Marketing and Communications Officer

You will provide support to the Step Forward Tees Valley programme in the planning, development and implementation of all marketing and communications, both internal and external to Humankind.
This is a key appointment and will see the successful applicant take up a vital post within the organisation. Your responsibilities will be very varied but will include the following

• Drive and deliver the programmes marketing, communications and public relations strategy.
• Leading on the development and design of publications and where appropriate manage externally agencies and contractor relationships
• Effectively communicate the programme values via all media e.g. website, brochures, etc.
• Managing internal communications, including, drafting, design and publication of all programme communications.
• Managing promotional events to raise the profile of the programme.
• Developing, maintaining and updating web presence and relevance.
• Managing the service brands, ensuring adherence to National Lottery Community Fund and ESF guidelines and consistency regarding brand messages.
• Design and create compelling digital marketing content to increase programme performance from within our target audiences.
• Lead on the SFTV rebrand exercise with support from the Marketing and Communications Assistant
• Lead on all SFTV marketing and communication opportunities to promote, raise awareness and create a legacy for the SFTV programme.

Main duties and responsibilities:
Marketing and Communications

• Responsible for implementing, driving and delivering a successful marketing, communications and public relations strategy of the Step Forward programme, inclusive of an Economically Inactive specific plan and Employer Engagement specific plan.
• Effectively communicate the programme values via all media e.g. website, brochures, etc.
• Undertake copywriting, image collation and proofing for print and on line applications.
• Manage internal communications, including, drafting, design and publication of Programme newsletter.
• Measure the success of marketing and communications strategy to ensure that it remains relevant and competitive.
• Lead on the development and design of publications and where appropriate manage externally through agencies and contractor relationships. 
• Ensure all marketing purchases adhere to the procurement guidance of The National Lottery Community Fund and the European Social Fund.
• Create and design effective and engaging social media content in order to increase the programme performance within the priority target audiences.
• Develop and increase all social media platforms visibility, reach and success.
• Connect, build and develop positive relationships with all 17 delivery partners to support all marketing and communications activities.
• Lead and manage a programme monthly Comms Group to ensure there is a positive communication channel of sharing of good practice, ideas and any areas of development and improvements.
• Analyse the success of all marketing campaigns to ensure we are evidence based in decision making.
• Develop and manage a marketing advertising plan for the programme.

Promotional Activities

• Manage promotional events to raise group profile in specific regions.
• Handle all aspects of the programmes print production, managing design, proofing and distribution of all publications, leaflets, brochures and publicity material.
• Identify any ways in which we could successfully promote the programme across the Tees Valley.

Brand Management

• Lead a rebrand exercise across the programme, ensuring cohesive and compliant working by all 17 delivery partners.
• Integrate the SFTV programme fully into Humankind, working closely with the Humankind Marketing team.
• Manage the programme brand, ensuring consistency regarding brand messages.
• Ensure all promotion and communication materials meet guidelines provided by The National Lottery Community Fund and the European Social Fund.
• Develop and manage a brand audit schedule and report monthly on findings.

Website Management and Development

• Develop, maintain and update web presence and relevance.
• Ensure the programme is maximising online marketing and advertising opportunities. Including search engine optimisation and social networking opportunities.
• Develop, maintain and update appropriate social media content.
• Monitor web analytics, ensuring most effective online marketing and advertising opportunities are utilised. 

Media/public Relations

• Provide preparatory and delivery support to Step Forward Programme Management Team and other spokespeople ahead of media and/or public appearances.
• Conduct regular media scanning and bring to the attention of staff and managers any articles relevant to the service.
• Distribute good news stories to relevant media. 

PR & Communications Staff

• Oversee the PR and communications work carried out by all staff (internal & external) to ensure relevance, quality and adherence to guidance.

Other

• Ensure the cross-cutting themes of equality and diversity and sustainability are at the forefront of all marketing and communications activity.
• Present a professional image of Step Forward Tees Valley at all times.
• Respond to arising threats, opportunities and challenges that may require urgent action.
• Any other tasks or duties within the scope of the post as agreed with the post holder, post holder’s line manager and the wider organisation.

Person Specification - Essential criteria:

• Educated to degree level or above
• Chartered institute of marketing qualification
• Recent, relevant experience in a marketing, digital media and communications role
• Digital Marketing experience
• Managing social media channels
• Producing professional written copy
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Excellent communication skills inclusive of verbal and written and suitable for a wide audience. E.g. Participants, commissioners, SFTV partners, press and public.
• Excellent attention to detail and proofing skills
• Ability to make decisions and use own initiative
• Strong prioritisation skills and ability to manage own workload
• Ability to work under pressure and provides a solution focused approach

Person Specification - Desirable criteria:

• Producing visual media
• Design experience
• Line Management Experience

Candidates will be recruited within the advertised range, please did not automatically expect initial recruitment to be at the top end, as this will depend on experience and enables progression in role through the Humankind development process.