Marketing & Communications Manager

About Us

School of Hard Knocks (SOHK) is a charity that exists to empower and support individuals who are living in complex and challenging circumstances. By fostering an environment of genuine acceptance and through the use of physical activity (rugby training) and group and one-to-one support sessions, SOHK enables young people to succeed in their education and reach their potential. All of SOHK's activities are underpinned by an evidence-based sport for development framework called the 5Cs.

Overview

SOHK will soon launch its new and ambitious organisational strategy to drive growth and impact. We want to reach and support more young people at a key point in their adolescence and help them to reach their potential. To achieve this, we need to increase our reach to new audiences and convert more people into donors. We also need to optimise our communications to existing audiences; from young people on our courses and their educational professionals to prospect partners and donors.

This role is key to the success of our growth fundraising strategy that will see us double our income. To achieve this we need to optimise our branding, develop new marketing channels and grow our reach. We are looking for someone as ambitious as we are, and willing to help move our charity into the next stage of our development.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver the Marketing & Communications strategy. Work with the Director of Fundraising and Marketing Consultant to contribute to the development of the the Marketing and Communications Strategy. Lead the delivery of the strategy, track progress and report risks and opportunities to senior leadership team.
• Brand management and development. Maintain and evolve the charity's brand identity. Ensure consistent messaging across all channels.
• Social media management. Plan, schedule and create content for multiple channels. Ensure timely publication and distribution of content. Develop and manage social media content and campaigns. Monitor social media engagement and analytics to refine campaigns.
• Digital marketing. Lead the development of all digital marketing to achieve audience reach and income targets.
• Analytics & analysis. Track and analyse the performance of campaigns by monitoring relevant analytics. Use data to adjust strategies and improve outcomes. Conduct regular competitor analysis to ensure we maximise reach. Develop routine end of campaign analytical reviews and reports.
• Stakeholder Engagement. Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including ambassadors and celebrity patrons, providing them with all the assets and materials they need. Develop strategies for stakeholder communication and engagement. Work with partners to create mutually beneficial communications strategies.
• MarComms Advisory Panel Engagement. Engage with our voluntary MarComms Advisory Panel of experts to maximise success of our strategy.
• Graphic Design. Using design software, create promotional and programme delivery materials such as brochures, posters, challenge event packs and social media graphics in line with brand guidelines. Create visual content for all digital platforms.
• Video Content Creation. Conduct interviews with beneficiaries on camera to capture their stories. Edit video footage optimising for use in large-scale event films and for social media content. Develop engaging video content to promote the charity's mission and activities.
• Copywriting & Copy Editing. Write and edit inspiring and engaging content for various digital platforms including website, e-newsletters, and social media. Develop compelling stories and case studies to highlight the charity's impact. Write press releases where appropriate and quarterly ‘Supporter Updates’ for major donors.
• Website Management. Oversee the development of a new website. Update and maintain the charity's website content in line with best SEO practice. Ensure integrations are working correctly i.e. website is correctly integrated with Zapier and is pulling through subscribers to Mailchimp.
• Internal Communications. Develop engaging staff communications and opportunities to share successes and drive motivation amongst staff. Seek new opportunities to share information team-wide.
• Integrated digital processes. Maximise efficiency by building integrated digital systems and processes wherever possible.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Experience of creating and delivering multi-channel marketing acquisition strategies
• Experience delivering budgets and annual operational plans
• Highly-skilled copy-writer, editor and proof-reader
• Experience of digital marketing and proven record of delivering growth and achieving campaign goals
• Experience of managing external media and creative agencies
• Excellent GDPR knowledge and practice
• Experience of new product development, innovation and project management
• Good understanding of Google Analytics and other reporting tools.
• Experience of integrating platforms where possible to drive efficiency and optimise the customer experience

Desirable

• Knowledge of the charity sector and understanding of Sport For Development
• CRM experience
• Experience of project managing the delivery of new websites
• Experience of using creative design platforms such as Canva and video editing software.

Personal attributes:

• Responsive to the ever-changing digital landscape and trends
• Willing to be part of a fast-paced and ambitious team
• Detail orientated
• Growth mind-set and continually seeking to learn
• Strong stakeholder management skills (internal and external)
• Ability to adapt verbal and written communication skills to suit different audiences
• Confidently manage, influence and negotiate with senior stakeholders
• A highly motivated self-starter able to work proactively, independently and manage multiple priorities
• Able to work flexibly, adapting to the needs of the role and the wider team

Terms of Appointment

• Permanent contract
• Full-time (4 days considered)
• Salary £32,000 - £35,000 pro rata (dependant on experience)
• 25 days holiday plus 3 working days between Christmas and New Year extra. Employers also earn an additional day of annual leave per year of service up to a maximum of 5 days.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• 3% employer pension contributions.
• Opportunities for personalised training and development.
• Dynamic, entrepreneurial working environment with flexible approach to working hours and locations where possible.

How to Apply

The closing date for applications is 9am Monday 5th August.

Interviews will take place online on Friday 9th August, so please keep this day free in your diary!