Role Profile
Head of Communications (Maternity Cover)
Role Profile
Job Title:
Location:
Duration:
Reports To:
Direct Reports:
Head of Communications
Award House, London
Maternity Cover (9 - 12 months)
Chief Operating Officer
Communications Project Manager
Digital Communications Manager
Communications and Brand Officer
Summary of Role
This role is primarily responsible for the management of communications, marketing, and promotion of the
Foundation, whilst also acting as overarching brand guardian to countries and territories where the Award is
operated.
The Head of Communications is also responsible for the overall management and development of the
Foundation’s PR strategy and communications plans.
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the role will be responsible for the creation of policy and strategy
within the Foundation, ensuring compliance with Foundation guidelines across the Award family whilst also
fostering and facilitating growth.
Key Responsibilities
Through effective management of staff and resources, the role incumbent will:
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Develop, manage and deliver the communications strategy and implement the operational
communications plan.
Project manage key communication projects, which will include working and communicating with all
internal and diverse external stakeholder groups.
Liaising with Senior Management Team and Trustees on the strategic role of communications within
the Foundation and Association including representation and reporting at Development Committee
and Trustee Meetings as and when required.
Oversee and be accountable for the production and management of all Foundation’s communication
channels, whether audio-visual, electronic or publications and materials.
Ensure the consistent communication of the Foundation’s values, vision, mission and identity through
all of its communications to internal and external stakeholders, developing and implementing projects
and policies to support this.
© 2013 The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation
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Role Profile
Head of Communications (Maternity Cover)
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Design, develop and implement promotion and marketing strategies to reach a global awareness of
the Foundation, its brand, and the Award.
Manage the Foundation’s relationship with the media, developing and implementing PR policies
for general and specific initiatives, working with National Award Operators to raise the external
profile of the Award.
Develop and implement communications initiatives and projects including responsibility for
communications strategy and activities of key international stakeholder events
Lead on the management of crisis communication situations and act as the main point of contact
for journalist enquiries.
To manage the annual communications budget and the visual identity restricted fund.
Providing communications expertise and support to the Foundations staff and members of the
Association.
Be accountable for the development, management and sale of stock supplies through third party
suppliers.
Undertake any other duties as required for the successful delivery of the Communications
Department’s objectives.
© 2013 The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation
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Role Profile
Head of Communications (Maternity Cover)
Person Specification
CRITERIA
ESSENTIAL
DESIRABLE
Qualifications
Educated to degree level/or equivalent
Undergraduate or
postgraduate qualification
in English, journalism,
communications or
marketing
Evidence of continuous professional
development (CPD)
Experience
Demonstrable experience and evidence of
success in a communications role with multiple
stakeholder groups
Experience of working in a
charity or not-for-profit
organisation
Experience of working on a variety of projects
simultaneously
Experience of web and
other online
communication tools such
as video and pod-casting
Experience of implementing audio-visual,
electronic and delivery of publications
HOW
IDENTIFIED
Application
form &
qualification
certificates
Application
form &
interview
Experience of both writing and editing for
different audiences
Experience of managing relationships with
suppliers
Previous line management experience
Demonstrable experience of managing and
implementing high profile communications
projects
Experience of managing relationships with
suppliers
Experience of managing budgets across a mix of
regular and project based activity
Knowledge
Sound knowledge of different content formats
and working with a communications plan across
appropriate channels
Understanding of the work
of the Foundation, and its
key stakeholders
Interview
Extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office
programmes, a sound knowledge of current
web technologies and the print production
process
© 2013 The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation
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Role Profile
Head of Communications (Maternity Cover)
Cultural awareness and sensitivity
Skills and
Abilities
Outstanding written and verbal communication
skills
Proficiency in another
language
Interview
Excellent stakeholder management skills
Proofing and editing skills
Excellent customer service skills
Organisational skills and able to multi-task
Analytical with meticulous attention to detail
Circumstances
35 hours per week (Monday to Friday) with some flexibility required on or around the lead up
to related Foundation events.
Must be willing to travel on behalf of the Foundation, sometimes with overnight stays.
Overtime is not payable, though hours worked over and above standard contract can be taken
in lieu of payment (in line with policy)
Benefits (Some are applicable after probation period): 25 annual leave days (plus bank
holidays), Private Medical Insurance, Death in service payment of 4x salary, Healthcare Cash
Plan, Joint Contribution Pension Scheme, Salary Sacrifice Schemes, Season Ticket loans
© 2013 The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation
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