The Fostering Network

Every child. Every carer. Every day

Job Description

Job title / Publications Officer
Accountable to / Business Development Manager
Objectives /
  • Support the ongoing delivery of our publications function
  • Support the implementation of our digital strategy by digitising agreed existing publications
  • Work with external and internal contributors in the development of publications
  • Work alongside the design and production manager to analyse and report on sales data and monitor stock levels

Hours / 20 hours
Location / 87 Blackfriars Road, London SE1 8HA
Status / Fixed term to 28 October 2016
Requirement
Does the post involve contact with children and/or access to confidential information about children and families / No
Disclosure required / No

Delivery of publications function

  • Establish a positive working relationship with our fulfilment provider and stock holder, Partridges and Print
  • Maintain The Fostering Network’s online bookshop with the latest publications and materials
  • Audit existing publications to ensure all conform to The Fostering Network’s brand
  • Ensure all orders are fulfilled
  • Establish a system of responding to customers to ensure product satisfaction and future upselling

Development of new publications

  • Working alongside the business development manager, identify new publications, materials and resources for development to add to The Fostering Network’s publications profile
  • Project manage external providers in the development of new publications, including briefing on content and ensuring copy deadlines are achieved and budgets adhered to
  • Identify and project manage internal providers in the reviewing and development of existing publications
  • Working alongside the publishing and design officer, proof and organise the production of new publications

Digitising existing publications

  • Working alongside the business development manager, identify opportunities to digitise existing publications from hard copy to digital format
  • Carryout the digitising of existing publications, including the production of interactive PDF documents, using Adobe Acrobat and InDesign software
  • Upload digital documents to The Fostering Network’s publications bookshop
  • Work alongside the marketing and communications officers to promote the new materials

Analysing, reporting and monitoring stock levels

  • Establish a monitoring system of all The Fostering Network publications
  • Provide monthly analysis and reporting of sales trends to inform marketing and communications activity
  • Monitor stock levels to ensure sufficient levels are maintained

General

  • Ensure that all activity and materials produced promote equal opportunities, diversity and anti-discriminatory practice
  • Maintain positive relationships with external copywriters and editors for The Fostering Network
  • Work with colleagues across the organisation, including those based in Northern

Ireland, Scotland and Wales to support their publication needs

  • Keep abreast of developments and trends in foster care regionally and across the UK

Additional Duties

It is the nature of The Fostering Network that tasks and responsibilities are in many circumstances unpredictable and varied. All employees are therefore expected to work in a flexible way when the occasion arises and undertake tasks that are not specifically covered in their job description.

Values

As an organisation, we believe that we make a difference to foster care and our people values are expressed in the work that we do:-

  • Passionate
  • Leading
  • Catalyst for change
  • Collaborative

Publications Officer

Person Specification

Important note

Candidates are assessed on their ability to meet the criteria listed in the person specification.

It is essential that you refer to the person specification below and demonstrate how you meet each of the criteria listed when completing the application form.

Knowledge and Experience

Qualifications/Knowledge/ExperienceEssential/Desirable

Knowledge of the operation of a publications functionD

Experience of analysing, interpreting and reporting on dataE

A comprehensive understanding of Adobe InDesign (CS5 and above), E
including the ability to create interactive PDFs, and Adobe Acrobat Pro

Experience of project managing large projects with multiple E

stakeholders

Experience of proof reading large publicationsD

Experience of using web content management systemsE

Understanding of the current issues in foster care in the UKD

Knowledge of marketing and communications techniques D
to publicise publications

Experience of working with colleagues in other countriesD

Skills and qualities

Excellent application in Adobe Acrobat and InDesignE

Excellent verbal communication skillsE

Excellent interpersonal skills, able to deal confidently E
with a range of people at all levels

Mathematical and analytical skills to extract useful information E
from sales data and other information sources

Excellent planning and organisational skills, ability to prioritise E
workload, deal with conflicting demands and meet tight deadlines

Ability to work as part of a teamE

Awareness of equalities issues and commitment to anti-discriminatory E
policies and practice

Prepared to work flexible hoursE

Attitudes

  1. Commitment to working within The Fostering Network’s equal opportunities and diversity policies and practice.

Additional Information

Pay and conditions of service

Grade / The Fostering Network Band 3, points 26-32
Salary / £23,720- £28,884 (pro rata for 20 hours per week)
(plus £3,522 London Weighting pro rata per annum.)
Annual Leave / 25 Days plus 5 Fostering Network days (pro rata).
Probationary period / 3 calendar months.
Notice period / 4 working weeks
One week during probationary period.
Hours of work / 20 per week
Pension / Optional. Money-purchase scheme and salary sacrifice option is available with Aegon:
Employee’s contribution 6%, employer’s contribution 8% of gross salary or employer’s contribution 4% and employee’scontribution of 3% of gross annual salary.
Season Ticket Loan / An interest free season ticket loan is available to all staff immediately.
Trade Union / The Fostering Network recognises the trade union Unite
and members of staff can join if they wish

1Date:January 2016