MERTON VOLUNTARY SERVICE COUNCIL
Job Description
Job title:
Responsible to:
Communications Officer
MVSC Trustee Board
Line managed by: Operations Manager
Salary:
£31,852 plus pension
Objectives of the post
To raise awareness of MVSC and its work within the local voluntary, public and private sectors and the wider community by being responsible for all aspects of internal and external communication; To work towards strengthening collaboration on communications between organisations and agencies working in Merton.
Main duties and responsibilities
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To implement MVSC’s communications policy and ensure it is regularly reviewed
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To be responsible for creating and maintaining all content on Merton
Connected and any related websites that may be developed from time to time, and for producing a weekly e-mail bulletin for voluntary and community organisations and other contacts, ensuring that information is up to date and accurate
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To promote the benefits of Merton Connected to organisations and agencies in Merton
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To ensure that staff regularly share information with each other and that they encourage groups to provide information to MVSC
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To strengthen collaboration on communications between MVSC and other organisations and agencies working in Merton
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To write, edit and produce key information in a range of media for MVSC
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To oversee the writing, editing, design and dispatch of emailings or large mailings to database contacts
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To monitor website usage, and to develop new functions and features, supported as required by technical consultants
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To work with other members of the team on MVSC events, ensuring that display, marketing and information materials are provided
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To manage the corporate identity, ensuring it is maintained across print and electronic media
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To build and maintain good relationships with local media and communications staff in other agencies
 To monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of MVSC’s communications and to suggest innovative ways to exploit new technologies for the benefit of
MVSC and the voluntary sector.
MERTON VOLUNTARY SERVICE COUNCIL
Person Specification
Job title: Communications Officer
Experience of communications and/or information work in a range of media
 Ability to produce excellent written material and draft clear and concise messages in a variety of formats
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Strong copywriting, editing and proofreading skills
 High level of design skills
 Understanding of web portals and experience of keeping websites updated with data, news and information
Knowledge of and ability to use a range of publishing software
 Familiarity with SharePoint, Drupal and CiviCRM would be useful, but we will consider applicants who can demonstrate transferable skills
 Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with the
MVSC staff team, local voluntary and community groups, the local media, public sector communications staff and others who can promote the work of
MVSC and the voluntary sector
 Ability to learn new technical skills quickly and to train others as appropriate
Ability to keep to deadlines and work on your own initiative
Ability to keep abreast of new developments in the communications field.
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