

·  Manage the Design Officer, ensuring that deadlines are met efficiently and accurately and that output is within the house style and brand guidelines.

·  Proactively develop creative and original methods of communicating key messages using events, stunts, promotions, signage and our photography assets.

·  Work with the Communications & Public Affairs team and other departments and organisations to take advantage of all appropriate promotional opportunities and assist with reputation and crisis management.

·  Work with the relevant members of the Communications Team and other departments to ensure that all of the messages emanating from World Horse Welfare are correct, up-to-date, on-brand and on-message.

·  Lead the commissioning, production, writing and editing of copy for the magazine. Seek out ways of improving the newsletter to ensure it is successfully communicating key messages, achieving financial targets and that it is an effective means of maintaining, re-engaging and recruiting supporters.

·  In collaboration with relevant departments, commission, produce, write and edit (as appropriate) other print communications tools, such as promotional leaflets, educational material, campaigns reports and other print assets.

·  Research and develop the printed Adopt a Horse updates.

·  Identify and coordinate stories that support our key themes; work through the team to compose and disseminate these stories across channels working with Senior Media Officer, Film and Photography Officer and Social and Digital Media Officer as appropriate.

·  Provide back-up cover or support for other members of the team where necessary, such as liaising with the press, taking photographs, or other assistance.

·  Work with the fundraising department to ensure that appeals and fundraising processes and products (such as legacy giving, Adopt a Horse, Membership) are incorporated into communications platforms wherever possible –farm posters and the newsletter.

·  Develop and maintain a World Horse Welfare house style to work in-conjunction with the brand guidelines.

·  Coordinate and monitor associated timetables and deadlines.

·  Assist the Director of Communications and Public Affairs with projects and tasks as necessary.

Review, Development and Evaluation

·  Assist in the evaluation, review and coordination of plans, activities and systems undertaken in relation to the production and development of the charity’s communications channels, as well as the activities of the department as a whole.

·  Compile reports, statistical records, evidence of success and impact.

·  Develop mechanisms for collecting feedback and opinion about the work of World Horse Welfare and its communications publications.

·  Carry out appraisals for the Design Officer and take necessary steps to advance their professional development.

Other Duties

·  To comply with the policies of World Horse Welfare to ensure that risks within the working environment are reduced as low as reasonably practicable (to include completing risk assessments and maintaining files).

·  To raise any health and safety concerns with line managers.

·  To ensure the effective implementation of the World Horse Welfare Health and Safety management system in relation to the Annual Conference.

·  Undertake other related tasks as directed by the Director of Communications.

Person Specification

Essential -

·  Relevant experience in publications, marketing, media or communications.

·  Willingness to take responsibility, to prioritise workload and work to tight deadlines.

·  Print project management and design experience.

·  Excellent written and oral communication skills.

·  Experience of working in an agile, fast-paced team.

·  The ability to write quality copy in a variety of styles quickly

·  Attention to detail and experience of editing written work.

·  Creative, pro-active, enthusiastic, highly-motivated, flexible.

·  Capable of working with people at all levels, in a variety of spheres.

·  Experience of managing people.

·  Ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative.

·  Well-organised, conscientious, attention to detail, professional.

·  Interest and sympathy with the aims and activities of the World Horse Welfare.

·  Computer literate in Microsoft and Adobe packages.

·  Be prepared to travel within the UK and occasionally stay away from home if required.

·  Flexible approach to work.

Desirable -

·  Equine experience and knowledge.

·  A good sense of visual design.

·  An understanding and experience of design.

·  A desire to take on responsibility and advance.