Post: Communications Manager

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Children in Scotland is proud to have achieved the Investor in People standard

Location: Edinburgh
Accountable to: The Chief Executive
Objective:

To lead and manage the agency’s Communications Department (currently two communications officers, an assistant communications officer and a designer, in addition to the manager and support outwith the department from the  Business Development Manager.) 

The department is responsible for a range of print and web based information distributed within Scotland, the UK and European Union; press and media relations and two key  annual promotional conferences. 

Responsibilities

Print

To over see the design, production and marketing of Children in Scotland’s monthly magazine, the English language edition of Children in Europe, and wider publications programme including books and newsletters and promotional materials for events, publications and the organisation.

Web based publications

To oversee   the production of the organisation’s web based monthly members update, web based publications, regular updating of the department’s web pages and contribute to website development.

Press and Media

To oversee and contribute to the organisation’s  press and media activity to ensure the effective promotion of the work of the agency and its members.

Publications Programme

To oversee and ensure the implementation of the annual publications schedule.

Conferences

To lead and manage the development and delivery of the organisation’s two key annual promotional events – the Children in Scotland Annual Conference and Children in Europe conference – to ensure their fit with organisational themes and financial sustainability.

Finance

• To be responsible for the department’s budget.
• To initiate, develop proposals for and implement activities and grant/sponsorship proposals with a Communications component.
• To oversee the achievement of annual sales targets and ensure the financial viability of the publications programme.

Marketing  and communications strategy

• To work with the Business Development Manager to develop and implement a marketing and communications strategy for the agency.      
• To ensure corporate promotional materials are consistent in message and visual image across the agency.
• To ensure internal compliance with house style in editing and design in print and online.

Staff management

To line manage the staff of the Communications Department ensuring clarity of roles, support and workload management.

Monitoring and evaluation

Through regular monitoring and evaluation, to ensure that the Communications    Department’s products and services continue to meet the needs of members and other partners.

Miscellaneous

• To contribute to the objectives of the communications department and manage new projects as required.
• To maintain good working relationships with partner organisations The National Children’s Bureau and Children in Wales and European agencies.
• To undertake other reasonable duties as advised by the Chief Executive.

Person Specification

Essential qualities:

1. Excellent communication skills including the ability to edit and write well and undertake speaking and other representational work on behalf of the organisation.
2. Experience in the production of magazines and/or other publications.
3. Experience of working in a communications team, with an overall understanding of a national organisation’s communications requirements.
4. Experience of leading and managing a small team of staff in a busy environment and the ability to work collaboratively with other staff and external agencies.
5. Ability to prioritise personal and team workloads to meet demanding objectives and timescales.
6. Project management experience.
7. Experience of financial planning and monitoring.
8. Ability to acquire knowledge and understanding of policy issues relating to children and families.
9. Understanding of, and commitment to promoting equality of opportunity irrespective of race, sex, disability, social or cultural background.

Desirable qualities:

1. Experience of policy issues relating to children, young people and families.
2. Experience of editing websites and using databases.
3. Experience of press and media work.
4. Experience of organising events.
5. Experience in marketing.
6. Knowledge of another European language.

Terms and Conditions of Service

Closing date for applications - 12 noon, Friday 8 August 2008

Interviews will be held in Edinburgh on Tuesday 26 August 2008

Criminal Records Checks
Appointment of successful candidates for posts which will have regular contact with children, young people and/or vulnerable adults will be subject to a satisfactory criminal records check.

All candidates should read this further information.

Applications for any open vacancies are invited by post or electronically. Simply download the Guidance Notes, Application Form and the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form, complete both of the forms and return them to us at the addresses below.