Jack Petchey Foundation

Job Description – Head of Communications and PR

Job Title:Head of Communications and PR

Responsible to: Chief Executive Officer

Location:Currently:

Jack Petchey Foundation, Exchange House,

13 – 14 Clements Court, Clements Lane,

Ilford, Essex, IG1 2QY

Moving in October 2015 to Canary Wharf

Main Purpose of the Post:

The Jack Petchey Foundation (JPF) is looking for an experienced, passionate and energetic Head of Communications & PR to join our team and ensure that our message is heard. Over the past 15 years JPF has invested over £100million pounds into inspiring young people of London and Essex to achieve. Our programmes reach around 450,000 young people a year. We continually hear about the positive impact this investment is having and we want to dispel the prevailing negative stereotype of young people, instead ensuring that the many positive stories about young people get heard! We want all young people to know and believe Jack Petchey’s personal motto – “If you think you can, you can!”.

As a member of the JPF Senior Management Team, the post holder will be the lead on the overall strategic development of JPF communications and PR, and will also lead on our marketing and digital communications (including social media andwebsite), brand management andengagement with celebrity patrons.

Principle Duties:

  1. Strategic overview of JPF Communications function
  2. Develop aclear JPF Communications, PR and MarketingStrategy in liaison with the JPF senior team and to work with the wider team to help achieve that mission.
  3. Develop JPF systems for identification of a pool of resources (case studies,quotes, stories,imagery, videos etc.) and encourage sharing/promotion through reactive and planned PRcommunications.
  4. To maintain library system for press cuttings and to ensure monthly monitoring of impact across all communication platforms, reporting to JPF senior team and Directors.
  5. Ensure that the Jack Petchey Foundation and its motto – “if you think you can, you can” is amongst the most well-known and respected youth charities in London and Essex
  1. Lead the PR function
  2. To act as the first port of call for all media enquiries, proactively gathering information about our work from JPF grants/events teams and our major partners; producing press releases and news articles and ensuring all JPF events achieve appropriate media coverage.
  3. To ensure a coordinated approach to PR; directing the work of any internal and external staff/ agencies involved and overseeing budget for JPF Communications function
  4. Maintain a database of media contacts and develop relationships with key journalists in key publications in order to secure comment, features and articles relating to the work.
  5. To secure spokespeople to support media relations, agree messaging with them and provide guidance/ coaching and media training as appropriate.
  6. Assist the CEO with any adverse media issues and reputation management
  1. Lead on digital communications
  2. To oversee the development of the JPF website, ensuring clear responsibilities and procedures are in place for hosting, monitoring, content amendment and review.
  3. To develop use of appropriate social media channels; leading on key messaging and ensuring activity is in accord with Communications, PR and Marketing strategy.
  4. To provide support and guidance to key staff engaged in web content development and social media.
  5. Ensure systems to harness the support of our partners and grantees in use of social media to highlight the work being undertaken through JPF support.
  1. Lead on stakeholder communications
  2. Ensure that all external communications are in line with the Communication, PR and Marketing Strategy and result in clear, active but not ‘over’ engagement with JPF Stakeholders
  3. To build trusted relationships across internal stakeholders and within our major programmes, engaging them with the value of communications and how this helps JPF to achieve its overall mission.
  4. To write/edit and proofJPF newsletters in accord with the newsletter policy..
  5. To explore creative ways in which JPF can engage and support the young achievers who have registered on the Achiever Database.
  6. To explore ways in which JPF can harness our engagement with young people and can use this to survey youth views on topics relevant to the youth policy agenda (consistent with JPF mission) and communicate these to influence change.
  1. Work with JPF team and partners to strengthen JPF Brand
  2. To lead on JPF Brand, ensuring that all staff (both at JPF and within our beneficiaries) are aware of and implement the JPF Style Guidelines in publications and external communications
  3. To ensure that all marketing materials have consistent house style
  4. To support grantees in use of the JPF brand through provision of resources and clear brand guidance
  5. To advise/lead on production and proofing of JPF publications i.e. Notes from Jack Petchey, Achievement Award materials etc.
  1. Develop JPF capacity to use Patrons and Celebrity involvement
  2. To manage relations with current Patrons (including Helen Mirren, Graham Norton) and other high-profile supporters ensuring they receive regular communications from JPF and are enabled to connect with JPF work.
  3. To help identify/approach new high-profile individuals to support the work.
  4. To contribute to the overall development of JPF as a member of the Senior Team
  5. As part of the senior team,collaborate in the development of JPF activity in order to meet its strategic aims.
  6. To monitor and provide reports on the impact of PR, website and social media communications for JPF senior team and Board of Directors.
  7. To undertake any other tasks agreed with the Chief Executive Officer or JPF Directors.
  8. To work at all times within the ethos and values of the JPF

Terms and Conditions

Hours:Full time (37.5 hours)

There will be some evening commitments (and occasional weekend) for which appropriate time off in lieu will be given.

When office based office hours are 9 am – 5.30pm with an hour for lunch.

Annual Leave:28 days including public holidays.

Travel & Expenses:The post-holder must have access to a car for this post and must hold a valid full drivers licence.

Free car parking is provided at the office.

Travel expenses will be paid at public transport rate or at 45p a mile when the car is used for business use.

Disclosure andThe post holder will be working with children and young people Barring Service: and must hold, or be eligible for a satisfactory DBS certificate.

Probationary period: 6 months

Remuneration:Attractive salary depending on experience and expertise.

The person specification for this role follows on the next page:

Head of Communications and PR -Person Specification

Essential / Desirable
Experience /
  • Minimum of 2 years leading a communications and PR function or 4 years as a PR/ Communications Officer
  • Of devising and implementing integrated communications strategies
  • Of designing, implementing and leading multi-channel PR or Marketing campaigns
  • Of work in organisations with multiple internal and external stakeholders, including VIPs
  • Of advising and supporting colleagues in media relations.
  • Of managing employees and freelance staff to deliver success
  • Of target setting, monitoring & reporting results
  • Of producing external communication materials
  • Of Financial management including budget setting, controlling and accounting for costs
/
  • Of work with young people (in a paid or voluntary capacity)
  • Within the Charity sector
  • Of working with celebrity patrons and VIPs

Skills /
  • Excellent written & verbal communication skills
  • Excellent planning, prioritisation and time management skills
  • Ability to contribute as part of a senior management/leadership team
  • Ability to work both independently with minimum support
  • A “can-do” attitude and a pro-active approach to problem-solving
  • Ability to work under pressure and adapt to ever changing requirements
  • Leadership and ability to inspire, manage and develop colleagues
  • Relationship building and ability to work with people at all levels including young people, teachers, politicians, VIPs and celebrities
  • Attention to detail
  • Good IT skills and self-administering
  • Expertise in social media optimisation
/
  • Use of IT including Design and graphics software, video editing software etc.

Knowledge /
  • Educated to degree level or equivalent
  • Extensive contacts within the PR/media industry
  • Knowledge of digital communications and social media platforms

Attitudes/
Values /
  • Positivity and a sense of humour
  • Committed to work with young people within the values of the JPF
  • Able to act with integrity
  • Passion for communication

Other /
  • Ability to work some evenings and weekends
  • Full driving licence

Circ: TK/RM/JP/Directors OP MAN G85

02/05/15