Communications Officer Full Time

The Bridge Group
Communications and Events Officer (0.4 or 0.5 FTE) Responsible to: Head of Operations Responsible for: n/a The Bridge Group is a non-profit consultancy that uses research to promote social equality. We do this by supporting organisations of all kinds with independent expertise, research and practical know-how to enable them to make real and lasting impact on socio-economic diversity and social equality. Our objective is to make real and meaningful change, now. And our vision is a higher education system and labour market where outcomes are determined by competence and hard work, and not by socio-economic background. We do this through research, consultancy, convening and advocacy. Over the last decade, we have worked with many of the UK’s leading employers, government bodies, charities and educational institutions and our impact features regularly in the media and in national publications. The role The Communications Officer role is available at either 0.4 or 0.5 FTE (you can specify your preference). The post-holder will play an active role in raising the profile and increasing the impact of the Bridge Group’s work, and in engaging stakeholders nationally. You will lead on implementing a communications strategy and embedding this within our operations. This will include working with colleagues to generate engaging material then leading the communication of this via our website and digital media, and pro-active external liaison. You will also support the planning and delivery of our events, which attract senior leaders across education, employers, government and the third sector. Most events are likely to run online for the foreseeable future. The location is flexible: Bridge Group staff normally work remotely from home and are currently dispersed across the UK and beyond (though you must have the right to work in the UK to apply). We want our Team to be more diverse, because having a range of perspectives and experience benefits our work, and we particularly encourage people who are diverse by socio-economic and/or ethnic background to apply. Key responsibilities Communications Consult with Charity staff and collaborate with the Director of Higher Education and Impact and Head of Operations to implement the communications strategy for the Bridge Group to engage a wide audience across sectors. Review and develop the communications strategy (ongoing). Develop engaging materials for current and potential stakeholders. This will include working with staff to translate our research findings into accessible content, including infographics, and preparing e-newsletters and blog posts. It will also include promoting the Charity’s broader work. Pro-actively manage our website and other digital platforms including Twitter and LinkedIn. Monitor and evaluate communications using impact analytics. Draft press releases and liaise with press contacts to coordinate interviews with researchers and senior colleagues at the Charity. Pro-actively manage and update contact lists, ensuring compliance with GDPR. Support staff in communicating with stakeholders. Support the planning and delivery of events Support the planning and delivery of events, typically including seminars, report launches and training workshops. Most of these are likely to take place online for the foreseeable future. Support the production and dissemination of outputs from events, including for example written materials, audio, photographs and film. Research support Assist staff in designing, formatting, proof-reading and printing reports, presentations and other publications. Monitor relevant external policy announcements, publications etc. and report on these regularly to staff in the form of bi-weekly summaries. Support proposals for grants and client commissions, as well as impact assessment exercises where required (e.g. by helping produce promotional materials, following up with former clients etc.) Operational contributions There will also be other more operational tasks associated with the role, working in collaboration with colleagues in the Charity. These are likely to include administrative tasks for meetings and events; communications with stakeholders, including by telephone and email; copywriting; and website contributions. Skills, understanding and experience We are seeking to appoint someone who: Is committed to the Charity’s vision of a higher education system and labour market where outcomes are determined by competence and hard work, and not by socio-economic background. Has experience of implementing communications strategies to engage a varied audience, and to inspire action. Has experience of designing and delivering social content across all channels (with a particular focus on Twitter and LinkedIn) to build brand, engage key stakeholders and inspire action. Is competent in the design and production of infographics to convey key quantitative data, or is keen to learn. Has a track record of managing high-quality web content. Has experience of helping to plan and deliver events, face-to-face and online. Has experience of creating and delivering engaging material in a range of written formats. This will preferably include experience of translating research findings or specialist material into content that is accessible to a wide audience. Has excellent English language skills, including the ability to write accurate copy and proof-read under time pressure. Has proven ability to format material accurately within existing branding and templates; and adapt these where appropriate. Is highly attentive to detail in relation to language, formatting and process Is highly organised and is confident in juggling multiple deadlines and in using initiative to deliver outcomes. Has strong IT skills and is competent in a range of software and platforms for live events, websites, contact databases, social media platforms and impact analytics. A familiarity with CMS (WordPress or similar) would be an advantage. Has experience handling personal and commercially sensitive information and is familiar with data protection and GDPR requirements. Has excellent time management skills and the ability to work with limited supervision. Is content to work remotely and is confident about providing effective support to a dispersed team. Conditions of employment This role is available at 0.4 or 0.5 (2 to 2.5 days per week), as the successful candidate prefers. We offer flexible and remote working. This role includes pro-rata 28 days FTE annual leave, plus all statutory bank and public holidays. Contract Type We are offering a one-year contract in the first instance, with a three-month probationary period. Location The Communications Officer will work remotely. You will occasionally be required to attend face-to-face meetings and events in London or other locations. Please note, you must already have the right to work in the UK to apply for this role as we are unable to sponsor visas. Applications Please send us your CV, cover letter (addressed to Bonita de Boer) and summary (see below) by clicking Apply via Website. Your cover letter should outline in no more than 800 words why you are applying for the role and how you meet the person specification. In addition, you should provide a one-page summary (no more than 400 words) commenting on the Bridge Group’s website and use of social media. Please include, for example, what you see as the current strengths and weaknesses, what you would address, and how. Please also include the names of two referees and confirm that you have the right to work in the UK (you will be asked to provide evidence of this on appointment). Interviews We expect to invite shortlisted applicants to an interview by video call in the week beginning 17 April 2023. The interview will be preceded by two written tests.