Head of Communications and Engagement

We’re Causeway, the UK-wide charity who believes in the power of lasting change. We take people from existing to living, and empower our service users, including survivors of modern slavery and exploitation, to find their voice and place in society. Since 2005, we have expanded across multiple regions and now provide accommodation and outreach support to hundreds of survivors of modern slavery every year.

In 2018, we collaborated with South Yorkshire Police in an initiative called Plan B. This helped to launch the LifeNavigate department. Using a trauma-informed approach, we are fully committed to breaking the cycle of crime, alongside other organisations such as South Yorkshire Police and Merseyside Police. Our vision is to ensure a thriving future for marginalised and vulnerable people, and it would not be possible without our dedicated team of staff and volunteers. 

Role Summary

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a skilled, experienced, and motivated Head of Communications and Engagement to lead on our organisation wide communications and engagement activity ensuring effective alignment with our Strategic plan objectives and our charity manifesto. A priority objective for us is the elevation of survivor voice and the successful candidate will be able to contribute to that objective with creativity, empathy, and sensitivity. If you are an experienced communications professional with a passion for social change who seeks to make a positive impact with the content they create, then we would love to hear from you. 

Responsibilities

Your main responsibilities will include:

• To lead on Communications and Engagement activity for the whole organisation working closely with the CEO and wider Senior Management Team.

• To develop and implement engaging multi discipline campaigns including PR activity that contribute to the delivery of Causeway’s Strategic objectives.

• Lead on developing and communicating Causeways’ core messaging and brand, both internally and externally, ensuring agreed guidelines are adhered to and consistent terminology and language is always used.

• Create a pipeline for gathering stories and case study content in a way that does not place a significant burden on frontline staff and will demonstrate a clear understanding of informed consent and safeguarding in relation to vulnerable individuals and risk assessment processes.

• Build and maintain relationships with key journalists, broadcasters, content creators, celebrities and influencers as required to help further our objectives.

• Oversee the management of content and utilisation of all our digital engagement and communications channels including social media platforms and our website.

• Work to position Causeway at the forefront of the sectors we operate in communicating our innovative approaches, gaining traction and recognition across a wide audience.

• Ensure that all media, press and other external queries are handled in a timely sensitive, mutually beneficial, and accurate way.

• Effectively evaluate and measure the impact of all Communications and PR activity.

• Keep up to date on best practice and news within our sector, particularly in relation to changes to communications innovation, legislation, and codes of practice.

• Ensure Causeway abides by all relevant legislation in relation to its communications.

• Ensure all spend in relation to Communications and Engagement team and projects is within the parameters of the agreed department budget.

• Proactively respond to breaking and industry worthy news to highlight our services and position us at the front of industry knowledge sharing.

• Support identified Causeway media spokespeople in preparing for press and media interviews through thorough and accurate briefings and act as a media spokesperson when required.

• Track relevant daily news stories to our impact areas, responding to trends, key industry announcements and maximizing opportunities.

• Line manage and coach a small but effective team of communications, marketing, and content production staff

• Ensure the CEO and board of trustees are provided with quarterly reports on department progress.

• Play an active role in the senior management team and maintain an effective working relationship with your peers and colleagues, to ensure the work of the Communications and Engagement department aligns with organisational and departmental goals, strategy, and actions.

• Support senior management with internal communications as and when needed.

Any other duties that are commensurate with the role