Communications Manager

The National Lottery Community Fund; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused funding organization is seeking a Communications Manager to enhance community cohesion and promote social impact through integrated communication campaigns. The role requires excellent project management skills and the ability to adapt messaging for various audiences while working closely with government bodies. Applicants should have a relevant qualification in communications and a strong track record in managing communications within complex environments.

Qualifications

• Track record in planning and delivering integrated communications campaigns.
• Experience managing matrix teams in complex environments.
• Excellent at adapting tone and style for different audiences.

Responsibilities

• Develop insights into programmes for communications planning.
• Create narrative and content for multi-channel communication.
• Maintain relationships with government counterparts.

Skills

Content and copywriting abilities

Project management skills

Strategic communications counsel

Building relationships

Adaptability

Education

Relevant qualification in communications

Job description

We're recruiting for a Communications Manager, England, to play a vital role in helping us to build community cohesion, strengthen society, and improve lives - as we deliver on our strategy, It Starts With Community. This role is an 18-month fixed-term contract or secondment opportunity. The position is part of an exciting and sophisticated programme aimed at tackling social issues. Through this initiative, we work closely with government to distribute money from long-unused bank and building society accounts ('dormant assets') for the benefit of the community. The job will focus on two multi-million-pound funding schemes that The National Lottery Community Fund will deliver:

• The Community Wealth Fund (a pot of money given to local communities to spend on what they decide will improve where they live); and
• The Youth Enrichment Fund (aimed at increasing disadvantaged young people's access to opportunities in the arts, culture, sports, and wider youth services, aimed at improving wellbeing and employability)

In this role, you'll work closely with government and colleagues across the Fund to deliver integrated, multi-channel communications activities that effectively promote these programmes and showcase their impact on the communities we serve. Your work will help shape public understanding of the schemes, inspire communities to engage with them, and build trust with key stakeholders. We are looking for a calm and organised strategic communicator and storyteller with an ability to build relationships and adapt. You'll be experienced in developing integrated campaigns and working across teams to deliver high-impact communications.

1. Develop deep insight into these programmes, to enable you to implement effective communications plans for them while supporting Strategic Communications Leads to build and manage matrix teams.
2. Design, develop, and deliver messaging, narrative and content, as well as social and brand assets, working closely with colleagues in the wider team to deliver effective and impactful communications activities.
3. Build positive relationships with government comms and policy counterparts as well as with teammates and colleagues across the Fund to make programme communications relevant and resonate internally and within Government departments (specifically DCMS and MHCLG) and, most importantly, the communities we serve.
4. Work closely with colleagues in the media team to deliver integrated activities, monitoring media and advising on opportunities and risks. Ensure rapid response to emerging issues with processes and protocol on lines to take and spokespeople.

A relevant qualification or demonstrable experience in a communications role within a complex organisational environment is required.

• Track record in planning and delivering integrated communications campaigns, with experience managing matrix teams.
• Excellent content and copywriting abilities, used to producing assets to tight deadlines. Able to adapt tone and style for different audiences and channels.
• Experience in complex institutions, involving colleagues and stakeholders up to leadership level.
• Project management abilities - confident working in a matrixed organisation with competing deadlines.
• Experience of strategic communications counsel and advising senior leaders and stakeholders, particularly in times of reputational risk and crisis management.
• Experience of working in high-pressure situations and an ability to adapt calmly to changing deadlines and requirements with short notice.

Desirable criteria

• Experience in government and/or the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Communities in the UK come in all shapes and sizes. National Lottery funding is for everyone - therefore, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and we work hard to ensure our funding reaches where it is needed. We also believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. That's why The National Lottery Community Fund is committed to being an inclusive employer and a great place to work. We recognise and celebrate the fact that our people come from diverse backgrounds. We positively welcome applications from people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities or longstanding health conditions, people who are LGBTQ+, and people from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds, as well as people of all ages. As a Disability Confident Employer, we take a proactive approach in making reasonable adjustments, if needed, throughout the recruitment process and during employment.