Job Description
JOB TITLE: Communications Manager
RESPONSIBLE TO: Head of Operational Services
LOCATION: Based at UKROEd head office in Manchester City Centre
HOURS: 22.5hrs
SALARY: £44,000 FTE/£26,4000
CLOSING DATE: 9/06/2024
About UKROEd
UKROEd Ltd is a private, not-for-profit company responsible for the delivery, management and administration of the National Driver Offender Retraining Scheme (NDORS) on behalf of the Police service. It is the operating company of the Road Safety Trust and is committed to the education and training of drivers who commit low level traffic offences.
UKROEd values and respects each individual employee, client and customer and is committed to promoting equal opportunities throughout its workforce. As such, all relevant applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, sex, gender reassignment, marital status, disability, or pregnancy status.
Overview of the role
UKROEd are looking for an experienced Communications Manager to join the Operational Services business area of the company.
You will work closely with both our internal and external stakeholders to oversee the development and implementation of an impactful communications strategy to ensure our messaging output is effective and in line with our overall corporate strategy.
Principle Duties and Responsibilities
- Act as the principal advisor to the senior leadership team on all areas of communication and engagement including planned and unplanned issues.
- Work alongside the UKROEd Crisis Communications Consultant to develop and deliver an annual communications plan that outlines the priority campaigns and communications projects to help the company deliver its corporate plans and financial strategy.
- Work alongside the UKROEd Media Associate Consultant to manage and further develop the external communications service, including communication campaigns, reactive communications, media relations, digital, and design.
- Develop one company voice that’s in line with branding and values
- Oversee the UKROEd’s internal communication function and work with key business areas to implement effective internal communication and engagement which drives new ways or working and supports wider transportation and cultural change across the organisation
- Build and maintain relationships with our stakeholders and audiences, including internal and external stakeholders across course providers, police forces, local authorities, Central Government & Whitehall, statutory and non-statutory bodies, industry & business, road safety communities and other parties to establish strong working relationships.
- Work alongside appointed associates on the organisation's external digital platforms by planning and managing the design, content, and production of all materials.
- To provide overall editorial control in communication processes to all key stakeholders
- Improve delivery and effectiveness of campaign and engagement effectiveness from intelligence gathered through robust evaluation and the review of procedures and practices, to drive the achievement of high quality, impactful practice
- Support UKROEd in influencing external decision makers, including central government, regional government and police forces nationally.
- To promote the interests of UKROEd regionally and nationally and also establish a strong organisational profile to enhance its reputation, impact and influence.
- Be accountable for the effective management of the company’s communications budgets to ensure measurable return on communications investment
- Develop efficient communication protocols and policies for diverse scenarios or emergencies by engaging with executive management in drafting policies.
COMMUNICATION MANAGER
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree level, or equally recognised professional qualification
- Member of the CIPR or relevant professional body
- Evidence of continuing professional development
Experience
Essential
- Evidence of a substantial track record at managerial level of delivering strategic communications advice to corporate leadership teams and providing leadership of communications and/ engagement across a complex organisation
- Experience in organisational change and internal communications
- Up-to-date understanding of the use of the latest communications technology, especially digital media
- Skilled in planning in the short and long term, in anticipating priorities in a changing landscape and predicting future issues.
- Experience of cross organisational working and working in partnership across organisations
- Strong appreciation of brand and its impact on stakeholders and service end-users.
- Experience of providing strategic advice at the highest level e.g. Council/Committees/ Panels or Management Boards
Desirable
- Experience of working with national politicians and stakeholders to support the aims of the organisation and its communities
- Experience of working within the not-for-profit sector
- Experience of working in the area of road safety
Job Related Knowledge
Essential
- Excellent verbal, written and presentation communications skills
- Clear evidence of sound critical / political judgement
- Digital and social marketing techniques
- Communication campaign methodologies
- An awareness of, and commitment to, equality, diversity and inclusion
- Competent in the use of standard computer packages: e.g. Word; Outlook; SharePoint etc
Desirable
- Strong understanding of public affairs and opportunities for the company to promote its work and influence decision making in support of its objectives.
- Knowledge of the latest policy and best practice relating to community engagement
- Knowledge of legal responsibilities relating to public consultation
Skills and Aptitudes
Essential
- Strong evidence of the ability to build, motivate and develop a multi-disciplinary team
- Resilient, highly motivated and not easily discouraged (and can develop this in others)
- Able to plan, organise and prioritise work, tasks and projects with efficient use of resources
- A strategist who understands the demands, challenges, and opportunities of delivering an effective communication campaign.
- Effective in problem-solving and using analysis to aid decision making
- Experience of managing an operational budget and commissioning services
- Significant contract management experience and expertise
- An innovator who can challenge the norm, be creative and adaptable, act as a pioneer for change and develop a high performing team with these skills embedded.
- Strong role model who demonstrates a personal commitment to high standards of honesty, integrity and professionalism.
- Able to influence, persuade and negotiate in a positive way while maintaining relationships
- Able to work effectively and positively with senior managers and Directors
- Political awareness and sensitivity
- Excellent management and leadership skills