Head of Communications and Marketing

Living Paintings; England; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking charity dedicated to enhancing the lives of blind children in the UK. As the Communications and Marketing Lead, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the charity's narrative and expanding its reach. This position offers an exciting opportunity to lead innovative campaigns and strategic initiatives, ensuring that every child has access to a world of learning and creativity. With a focus on stakeholder engagement and brand development, you will work closely with a passionate team to make a meaningful impact. If you are a creative, results-driven professional with a knack for storytelling, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

25-30 days annual leave

Occasional UK travel

Time off in lieu for evenings/weekends

Qualifications

• Experience in developing communication strategies and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong budgeting and project management skills required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of the charity's communications and marketing strategy.
• Manage brand development and oversee PR and media activities.

Skills

Strategic Planning

Stakeholder Engagement

Project Management

Budget Management

Social Media Proficiency

Excellent Written Communication

Analytical Skills

Leadership

Attention to Detail

Education

Degree or equivalent experience

Fundraising or Marketing qualification

Tools

CRM/database

WordPress

Job description

View more categories View less categories Sector Not for Profit / Charity, Marketing / PR Responsibilities Marketing, Strategy, PR / Communications Position/Level Department Head Contract Type Permanent

Living Paintings is the national charity on a mission to ensure every blind child in the UK has equal access to the visual world of pictures, books and learning. From adapting bestselling picture books into accessible, tactile-audio formats for blind children to developing resources designed to inspire, educate and entertain, our free postal library gives thousands of blind children and young people the world at their fingertips.

We are looking for a strategic, organised and creative Communications and Marketing Lead to join us at an exciting time for the charity. In the last two years, we have doubled the number of beneficiaries using our service thanks to innovative campaigning and strong storytelling. We are working to an ambitious 10-year strategy that will further raise awareness of Living Paintings, increase income, and maximise our impact.

MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB

In this role, you will lead on maintaining, developing, and delivering all aspects of our charity's communications strategy and its activities, working closely with the Communications Assistant, CEO, Fundraising Lead, Library Manager, and Publishing Manager. Primarily outward-facing, you will ensure the charity has broad positive exposure to stakeholders and continue to build Living Paintings into a credible, recognisable, and positive brand.

Additional Details

• Hours: 28-35 hours per week
• Salary: £45,000 - £48,500 FTE
• Place of work: Hybrid (home and office in Kingsclere, Newbury, at least 2 days in the office preferred)
• Reporting to: Chief Executive
• Line Management: Communications Assistant
• Working week: Office hours 9-5, Monday to Friday, with flexible options and occasional evening/weekend work with time off in lieu
• Travel: Rare UK travel, expenses reimbursed

Qualifications

Degree or equivalent experience; preferred Fundraising or Marketing qualification.

Duties and Key Responsibilities

1. Develop and oversee the organisation's overarching Communications and Marketing Strategy.
2. Lead on PR and media activities, both proactive and reactive.
3. Manage brand development and communications to ensure a consistent, credible, and recognisable brand.
4. Implement processes for integrated, effective campaigns across departments.
5. Develop and manage all content, including social media, website, and offline materials.
6. Lead social media strategy to grow following, engagement, and conversions.
7. Manage digital offerings, website, email communications, and user journeys.
8. Oversee marketing activities including SEO, digital/social advertising, and print.
9. Manage budgets for communications and campaigns.
10. Maintain stakeholder relationships, including beneficiaries, families, trustees.
11. Monitor KPIs, adapt activities accordingly, and report regularly.
12. Foster relationships with VIP and celebrity supporters.
13. Source stories from beneficiaries for marketing and fundraising.
14. Represent Living Paintings at media events and appearances.
15. Manage relationships with freelancers and suppliers.
16. Identify new promotional opportunities.
17. Support team members' development in communications skills.

Experience

Required: Developing communication strategies, stakeholder engagement, budgeting, team management, project management, CRM/database use.

Preferred: Experience in charity sector, working with/for blind and partially sighted people.

Skills

Excellent written communication, IT skills, social media proficiency, project management, analytical skills, leadership, teamwork, attention to detail, WordPress.

Knowledge

Up-to-date communication techniques, managing people.

Personal Attributes

Self-motivated, creative, results-focused, empathetic, pragmatic, confident, motivating, proactive, adaptable.

Safeguarding

Committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

Eligibility to Work

Proof of identity and UK work eligibility required.

Additional

Occasional UK travel, flexible working hours including evenings/weekends, 25-30 days annual leave.