Supporting Communities - Rural Advocacy - Developing Solutions
Job Description
Communications Officer
Norfolk RCC is an independent charity with three core roles:
 Community Support - Helping Communities all the way from identifying
needs to delivering solutions with friendly support and genuine expertise.
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Rural Advocacy - To provide a voice to rural communities to ensure that
decisions on services, policies and strategies do not discriminate against
them and adequately serve and reflect their needs.
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Developing Solutions - To research, consult and develop initiatives to
solve the problems faced by our communities.
Norfolk RCC is an independent charity with around 500 members and links to
over 5,000 individuals, organisations and partners.
We support communities to be vibrant places to live and work. We do this mainly
through support for community organisations. Helping them to run effectively,
access the funding and other resources they need as well as develop new
community led projects and initiatives that respond to local needs. We believe in
placing the community and sustainable community led solutions at the heart of
solving some of our key challenges.
As the rural advocacy organisation in Norfolk we help ensure that ‘no-one is
seriously disadvantaged because of where they live’. This is critical in a large
county where over half the population lives in rural areas but where many
initiatives and services are concentrated in urban centres.
Ambassador Way
Greens Road
Dereham
Norfolk
NR20 3TL
A member of the national ACRE RCAN network
Registered Charity No. 1056750
Company Limited by Guarantee Registered in England and
Wales No. 3190820
President: Lord Walpole
Chair: Alastair Roy, Chief Executive: Jonathan Clemo
T: 01362 698216
F: 01362 851083
E :office@norfolkrcc.org.uk
W :www.norfolkrcc.org.uk
Supporting Communities - Rural Advocacy - Developing Solutions
We are a solutions focused organisation. We work to understand the problems
and challenges our communities face and, together with partners, aim to develop
solutions that improve the quality of life and wellbeing for the people of Norfolk.
More information on our work can be found at: www.norfolkrcc.org.uk
Norfolk RCC, as part of partnership comprising Norfolk Specialist Partnership and
Momentum, has been funded by Norfolk County Council to deliver a programme
of Voluntary and Community Sector Engagement focused on the following
outcomes:
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Effective two-way communication between Norfolk County Council and
voluntary and community sector organisations
Increased participation and contribution in planning and decision making,
by a wider range of voluntary sector organisations including smaller
organisations; organisations which work with more marginalised groups of
people and new organisations
Improved access to information and expert advice about the sector
Increased collaboration between Norfolk County Council and the
community to achieve the best possible outcomes for families and adults
living in Norfolk communities.
The partnership has been funded to deliver this work in the Clinical
Commissioning Group Areas for North Norfolk, Norwich and South Norfolk.
Ambassador Way
Greens Road
Dereham
Norfolk
NR20 3TL
A member of the national ACRE RCAN network
Registered Charity No. 1056750
Company Limited by Guarantee Registered in England and
Wales No. 3190820
President: Lord Walpole
Chair: Alastair Roy, Chief Executive: Jonathan Clemo
T: 01362 698216
F: 01362 851083
E :office@norfolkrcc.org.uk
W :www.norfolkrcc.org.uk
Supporting Communities - Rural Advocacy - Developing Solutions
The Role
We are seeking to appoint a new Communications Officer. This role will focus
specifically on delivering effective communications as part of the voluntary and
community sector engagement programme alongside Norfolk RCC general
communication activities. Specifically it will help ensure organisations within the
voluntary and community sector are kept informed of information relevant to their
activities alongside ensuring the views, values and value of the sector are
effectively communicated.
The main duties of the role are as follows:
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Ambassador Way
Greens Road
Dereham
Norfolk
NR20 3TL
To lead on the development and delivery of Norfolk RCC Communications
Strategy and the Communication Strategy for the voluntary and community
sector engagement programme.
Support consultation, engagement and evidence gathering working closely
with the Policy Officer and partners.
Manage and deliver a pro-active content plan ensuring regular and relevant
communications to appropriate audiences and stakeholders.
Edit, write and produce communication materials in a wide range of
formats, utilising a range of media channels and tailored for different
audiences. This will include newsletter articles, press releases, website
content, social media content, reports and leaflets.
Monitor, maintain and enhance existing content and materials.
Oversee the correct use of all relevant brand materials and key messages
in communications activity. Helping to promote and reinforce brand
identities.
Oversee the design processes, delivering this directly where required.
Support the identification of key stakeholders.
Manage contact and other communications databases.
To provide expert communications support to colleagues and partners
helping build their communication capacity.
A member of the national ACRE RCAN network
Registered Charity No. 1056750
Company Limited by Guarantee Registered in England and
Wales No. 3190820
President: Lord Walpole
Chair: Alastair Roy, Chief Executive: Jonathan Clemo
T: 01362 698216
F: 01362 851083
E :office@norfolkrcc.org.uk
W :www.norfolkrcc.org.uk
Supporting Communities - Rural Advocacy - Developing Solutions
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Manage the evaluation and Return On Investment assessment of
communications activities.
Lead the marketing of Norfolk RCC products and services.
To organise and manage events and conferences.
To build excellent relationships with media contacts to maximise positive
profile and coverage.
To work with partners to improve the effectiveness of communications and
coordinate activities as appropriate.
To produce written documentation e.g.: project reports, and undertake any
general administration associated with the role.
To contribute to the success of securing funding for the Partnership and
Norfolk RCC.
To undertake a variety of projects as required by the organisation.
To participate in the Norfolk RCC’s system for monitoring and evaluation of
service provision including data entry onto our systems.
To represent Norfolk RCC and the Partnership at meetings and events
where appropriate.
To undertake such other reasonable tasks as the CEO may from time to
time require.
Core competencies
Norfolk RCC has a competency approach to the skills and knowledge of our team.
The following outlines the core competencies we will be looking for in a successful
candidate. Specific knowledge related to the organisation and the voluntary sector
is advantageous but not essential at the recruitment stage, we list the full
competencies below but as with all competencies will look to provide support to
meet any development needs .
Communication skills
Able to communicate information and ideas effectively at multiple levels from
grassroots to strategic. Able to sell the organisation’s value. Able to effectively
communicate strategy and policy. Able to listen, remain open minded and absorb
information effectively. Confident in different forms of communication including
written, verbal, numeric and graphical.
Ambassador Way
Greens Road
Dereham
Norfolk
NR20 3TL
A member of the national ACRE RCAN network
Registered Charity No. 1056750
Company Limited by Guarantee Registered in England and
Wales No. 3190820
President: Lord Walpole
Chair: Alastair Roy, Chief Executive: Jonathan Clemo
T: 01362 698216
F: 01362 851083
E :office@norfolkrcc.org.uk
W :www.norfolkrcc.org.uk
Supporting Communities - Rural Advocacy - Developing Solutions
Organisational skills
The ability to plan and define tasks independently within broad areas of
responsibility, prioritising and multitasking as required. The ability to make
effective and timely decisions within areas of authority.
ICT skills
All roles within the organisation must be able to effectively use information
communications technology, specifically the ability to use emails, navigate and
research on the web, with excellent use of Microsoft Office and specialist software
as appropriate (CRM, Huddle, website, social media,).
Knowledge of the organisation and its services
Detailed knowledge of the range of Norfolk RCC’s services, projects and
partnership activities. Good understanding of the organisations overall objectives
and how they fit with current work. Knowledge of relevant policies and strategies.
Able to promote and sell the organisation’s products and services.
Knowledge of VCS sector and values
Understanding of the values and uniqueness of the VCS sector. Detailed
knowledge of the sector at a local, regional and national levels including a specific
understanding of the position of Norfolk RCC. Firm understanding of trends at
both local and national levels and wider policy context for all areas of Norfolk RCC
work.
Knowledge of the organisation’s ethos and values
Full knowledge of the organisation’s history, ethos, values and vision.
Relationships and Partnerships
All roles within the organisation need to be able to support positive relationships
and partnerships this includes:
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Ambassador Way
Greens Road
Dereham
Norfolk
NR20 3TL
Developing and maintaining relationships that inspire trust and respect.
Building networks and being able to influence others to make things
happen.
A member of the national ACRE RCAN network
Registered Charity No. 1056750
Company Limited by Guarantee Registered in England and
Wales No. 3190820
President: Lord Walpole
Chair: Alastair Roy, Chief Executive: Jonathan Clemo
T: 01362 698216
F: 01362 851083
E :office@norfolkrcc.org.uk
W :www.norfolkrcc.org.uk
Supporting Communities - Rural Advocacy - Developing Solutions
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Understanding of the different contributions from other disciplines, and
work effectively with colleagues and partners to solve problems and
achieve objectives.
Business Focus and Development
Clear understanding of key business issues and work effectively within the role to
help solve organisational problems and achieve objectives. Proactive in looking
for new and more effective, ways of working and opportunities for the
organisation. Able to ‘make it happen’, turning plans into successfully
implemented projects and initiatives. Performance focused, able to deliver at pace
to the required quantity and quality within the time available. Commercially aware
working effectively within their role to achieve commercial outcomes.
Role Specific Competencies
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High attention to accuracy, consistency and clarity of message
Design awareness and understanding
Editorial and copy writing skills for different audiences and formats
Expert knowledge in effective communication practices.
Management
The Communications Officer will be line-managed by the Chief Executive.
Terms of Appointment
This is a permanent post, 35 hours per week. The job will based at our Dereham
offices.
Role requires occasional evening and weekend work and ability to travel mainly
although not exclusively within Norfolk.
Salary scale is £23,128 per annum. Holidays are 23 working days pro rata, per
annum (increasing annually to a maximum of 28) plus 8 Bank Holidays.
Contributory pension scheme. Start date as soon as possible.
Ambassador Way
Greens Road
Dereham
Norfolk
NR20 3TL
A member of the national ACRE RCAN network
Registered Charity No. 1056750
Company Limited by Guarantee Registered in England and
Wales No. 3190820
President: Lord Walpole
Chair: Alastair Roy, Chief Executive: Jonathan Clemo
T: 01362 698216
F: 01362 851083
E :office@norfolkrcc.org.uk
W :www.norfolkrcc.org.uk
Supporting Communities - Rural Advocacy - Developing Solutions
Interviews
Candidates selected for interview will be notified as soon as possible after the
closing date. Interviews will be held at our Dereham office.
Applications
Please send your completed application form to:
Norfolk RCC
Ambassador Way, Greens Road, Dereham. NR20 3TL
Or email office@norfolkrcc.org.uk
For further information or an informal chat please call 01362 698216
Deadline is 1700 6th October 2014
Acknowledgement of receipt will not be sent unless specifically requested and a
stamped addressed envelope enclosed.
Job offers will be made subject to obtaining references that are satisfactory to us.
Cv’s are not acceptable and will not be used in shortlisting for interviews.
Ambassador Way
Greens Road
Dereham
Norfolk
NR20 3TL
A member of the national ACRE RCAN network
Registered Charity No. 1056750
Company Limited by Guarantee Registered in England and
Wales No. 3190820
President: Lord Walpole
Chair: Alastair Roy, Chief Executive: Jonathan Clemo
T: 01362 698216
F: 01362 851083
E :office@norfolkrcc.org.uk
W :www.norfolkrcc.org.uk