Communications Lead

Integrated Care System; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A community support charity is seeking a Communications Lead to drive communications and digital engagement. Responsibilities include developing a communications strategy, managing social media, and creating impactful content. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in communications and digital tools, with a passion for inclusion and supporting unpaid carers. This role is crucial for ensuring clear and consistent messaging across various platforms.

Qualifications

• Experience in a communications, marketing, or digital engagement role.
• Strong knowledge of social media platforms and digital content creation tools.
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Ability to translate complex ideas into clear, accessible messages.
• Passion for inclusion and empowering people to use digital technology.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of a communications strategy.
• Manage and grow social media presence and create engaging content.
• Develop high-quality content for various channels like web and print.
• Provide training and support for staff on digital tools.
• Support internal communications across teams.

Skills

Communications strategy development

Digital content creation

Social media management

Storytelling skills

Training delivery

Tools

Canva

Social media analytics tools

Video editing software

Job description

We are looking for a creative and strategic Communications Lead to drive forward our communications and digital engagement. You will be responsible for shaping how we communicate with carers, partners, and the public, ensuring our messaging is clear, consistent, and impactful. You will also play a vital role in helping staff and carers become more confident with digital tools and technologies.

Main duties of the job

• Strategic Communications & Brand - Lead the development and implementation of a communications strategy aligned with organisational priorities. Champion our brand, ensuring consistency across all platforms and materials. Develop campaigns to raise awareness of carers issues and promote our services.
• Social Media & Digital Marketing - Manage and grow Sunderland Carers Centres' presence across social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn). Create engaging and accessible digital content including graphics, videos, blogs, and carer stories. Use analytics tools to monitor performance and adapt strategies to improve reach and engagement.
• Content Creation & Storytelling - Develop high-quality content for web, print, and digital use, including newsletters, flyers, and impact reports. Work with staff and carers to gather and share authentic, respectful stories that amplify carer voices.
• Digital Inclusion & Support - Provide training and support for staff to use digital tools effectively (e.g., Teams, Canva). Deliver informal training and guidance for carers to help them access digital services confidently and safely. Champion digital inclusion by identifying and addressing barriers carers may face in using technology.
• Internal Communication & Collaboration - Support internal communications across teams, helping improve information flow and collaboration. Work closely with management and service teams to ensure their communications needs are met. Act as a digital advocate within the organisation, promoting good practice and innovation.

About us

Sunderland Carers Centre is a vibrant, values-driven charity that provides support, advice, and guidance to unpaid carers across the city. We work with carers of all ages to ensure they are recognised, respected, and supported in their caring role.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Experience in a communications, marketing, or digital engagement role.
• Strong knowledge of social media platforms and digital content creation tools.
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Ability to translate complex ideas into clear, accessible messages.
• Confident delivering training and support to a wide range of users.
• Passion for inclusion and empowering people to use digital technology.
• Experience working in the charity or social care sector.
• Knowledge of carers issues.
• Familiarity with tools like Canva and video editing software.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A submission for Disclosure will be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to check for any previous criminal convictions.