Communications Officer

Background

Chance to Shine is an independent children’s charity. We change young people’s lives through cricket giving them the opportunity to play, learn and develop through the sport. We keep them physically active, teach them vital skills like teamwork, communication and leadership. And above all, they have fun.

Since 2005 our Chance to Shine Schools programme has helped reverse the decline of cricket in state schools with millions of boys and girls in over 13,000 state schools playing and learning through cricket. Chance to Shine Street supports young people in under-served communities to access and benefit from cricket in a free, inclusive, fun and fast-paced tape ball environment.

Purpose of the Role

A key part of Chance to Shine’s Communications department, this role will have help to drive awareness of the charity – communicating our mission, vision and messages to key audiences.

 

Principal Responsibilities

 

The Communications Officer will support include the following areas:

• To offer support on a range of diverse projects and events to increase the profile and awareness of Chance to Shine
• To help with the planning, execution and analysis of communications and marketing campaigns throughout the year
• To help manage the Chance to Shine brand internally and externally – including both written and visual brand guidelines
• Supporting the Director of Communications and Digital and the Fundraising team with the activation of corporate and funding partners
•   Assisting with media liaison and monitoring including but not limited to:

Ø  Managing the media contacts database

Ø  Monitoring and organising media coverage

Ø  Pitching stories to local print, online and broadcast media

Ø  Managing relationships with designated media outlets

•  To lead the charity’s application process for internal and external awards
• To help develop the Chance to Shine ambassador scheme; maintaining relationships and organising visits
• Supporting the Director of Communications and Digital in the production of key publications and documentation
• Support public affairs activities, including drafting letters, preparing lobbying documents, sharing information, and raising awareness of the charity
• To drive content and media activations with key partners such as the England  and Wales Cricket Board and the Chance to Shine delivery network
•  To help carry out any other tasks as required

 Key relationships

The job holder will liaise with:

·         Chief Executive and the CTS senior management team

·         The Chance to Shine delivery network

·         National and regional media

·         MPs and government

·         Ambassadors and player agents

·         Agencies and contractors

·         Operations, Fundraising, Finance & Resources and Impact & Evaluation teams

 

Skills, knowledge & personal competencies

The job holder should be able to demonstrate the following:

 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent IT skills: knowledge and experience of using MS Office Excel, Word and Outlook
• Able to plan and prioritise and work under pressure
• Able to work on own initiative-confident/self-starter/finisher
• An effective and enthusiastic team player
• Willingness to learn with a can do attitude

Experience & qualifications

Essential:

·         Track record of working across multiple projects, campaigns or media activations simultaneously

·         Experience with developing and executing marketing calendars

·         Experience of pitching stories to local and national media outlets 

·         Familiarity with media monitoring tools

·         Familiarity with campaign analysis tools

·         Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills

 

Desirable:

 

• Experience in managing relationships with ambassadors or high-profile individuals

·         Knowledge of Westminster and Parliament processes

·         Experience in using graphic design tools

·         Full and clean UK driver’s license

Benefits

·       25 days annual leave pro rata (with additional non-contractual time at Christmas when the office is closed)

·       8% non-contributory employer pension

·       Private medical healthcare

·       Employee health cash-back plan

·       Long-term sickness insurance

·       Life assurance - four times your annual basic salary

·       Season ticket loan scheme

·       Flexible working

·       Enhanced maternity/paternity pay

·       Generous sick pay

·       Volunteering 2 days per year

·       OpenBlend - an innovative coaching and performance management tool

·       WeCare - 24/7 UK-based online GP, mental health counselling, a get fit programme, legal and financial guidance

·       Cycle 2 Work Scheme