Managing Editor Jobs in London

About GISF

The Global Interagency Security Forum strengthens NGO safety and security practices worldwide. We have more than 130 member INGOs and offices in London and Washington, DC. GISF’s member-led structure makes us a trusted platform for collaboration, a driver of innovative security risk management (SRM), and a repository of best practices. We also work closely with policymakers to enhance their understanding of SRM. We strengthen NGO security practice worldwide by:

• Maintaining and building from our expertise in humanitarian security risk management
• Offering trusted platforms for coordination and knowledge sharing
• Driving innovation, capturing best practice, and improving SRM capabilities.
• Supporting policy-makers and the humanitarian system to increase their understanding of SRM and maximise access to people in need

What We Offer

• 25 days of annual leave increasing annually after 2 years, up to a maximum 30 days (plus bank holidays)
• Office shutdown between Christmas and New Year
• Employer Pension contributions
• A focus on professional development, including access to overseas events, workshops, and training

The Job

The Communications Officer will play a critical role in GISF’s Communications team, working closely with the Communications Lead. The Communications team supports the work of all other teams across GISF, including Research, Membership & Events, Policy & Advocacy, and more.

The Communications Officer will work on a wide array of communications outputs, including social media, e-newsletters, the GISF website, printed brochures, branded materials, the GISF podcast, and more. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working on a diverse range of communications products, using different software tools, and consulting with a variety of external contractors, such as web developers and printers. Being proactive and adaptable are key skills for this role.

Job Description

The Communications Officer will be responsible for creating content across a wide range of Communications platforms. Some of the core duties of the role include:

• Organising GISF’s social media posting on LinkedIn and X (Twitter). This includes writing text for social media posts, designing graphics using Canva, and scheduling posts using Agorapulse. The Communications Officer is also expected to follow social media and sectoral trends to identify opportunities for engagement.
• Maintaining and updating GISF website content. This includes uploading new resources and publications; ensuring the vacancies, events and training sections of the website are regularly updated; and acting as a contact point with GISF’s external web development support team, to introduce new elements to the website and resolve issues when they arise. The Communications Officer also collects monthly website data using Google Analytics.
• Writing and designing GISF’s fortnightly newsletter. The newsletter is designed and sent using Mailerlite, with graphics created on Canva. The Communications Officer is expected to proactively suggest content for the newsletter and make sure it reflects the latest news from GISF, as well as the wider sector of NGO security risk management.
• Designing printed materials. These can include flyers, brochures, display banners, and more for GISF events and external events. The Communications Officer is expected to ensure promotional materials are designed, printed and delivered in a timely manner to maximise engagement with attendees at events.
• Supporting in the dissemination of new GISF publications and products. The Communications Officer is expected to take a proactive approach in reaching out to external contacts to promote GISF’s latest content. The Communications Officer should develop a dissemination plan for each new product, encompassing external outreach, member engagement, social media promotion, and more.
• Supporting with the creation and dissemination of GISF’s podcast. This includes attending planning meetings to develop new episode ideas; assisting with recordings; liaising with external audio editors; uploading episodes to Spotify and YouTube; and promoting the podcast though social media, newsletters, and more.

Strategic support

The GISF Communications team consists of two people, and GISF has a staff workforce of around 20. Therefore, the Communications Officer is expected to play an active role in the team, contributing new ideas to both the Communications team and the wider organisation. This includes:

• Contributing to the development of GISF communication plans. The Communications Officer is expected to bring a clear plan of the communications schedule to regular meetings. They will think creatively and suggest new ideas including ways to grow GISF’s audiences, implementing plans for promoting specific GISF publications, and more.
• Identifying possible allies for GISF communications. This might include other NGOs, journalists, think tanks, or universities that cover similar areas of interest to GISF and can promote GISF content or collaborate on podcasts, blogs, events or webinars. The Communications Officer is expected to proactively identify and reach out to such individuals and organisations and connect with them on specific projects.
• Interpreting GISF’s analytics data to inform better strategies. The Communications Officer is responsible for gathering data for GISF’s monthly reporting, including analytics from GISF’s website, social media and e-newsletter. The Communications Officer is expected to note trends and suggest improvements.

Person Specification

Essential Skills/Experience

• Excellent communication and writing skills, and excellent attention to detail.
• Some experience in a similar job or volunteer role.
• Experience in developing communications content appropriate for different channels.
• Ability to create visual graphics/designs for communications outputs.
• Ability to summarise information and present it through clear and persuasive writing or visual representations.
• Confident user of digital technology and tools (particularly in relation to managing websites and social media platforms).
• Independency in work and flexibility to changing priorities.
• Willingness to support others and adapt to different tasks.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
•  Strong interest in the humanitarian and development sector.
• Ability to collaborate within an inclusive team environment.
• Sound knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• University qualification.
• Editing experience.
• Graphic design skills and video editing/multimedia skills (or motivation to develop them).
• Interest and/or experience in compiling and interpreting communications analytics.
• Experience using Google Analytics and Salesforce.
• Additional language skills (especially Arabic, French or Spanish).
• Motivated self-starter and ability to take initiatives.
• Experience in developing a communications strategy and identifying target audiences and key messages.
• Experience in using Mailerlite for mass email communication.
• Experience in managing websites (using WordPress) and SEO skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities

Working in the Communications Officer role at GISF offers many exciting development opportunities. These include:

• Travel opportunities. GISF hosts three major events in Europe and North America and attends numerous humanitarian sector events throughout the year, such as HNPW and AidEx. The Communications Officer will have the opportunity to travel to several of these events.
• Training opportunities. GISF has access to online training resources, opportunities to attend in-person HEAT training (depending on travel locations) and encourages personal development .
• Networking opportunities. As a membership organisation, GISF is connected to over 130 NGOs and related humanitarian organisations, providing a unique opportunity for staff to build strong and wide networks across the NGO and humanitarian sectors.

Salary: Up to £55k (dependent on experience), plus generous pension scheme, flexible working culture 

Term: Permanent 

Reports to: Director of IT, digital and content

Background:

Our vision is a world where data is at the heart of understanding and decision-making.

Founded in 1834, the Royal Statistical Society (RSS) is one of the world’s leading organisations advocating for the importance of statistics and data. We’re a professional body for all statisticians and data scientists – wherever they may live. 

We have more than 12,000 individual members in the UK and across the world. As a charity, we advocate for the key role of statistics and data in society, and work to ensure that policy formulation and decision making are informed by evidence for the public good. 

The membership of the Royal Statistical Society (RSS) constitutes a preeminent source of statistical expertise. Members work with RSS staff to support our work across areas such as policy development, education, training, statistical communication, and statistical literacy. Many of these activities result in content outputs that are distributed across a range of platforms – reports, articles, blogs, events, etc. In addition, we produce Significance magazine, the Real World Data Science platform, and a range of renowned academic journals. 

We are looking for someone to coordinate our content across the Society, ensuring outputs and derivative products are tailored and targeted to meet the different needs and interest levels of different audiences. Our membership and wider audiences are expanding, and the post holder will develop and implement a content strategy that sets a framework for content that is both aligned with RSS policy objectives and strategic goals, and targeted at and adapted for different audiences to ensure the widest possible reach.    

The RSS is a small organisation and the post will require a mix of hands-on content creation and editorial leadership. The post holder will be responsible for a range of key platforms and publications, including the RSS website which is due to be redeveloped. They will oversee management of RSS journals and Significance magazine, and lead our content programme to deliver wider content-related objectives across the organisation.

An initial priority will be reestablishing and developing Real World Data Science. The Head of Content will work as an editor, commissioning content - eg case studies - from data scientists and attracting funding to ensure future sustainability. They will ensure a regular flow of content and consider the future of the platform in the context of a strategic review of content across the RSS.

Discovery work has been undertaken in preparation for the development of a content strategy. The post holder will implement quick wins that have already been identified, including questioning what we produce and why, and improving how we share content and measure impact. They will build on this to develop a strategy and enable a more strategic approach to content across the RSS.

Pension and benefits: Our defined contribution pension scheme can be joined after three months in post. Your contributions of up to 8% of salary will be double matched by the Society (making a maximum contribution by the Society of 16%). A training budget, season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme and employee assistance programme are also available.

Location: The RSS office is in central London. We offer flexible working arrangements and this is a hybrid role with on average two days a week working in the office. In person attendance for certain meetings is required, including all-staff/team meetings and governance/committee meetings that take place in person. Limited travel within the UK and internationally may be required. 

Working hours: 35 per week full-time. Applications for job shares, part-time and flexible working will also be considered.

Holidays: 25 days per annum, plus bank holidays and an additional shut down between Christmas and New Year. 

Probation: This post is subject to a six-month probation period.

Job purpose: Providing strategic leadership and working in an editorial capacity to support the development and management of the Society’s content. 

Key responsibilities: 

Understanding needs and the changing external environment

• Work with wider RSS staff to develop our understanding of the preferences and needs of key internal and external audiences to better align content to those preferences and needs.  
• Keep track of related print and online publications, react to industry changes and ensure further and future development of RSS content. 
• Monitor and respond to emerging trends in statistics/data science/AI to ensure that content remains timely and relevant.  

Development of strategies and plans 

• Work with the Director and other colleagues as required to develop a content strategy for the RSS encompassing current and future websites and publications that support the organisation’s objectives. 
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• Lead the creation and delivery of a fully-costed plan for content development, maintenance and review that aligns with key strategic goals and activities. 
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• Support development of the content-specific elements of strategies and plans across the organisation. 

Content creation and editorial 

• Create or commission accurate, engaging, up-to-date and challenging content that fulfils particular editorial briefs, establishing and liaising with editorial boards to ensure technical integrity of published content. 
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• Write content in line with content strategy and plans, ensuring delivery to time and quality. 
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• Lead and manage RSS colleagues and contractors to develop and deliver print and online outputs aligned with strategic content plan.
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• Identify relevant experts within the RSS membership and engage them in content creation initiatives, formalising a network of contributors and providing editorial support and advice.  
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• Collaborate with RSS volunteers, staff and external providers to ensure the delivery of projects and content outputs to agreed deadlines.  
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• Develop editorial policies, introducing innovations and adapting to change as necessary.
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• Develop and oversee editorial and sign off processes and guidelines that are proportionate to the size of the organisation and risk involved, to ensure editorial standards. 
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• Provide training on editorial issues / content development across the organisation. 

Content evolution

• Liaise with third-party organisations and funders to identify topics/areas of mutual interest to provide additional sources of support/funding for new content initiatives including new journals.  
• Work with colleagues to explore and develop opportunities to extend the reach of the RSS brand and sub-brands and to grow users, contributors, partners and sponsors. 
• Work with colleagues to identify and develop sponsorship opportunities, and support colleagues in sales meetings with potential sponsors. 
• Monitor and pursue fundraising opportunities to support delivery of strategic content plan, working with colleagues as appropriate. 

Management 

• Monitor and report on progress and performance against targets. 
• Project manage content projects, including establishment of new products, and organisation of workflows to maintain a steady, efficient flow of new, published content and a full pipeline of submissions. 
• Ensure that content commissioned is suitable, of high quality, and sufficient volume. 
• Support management of the contract with our journals publisher 
• Line manage staff. 

Interfaces with other teams and groups 

• Convene and lead a cross-RSS content group to share and review content plans and outputs and identify opportunities for synergy and collaboration. 
• Work with heads-of and other teams across the organisation to support their content-related objectives.
• Work with staff responsible for business development to capitalise on content development opportunities. 
• Work with policy and comms team and key RSS fellows to repurpose policy outputs for use across different content platforms to amplify impact and engagement with key audiences. 
• Liaise with all staff to ensure content on the RSS website is engaging and uptodate, working with the Web team to ensure delivery. 
• Work with events team, member support manager and RSS Sections and Local Groups to deliver one-off or series of events aligned with strategic content plan. 
• Provide editorial leadership, advice and support across the RSS.  

Person specification: 

Essential 

• Educated to degree level or equivalent. 
• Significant experience working with different forms of content at a strategic and operational level. 
• Familiarity with developments within data science and AI. 
• Experience of editing publications and commissioning content.
• Experience leading and managing staff and contractors.
• Ability to communicate with a wide range of people. 
• Excellent organisation and planning skills – ability to identify and respond to changing priorities. 
• Ability to plan, organise, prioritise and delegate work to ensure completion to time and budget.
• Ability to present ideas/concepts clearly and concisely, particularly in written form. 
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to persuade, inspire, influence, achieve results through others. 
• Ability to establish and develop an extensive network of external contacts in the industry as a source of content, comment and opinion.
• Demonstrable ability to innovate and think creatively. 
• Numeracy ability to produce, monitor and assess estimates/costs and work within budget. 
• Ability to make sound commercial decisions and identify commercially viable/profitable projects. 
• Collaborative team worker – works with colleagues to achieve strategic, operational and editorial objectives. 
• Ability to work effectively and achieve results in a changing environment. Ability to lead a small team with great flexibility and imagination to achieve short-term and long-term business objectives. 
• Ability to work on own initiative within corporate and RSS guidelines/directives. 
• Knowledge of current website practices, industry trends, and editorial opportunities. 
• Excellent skills in written English (writing, editing, sub-editing and proofreading) and excellent oral communication skills in English 

Desirable 

• Interest in or experience of statistics, research, or other aspects of the Society’s work 
• Experience working with editorial boards staffed by volunteers 
• Scientific background or experience. 
• Understanding of UX and UI design 
• Experience using Content Management Systems (CMS) 
• Experience using Google Analytics 4 
• Basic understanding of tools such as GitHub, Quarto, R/Python Markdown

How to apply

Please submit your CV via the email address on our website with a supporting statement/letter telling us: 

• Why you should be considered for the role and how it fits with your career plan 
• How your skills and experience align with the responsibilities and person specification 
• Three examples of your work in relevant publications 

Closing date: 31 January 2025 

Are you a Media and PR professional who wants to use your skills to help support young people and their families to deal with the impact of cancer, both during and beyond treatment?

Charity People is partnering with Young Lives vs. Cancer to recruit an interim part time Media and PR Officer to join their team.

Joining the Media Team at a key time as the organisation embarks on the first stage of its North Star vision which will see them working with partner organisations to close gaps in the current provision of care for young people and their families by 2035.

Contract: Nine month interim role, four days (28 hours) per week

Salary: £34,616 FTE (outside London); £36,512 FTE (London)

Location: Home based with some travel to London or Bristol - ideally around one to two days per month

Closing date for applications: midnight on Sunday 19th January

Interviews will be held remotely week commencing: 27th January

This is an important role where you will lead on communicating a portfolio of key areas of Young Lives vs Cancer's policy work, fundraising activities and services, to a wide range of audiences, identifying reactive opportunities and through targeted media campaigns.

Core responsibilities within the role will include:

• Manage media partnerships such as national media fundraising appeals or campaigns
• Establish quality effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders including Media and News outlets, journalists and charity partners
• Participate in the reactive news desk rota, responding to urgent media enquiries and providing advice to staff and senior managers
• Take advantage of opportunities to provide and publish reactive comment, opinion and content in a timely manner to involve Young Lives vs Cancer in news stories and debates that align with the charity's priorities
• Brief national, regional and local media (print, broadcast and online) on Young Lives vs Cancer and its activities. Support the Head of Media and PR to implement reputation management plans
• Brief staff spokespeople (including senior staff and specialist social workers) ahead of media interviews to ensure they are prepared and ready to speak on message
• Use data and research to engage media and news outlets
• Produce messaging, position statements, prepare for media interviews and deal with complex reactive press enquiries
• Contribute to the development and delivery of the charity's strategic media plan - lead a strategic development priority area, working across the team and organisation
• Develop and implement creative, effective media plans for campaigns and projects, in-line with the charity's overall strategic objectives
• Gather and develop stories and take a proactive role in identifying opportunities in online and offline media to place news and feature stories on Young Lives vs Cancer activities, campaigns, and services
• Initiate and maintain good working relationships with a network of editors, journalists and broadcasters, especially within the health, education and social care media, and ensure they are briefed appropriately on Young Lives vs Cancer activities and issues
• Write press releases, features, articles, opinion pieces and statements; ensuring these reflect Young Lives vs Cancer's values and key messages.
• Work closely with the Brand and Marketing Communications team to understand local business priorities and effectively coordinate and plan activity.

The Media and PR Officer will have previous experience of working in a Media and PR role. The successful candidate will have a thorough understanding of media monitoring and evaluation; the ability to engage positively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders; excellent storytelling ability; and the ability to translate complex information in clear, understandable messages.

You'll be a creative and innovative thinker and you'll demonstrate Young Lives Vs Cancer's values: you are brave; you are confident; you have integrity; and together, across all levels and with our external partners, we are one team.

How to apply

The application process is CV and Supporting Questions. If you would like to apply for this role or for an informal confidential, please apply via the link below with a copy of your CV or email Alice Wood at Charity People for the pack and full details on the application process.

Due to the festive break, we'll be starting to contact potential candidates from the 6th January 2025.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential. Please inform Alice if you require any assistance or adjustment to help ensure the application process works for you.

At Charity People, we match charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we know greater diversity will lead to even greater results for the charities we work with.