Part Time Communications Assistant

Unlock My Life; Ipswich; Hybrid; Part time

Job summary

Unlock My Life seeks a creative Communications and Marketing Coordinator to enhance the outreach of its mental health and wellbeing project in prisons. This flexible role involves creating engaging content, managing social media, and collaborating on projects, ideal for those aiming to build experience in a purpose-driven environment.

Benefits

Flexible hours

Health & wellbeing programme

Company events

Casual dress

Qualifications

• Previous experience in communications and/or marketing (essential).
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system (advantageous).
• Their own car - essential for attending prisons.

Responsibilities

• Create a forward-thinking communications strategy.
• Support and manage social media accounts with content.
• Produce updates in newsletters for distribution.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Social media familiarity

Creativity

Organisational skills

Tools

Canva

Squarespace

Job description

About Us

Unlock My Life is a unique, peer-led mental health and wellbeing project delivered in prisons across the UK. We provide education and encouragement for prisoners to discuss mental health and how it impacts them, and support one another through their sentences with our Mental Health Ambassador programme. You can find out more about our work atwww.unlockmylife.org.uk

This is a brand-new position at an exciting time in our growth. You’ll play a vital role in bringing our groundbreaking work to life: through digital content, social media, website updates, podcast development, and more. From engaging with our community online to collaborating with our Graphic Designer on eye-catching materials, you’ll help share our story in a way that is purposeful and exciting.

This flexible role is ideal for someone looking to add to existing commitments, and has the potential for increased hours based on performance and demands of the project. Initially, the hours will be 8 per week, which can be worked flexibly to fit your commitments.

We will also consider a freelance agreement, but with the expectation that the successful candidate is able to commit to regular in-person attendance at our office. It could also suit a student or graduate with relevant knowledge, looking to gain further experience for their portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Create a forward-thinking communications strategy that aligns with our organisational goals.
• Support the management of social media accounts by creating engaging content and monitoring interactions.
• Produce exciting updates in the form of a regular newsletters to distribute to prisons, stakeholders and funders.
• Coordinate internal communications to ensure consistent messaging across the project.
• Keep an eye on industry trends and competitor activities to shape communication strategies.
• Work with the Fundraising Coordinator to help organise and promote events, including quiz nights, parties, and community engagement programmes.
• Maintain media contact lists and assist in building relationships with journalists and people with influence in our industry.

About You

We’re looking for someone who’s creative, collaborative, and confident telling powerful stories. You don’t need to know everything about us before you join – we’ll give you the information and tools you need to understand our project – but you should be open-minded, proactive, and genuinely passionate about the work we do and the people we support.

The ideal person has:

• Previous experience in communications and/or marketing (essential).
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system (advantageous but not essential).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with an excellent eye for detail.
• Familiarity with social media platforms including LinkedIn and Instagram.
• Proficiency with Canva and Squarespace are essential, other platforms are a bonus.
• An ability to work collaboratively within a team while also being self-motivated when working remotely.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Their own car - essential for this role as you may be required to attend prisons for content creation.

What We Provide

• A supportive, welcoming, and open team who genuinely care about each other.
• Initiatives that support your wellbeing: from an employee assistance programme, a monthly financial contribution to wellbeing activities, and regular social events, to casual dress, snacks and coffee!
• Flexible hours, designed to work for both of us. Many of our team have family commitments, and we ensure they don't need to compromise on those to also have a career.
• A company laptop (if employed - if freelance you will be expected to have your own equipment).
• Opportunities to get involved with how the project is shaped and developed.

We are proud to be a 'Ban the Box' employer and encourage applications from those with lived experience of the criminal justice system. If you fulfil the criteria listed above, we will guarantee you an interview on this basis.

To apply:

Please send a CV, with a covering letter outliningwhyyou want to work for us, andhowyou meet the criteria listed, to:

[e-mail]

You are also welcome to email any questions you have relating to the role, prior to applying.

Interviews are scheduled to take place w/c 28th July 2025. A flexible start date will be offered to the successful candidate.

Pay:

• £13-£16 per hour, depending on experience

Hours:

• 8 per week (potential to increase based on performance and need)

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Company pension
• Flexitime
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Work from home

Experience:

• marketing/communications: 1 year (required)