WORLD CANCER RESEARCH FUND (WCRF UK)

JOB DESCRIPTION

Section 1

Job title:International Communications Manager

Reporting to:Head of Communications & Campaigns

Division:Communications

Location:WCRF UK, 22 Bedford Square, London WC1B 3HH

Hours:37.5 hours per week

Duration:Permanent

Salary:£36,000 - £40,000 per annum plus benefits

Purpose of Post

This is a new role within WCRF International and reflects an increased organisational focus on developing the capacity to engage and communicate with WCRF International’s global audience.

This role works with and reports to the Head of Communications & Campaigns but is expected to work closely with senior WCRF International staff, as well as the science, policy and communications departments, and to liaise as necessary with counterparts across the WCRF Network. The postholder is responsible for line managing the International Communications Coordinator.

The postholder will be expected to develop and implement communication strategies, produce and manage high quality website content, manage the blog, develop social media strategy, produce e-newsletters, input into the production of corporate materials and support the Head of Communications with media work.

Main Responsibilities

Strategy:

  • Working with the Head of Communications & Campaigns, develop integrated communications strategies, with evaluation indicators for WCRF International projects (e.g. conferences, report launches, campaigns) that will increase the reach and impact of WCRF International’s work.
  • Working across different teams and the network entities coordinate the implementation of communications strategies.
  • Provide suggestions to senior managers on new ways of reaching WCRF International’s key audiences.
  • Research new contacts within institutions and organisations to support and expand WCRF International’s contacts.
  • Provide communications support for external conferences and events as required.
  • Working with the Executive Director and Head of Communications & Campaigns to support the development of and adherence to the WCRF Network brand.
  • Develop WCRF International’s digital and social media strategies to grow and expand our reach.

Staff management:

  • Manage and support the International Communications Coordinator including development, review and management of performance.
  • Provide ongoing support and training for the International Communications Coordinator to develop his/her skills.

Website content:

  • Produce and edit high quality website copy and deliver engaging online content for WCRF International and Diet & Cancer Report websites.
  • Work closely with the Head of Communications & Campaigns and all WCRF International teams to ensure that the websites remains engaging, current, accurate and that content adheres to high editorial standards.
  • Coordinate and implement new website projects as directed by senior management and develop ideas for new creative content for the WCRF International and Diet & Cancer Report websites, including the use of graphics and video.
  • Work with the website team to analyse web traffic and contribute to developing content that will support SEO and growth in visitor numbers.

WCRF International blog:

  • Lead the strategy for WCRF International’s blog to increase visitor numbers and influence, and proactively promote the blog to external audiences so the site becomes a ‘go to’ on cancer prevention, science and policy.
  • Manage the development of the blog editorial schedule.
  • Write high quality articles for the blog.
  • Manage the commissioning of articles from both staff writers and external guest bloggers.
  • Work with staff to ensure adherence to good editorial practice.

Social and digital media:

  • Implement a comprehensive social media strategy that increases organizational visibility and engagement with WCRF International’s key audiences.
  • Identify possible development opportunities for social networking activities.
  • Develop new digital and multimedia content, including video.
  • Develop monitoring and evaluation systems for WCRF International’s social media.
  • Ensure that WCRF International is taking advantage of the latest developments and trends in digital and social media.

E-news bulletin:

  • Write and distribute WCRF International’s e-bulletin with the aim of increasing subscribers.
  • Conduct regular reviews to ensure the bulletin is meeting the needs of recipients.
  • Provide regular monitoring and evaluation reports.

Publications/PR materials:

  • Provide editorial guidance and input into the development of WCRF International’s published materials.

Media:

  • Working with the Head of Communications & Campaigns, develop pitches for media outlets to secure media coverage, particularly radio and TV coverage.
  • Identify new opportunities to secure media coverage for WCRF International.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The person specification describes specifically the traits, skills and experience that are needed for the job.

Experience

  • Significant experience of working in a communications role ideally within the health and/or scientific research sector, preferably on international issues.
  • Proven experience of writing and delivering communications strategies that deliver tangible outcomes.
  • Proven experience of writing and producing accurate, well constructed copy for complex audiences across a range of different mediums
  • Experience of working with journalists and the media, and writing press releases
  • Experience of working in multi-disciplinary teams to deliver a communications strategy
  • Experience of writing and developing website content
  • Experience of digital and social media communications and growing an online community of engaged followers
  • Experience of producing visual content for online audiences

Proven experience of managing staff (including setting objectives, motivating staff, perfomance management) and strong team-building skills

Knowledge & Technical Skills

  • Skilled at developing communication strategies and monitoring and evaluation criteria
  • Excellent writing, editing and proofing skills
  • Knowledge of Word Press
  • Strong project management skills

Personal Attributes

  • Ability to develop innovative ideas for developing WCRF International’s key audiences
  • Ability to prioritise numerous projects and complex tasks, setting realistic objectives and achieving them through working with others
  • Ability to plan muilt-layer activities and handle conflicting demands, spotting problems in advance and identifying solutions quickly and effectively, with a keen eye for detail and accuracy
  • Ability to work flexibility in a small team and maintain a high level of commitment in all circumstances
  • Ability to make good judgements and effectively represent WCRF to external audiences and the media
  • Ability to convey complex ideas in a compelling manner, using a variety of methods to persuade the listener, win support and understanding
  • Ability to develop effective working relationships both within the wider organisation and externally, generating trust and credibility at all levels
  • A demonstrated self motivated, proactive and results orientated approach to work
  • Willingess to work flexibily as needed – the post may require occasional evening or weekend work
  • An interest in health promotion and health-related issues.

Qualifications
The successful candidate is likely to be educated to graduate level or equivalent. A professional qualification in journalism, PR or communications would be desirable.

“Stopping cancer before it starts”

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Registered with the Charity Commission in England and Wales (Registered Charity No: 1000739)

World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF UK) is part of the WCRF global network