Voluntary Action Lewisham
Job Description and Person Specification
Communications and Publicity Officer:
Reference: CPO 2014
Grade:
SO2 pts32-34 £30,655-£32,254 (including Inner London Weighting)
Hours:
35 per week
Location:
Voluntary Action Lewisham, Catford SE6
Responsible to:
Research and Communications Manager
Holidays:
26 days annually plus bank and public holidays
Background
Voluntary Action Lewisham is the Council for Voluntary Service in the London Borough of
Lewisham. VAL is a membership organisation working to support the development of an
independent voluntary and community sector to meet the needs of local people. Effective
communications are a key component of our work. Our publications, including Grapevine
newsletter, e-bulletin and our website are central to the provision of relevant news and
information to our stakeholders. We are looking for a communications professional with
strong digital skills and experience matched with great communications skills and judgement.
Responsibilities
The Communications and Publicity Officer will work with the Research and Communications
Manager and VAL’s Director, providing editorial, strategic, creative and operational support
to manage and develop effective communication and publicity services for the range of
activities covered by our work. The officer will play a key role in ensuring our communications
are engaging, influential and informative for the full range of our stakeholders.
You’ll have a good understanding of information architecture and the processes involved in
managing online content. You’ll have good social media skills and knowledge of how to use
these channels as part of an integrated communications strategy.
In undertaking this work the Communications and Publicity Officer will need to develop and
maintain effective working relationships with VAL staff.
This officer will also undertake other duties consistent with the nature and level of the post.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Produce VAL’s publications including our Grapevine newsletter and e-bulletin.
2. Manage VAL’s website content using Drupal CMS and our social media channels
(including Twitter and Facebook).
3. Contribute to the development and implementation of VAL’s Communications
Strategy.
4. Support the development of VAL’s brand (including raising awareness of VAL’s role
as a CVS; our campaigns, functions and services).
5. Meet the communication needs of VAL teams, fostering positive and effective working
practices.
1
1. Production of VAL Publications
Produce Grapevine, VAL’s quarterly newsletter:
 Working with line manager and VAL Director, take a lead in researching, editing and
producing content.
 Work with wider VAL team and VAL members to produce content
 Oversee printing, collating (where inserts are to be included) and distribution
Produce VAL’s e-bulletin
 Working with VAL staff, produce a bi-weekly email bulletin, providing updates on our
work, funding news, other issues of importance for the VCS including requests from
groups to share information.
Produce VAL’s Annual Report
 Collect, collate and edit material, in collaboration with the Director
2. Management of VAL website and use of social media
Manage VAL website
 Working with VAL staff and as required, with our website developers White Fuse
Media, develop and maintain content, keeping information accurate and up to date.
Manage VAL’s social media
 Use social media in support of VAL’s campaigns and dissemination of key messages
 Maintain social media accounts
3. Implementation of VAL Communications Strategy
 Working with senior staff, develop, implement and champion principles set out in
VAL’s Communication Strategy
4. Development of VAL brand
 Be aware of the information needs of the voluntary and community sector.
 Work with VAL staff and with voluntary and statutory agencies to identify information
needs of the voluntary sector and enable effective communication.
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Oversee communication requests from stakeholders including funders, partners and
member organisations.
Provide support, advice and/or training to groups wanting to develop more effective
communication and publicity.
Represent VAL at meetings, events and initiatives concerned with the
communications and publicity services.
Plan/create multi-media communications materials.
Help build and maintain VAL’s reputation.
Support development of brand materials.
Support staff to make effective use of brand.
5. Communication needs of VAL teams
 Working with VAL staff, develop and produce information leaflets on VAL’s services.
 Edit and/or assist in the production of publications for VAL’s projects, ensuring that
VAL’s corporate image, house style and quality of production is maintained.
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Support the marketing and communication of VAL events.
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Produce display material for use at conferences and events, as required.
2
Person Specification
Communications and Publicity Officer
Please note:
Candidates who are short-listed for interview will be required to present examples of
website, newsletters, magazines, leaflets and/or display material that they have
worked on, written or designed.
Person specification and selection criteria
VAL is an equal opportunities employer, committed to providing equal opportunities
regardless of race or ethnic origin, gender identity, family situation, sexual orientation,
disability, religion or age. This person specification is designed to help members of the
interviewing panel judge the qualities of the interviewees in a systematic and consistent way
and in accordance with VAL’s equal opportunities policy. It is given to all job applicants for
information.
Assessment code
A
P
PI
-
Application form
Presentation
Panel Interview
Heading
Selection criteria
Essential /
Desirable
E
Assessment
Method
A/P/PI
1. Skills
Knowledge and
Experience
1.1 Excellent communication skills, for face to
face / through a variety of media using an
excellent standard of spoken and written
English
1.2 Proven ability to edit and produce a
newsletter or equivalent publication.
E
A/P/PI
1.3 Excellent IT skills, including word
processing and desktop publishing; VAL
uses InDesign
E
A/PI
1.4 Experience of publishing to digital
platforms to a high standard and
encouraging innovation.
E
A/P
1.5 Understanding of information
architectures and how content is bestorganised using electronic and printed
media.
E
A/P
1.6 Sound knowledge of different content
formats and managing a communications
plan across appropriate channels.
E
A/PI
1.7 Sound knowledge and current experience
of social media, especially Facebook,
Twitter
E
A/PI
1.8 Good HTML skills and experience.
E
A/PI
3
2. Personal
attributes
1.9 Experience and confidence in using
website content management systems.
(Drupal)
E
A/P
1.10 Ability to advise colleagues and
partners at all levels on how to develop
content and make effective use of
communication approaches
E
A/PI
1.11 Ability to influence and negotiate with
colleagues while maintaining a positive
and creative working relationship.
E
A/PI
1.12 Experience of thinking strategically
and creatively about content, working out
the best way to present.
E
A/P/PI
1.13 Ability to produce engaging copy for
various media and audiences
E
A/P
1.14 Awareness and/or practical
experience of working in the voluntary
and community sector
D
A/PI
1.15 Experience of using a Customer
Relationship Management system (VAL
uses Salesforce CRM)
D
A/PI
1.16 A professional qualification in
communications
D
A
2.1 Ability to work under pressure, solve
problems and meet deadlines.
E
A/PI
2.2 Self motivated and ability to work on own
initiative
E
A/PI
2.3 Ability to plan and organise workload
E
A/PI
2.4 Ability to respond positively to change
E
A/PI
2.5 Flexibility to attend meetings or work
outside normal working hours when
necessary
E
A/PI
2.6 Ability to organise, prioritise and schedule
work within an agreed set of priorities or
work programme.
E
A/PI
2.7 An awareness of and commitment to the
promotion of equal opportunities.
E
A/PI
4