JOB TITLE: Communications Officer

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Communications officer

ACCOUNTABLE TO: CEO

HOURS OF WORK: Part time positions will be considered. Full time is 37.5 hours per week. Will require evening and weekend work and a degree of flexibility. Usual hours are 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

·  To increase the awareness and understanding of Sunnyside Rural Trust and SRT Trading Ltd amongst new and existing communities within Dacorum & wider sections of Hertfordshire.

·  To network with local businesses, other voluntary organisations and groups to develop long term working relationships.

·  To promote the work of Sunnyside Rural Trust through the wide range of options available and increase the number of supporters and volunteers.

·  To promote the social enterprise activity with the view of gaining new customers

Publicity

·  To manage the Trust’s website, updating on a regular basis and introducing new content as appropriate.

·  Manage the social media presence for Sunnyside Rural Trust on facebook, linked in & twitter

·  Produce a monthly Enewsletter and promote this to new contacts

·  To gain publicity for Sunnyside Rural Trust through liaison with local & national media – press, radio, relevant organisations and the local authority.

·  Produce appropriate signage to promote SRT e.g. vehicle signage, site signage and external contract signage

·  To promote the training and employment services for young people and adults with learning disabilities

·  To promote our social enterprises in the local community with the view of gaining customers

·  Set up a ‘friends of SRT’ group and manage this

Communications

·  Produce new, and update existing literature eg general flyers, the annual report and calendar and trainee specific publications

·  Create social enterprise publicity material

·  Take regular photos of SRT activities for publicity purposes, ensuring trainees are on the permission list

·  Look for opportunities to produce film of our work

·  Maintain the Trust’s database

Events

·  Evaluate opportunities for Social Enterprise events externally, book and manage their operation.

·  Produce flyers/ posters for SRT events by liaising with the designer and printer

·  Organise the distribution of flyers and publicity of the event

·  Lead and coordinating the event planning

·  Review the performance of events

·  Attending exhibitions aimed at opportunities for people with learning disabilities and representing SRT

Networking

·  Attending Connect Dacorum’s bimonthly events and other networking events as appropriate

·  Give talks to local community groups and other organisations about the work of SRT.

·  Maintain and development links with schools

Building relationships

·  To work with local businesses, schools, community groups, commissioners, Local and County Councils, & the public to identify, develop and manage the promotion of the Trust. Maintain and build upon these relationships to secure long term support.

·  Manage & maintain the database of contacts for future mailings etc

·  Lead a group of carers/parents in supporting the organisation.

Fundraising

·  Apply for support from local groups and funders.

·  Making local organisations and companies aware of our work and need for support both financial and gifts in kind.

·  Specific appeals for items required.

Volunteering

·  Act as the main point of contact for new volunteer enquiries.

·  Meet and show round potential volunteers.

·  Organise references and the DBS.

·  Manage enquiries from companies and organisations regarding volunteer team building days, meet contacts and show round, matching their needs with those of the sites.

Special projects

·  Undertake special projects as appropriate such as the Memoir Garden book, celebration events etc.

·  Work closely with the managers, teams and trainees to ensure appropriate consultation.

January 2016

PERSON SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE: Communications Officer

EXPERIENCE:

·  Experience of, and a commitment to, working with the team, service users & public

·  Experience of, and a commitment to working with a wide range of communities & individuals

·  Proven publicity and marketing experience

·  Working in partnership with other organisations

·  Managing projects and organising events

·  Experience of fundraising and grant applications

KNOWLEDGE: The postholder is expected to have a degree level qualification or equivalent/ appropriate experience and a sound background in marketing.

SKILLS: The postholder will need to:

·  Have good organisational and negotiating skills, to harness the commitment and enthusiasm of a variety of busy organisations and individuals, including local authorities, statutory and voluntary agencies and local communities.

·  Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with a range of different organisations, the media, and with people of different ages, abilities and backgrounds.

·  Use IT effectively, including an ability to produce promotional materials, develop web site pages and maintain records.

·  Manage, monitor and report on an annual programme.

·  Facilitate activities by partners.

PERSONAL QUALITIES:

·  High level of commitment and enthusiasm

·  People focussed

·  Be committed to sustainable development.

·  Imaginative and resourceful.

·  Determination to finish the job

·  Attention to detail

·  A commitment to equal opportunities and diversity

·  Hold a current full driving licence and be willing to use your vehicle for work purposes

·  Ability to work flexibly with some out of office hours

January 2016