THE ARCHITECTURAL ASSOCIATION
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:Events and Communications Manager (Full Time)
Reports to: Head of Membership
Department: Development & External Engagement: Membership and Alumni Office
The Architectural Association (AA) was founded in 1847 as a public forum and learned society, with a mission to promote and afford facilities for the study of architecture for the public benefit. Its sphere of influence is truly international; the AA has ca. 7,000 members associated worldwide and it runs a leading school of architecture whose alumni include highly acclaimed architects of the late 20th and 21st century, such as Rem Koolhaas, Sir Nicholas Grimshaw , Dame ZahaHadid and Lord Richard Rogers.
The AA is a stimulating, creative and forward-looking organisation, with an impressive history and an exciting future. A Development and External Engagement Office has been established to lead the organisation’s fundraising, membership, alumni relations and external engagement, and the Events & Communications Manager position will play a crucial role in developing and delivering new programmes and ambitions for the organisation.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to make a real difference by joining a growing team in an internationally renowned and respected Architectural Institution.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:
The post of Events & Communications Manager is a key role in the Membership and Alumni team. Reporting to the Head of Membership, you will lead the day-to-day development and delivery of a programme of events (in the UK and overseas), and communications to better engage our members and alumni, both in the UK and internationally. This will include promotingmembership and alumni activity and communicating relevant information to our varied audiences via email, web, print material and through social media, in support of departmental and organisation-wide strategic goals.
Salary:£30,000-£35,000 depending on experience
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
Event management
- Operational responsibility for the development, planning and delivery of a programme of events, talks, trips, visits, commemorations and reunions for AA Members and Alumni.
- Delivery of an annual Graduation Ceremony, annual donor event and other AA-wide or large-scale events and celebrations.
- Manage all logistics and coordination for events: research, setup, participants, staffing, volunteers, AV, IT, budgeting, ticketing, RSVPs, catering, transportation, etc.
- Marketing of events through emails, postal invites, newsletters, website, social media, etc. collaborating with colleagues on the appropriate design and production of materials.
- Liaise with other departments and stakeholders on all aspects of event planning and delivery, in particular in support of fundraising activities.
- Manage post-event activity: thanking contributors and updating data of contacts and attendants.
- Manage events budget and resources, maintain income and expenditure records, produce reports and carry out budget reconciliations.
- To play an active role in securing support for events, both in-kind and financial, working closely with the Head of Membership and Head of Development.
- Continue to improve internal administrative systems for events and good practice.
Communications
- Operational responsibility for the delivering Member and Alumni communications via newsletters and through various channels, to internal and external audiences.
- Communicate membership activities and developments, and publicise events through mailings, batch emails, via social media, and on the AA website.
- Manage and share communications schedules and work to deadlines for delivery of newsletters and mailings.
- Ensure a consistently high standard of writing and content generation across a range of print, email and online channels.
- Generate and seek ideas for communications content and coordinate across stakeholders.
- Work to better identify the AA’s audiences and segment communications to better target them across all areas of activity.
Other
- Engage and collaborate with the wider Development and External Engagement Team to ensure coordination of planning processes for events, mailings and communications.
- Assist and support the wide range of activities undertaken within the department in support of membership, alumni relations and fundraising.
- Ensure delivery of targets and KPIs.
Person Specification
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
We are looking for and experienced individual to conceive and deliver creative and inspirational events and communications.
ESSENTIAL
- Educated to degree level or higher
- Demonstrable experience of marketing and managing a large range of events
- Experience of managing communications and/or events within Higher Education, arts or charity sectors
- The ability to think strategically and creatively
- Enthusiastic, self-motivated, with excellent interpersonal and public relations skills,with an articulate, confident and diplomatic approach to communications
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, and ability to produce a high standard of written copy
- Experience of training others and sharing knowledge
- High proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software packages (Microsoft Office)
- Knowledge of and experience in managing personal data through effective use of a CRM system and understanding of Data Protection
- Excellent organisational skills, initiative and attention to detail
- Excellent networking skills with the ability to instigate and manage relationships with a range of contacts
- Ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines and managing competing priorities on own initiative
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends on a regular basis, and to travel every now and then for international trips
- Teamwork and collaborative working style
DESIRABLE
- Relevant qualifications in events and/or communications
- Knowledge of web development or HTML
- Experience of working in a small team, with an understanding of the need to be flexible and adaptable, and the ability to respond swiftly to opportunities
- Experience of securing sponsorship for activities
- Knowledge of architecture and design would be an advantage