Communications and Digital Officer

The deadline for this vacancy has passed.

This is a critical role that offers the chance to shape and drive the Unlocked Graduates voice across a range of digital, social and print channels. Working closely with colleagues across the organisation – especially in recruitment – this role will drive the placement of targeted content to drive applications and build the reputation of Unlocked Graduates.

With lots of opportunity for copywriting and the management of video production and design projects, s/he will be familiar with, or willing to build a high level of competency in, a range of social media channels as well as acting as the primary internal web editor.

Key accountabilities will include the following.

• Edit all digital content for external audiences, writing content for web, newsletters and social media channels.
• Manage an intern to provide effective media monitoring to ensure the organisation stays abreast of all relevant stories, identifying positive prison news for use on social media etc.
• Manage external creative, media buying and web development agencies to ensure new content is developed and delivered on time and to a high standard.
• Drive the dissemination of this content, maintaining a rigorous editorial calendar and leading regular website reviews to identify and share high quality content.
• Maintain a cutting-edge understanding of the best way to use social media channels to maximum effect, steadily growing our audiences and ensuring high levels of engagement.
• Project manage complex production projects, working with participants, colleagues and partners in government and the third sector to arrange interviews and access to prisons.
• Scan for and draft high quality award entries to highlight the achievements of Unlocked Graduates.
• Occasionally deliver high-profile events.

Dependent on experience, there will also be opportunities to:

• Act as the first point of contact for media, managing speedy responses to questions and develop pitch ideas.
• Monitor for relevant policy and parliamentary developments to identify opportunities to engage with parliamentarians and policy-makers.

Person specification

Knowledge and experience

We will be looking for demonstrable relevant experience with a proven record in:

• Managing excellent websites, preferably with a working knowledge of WordPress to effectively manage developers and a good knowledge of SEO principles.
• Growing engaged, opted-in audiences on social media channels (especially Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn).
• Excellent written communication and presentation skills and an ability to communicate and build strong relationships with a wide range of people.
• Good data analysis skills, with the ability to interpret data and statistics to develop stories and content.
• Computer literate, especially in the use of Microsoft. Technical design skills, from the design features in Word and PowerPoint through to video-editing and design programmes would also be desirable.
• Knowledge of, or a willingness to quickly build, a good knoweldge of MailChimp and social media management tools such as Buffer, Tweetdeck etc.
• An eye for good design and experience developing and applying a strong brand across a range of channels. (Desirable)
• Experience or knowledge of paid-for digital and social media campaigns. (Desirable)
• Experience managing and commissioning events, print and design services. (Desirable)
• An understanding of or interest in the criminal justice system and/or similar graduate recruitment programmes. (Desirable)

Characteristics and skills

You will also need to demonstrate:

• A strong belief and enthusiasm for Unlocked Graduates’ aims and mission.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships internally and externally.
• A creative approach and self-starting ability to create effective solutions with limited resource.
• That you are methodical, organised and able to work with attention to detail.
• An ability to work on your own initiative and prioritise workload in a busy team environment.
• That you are a team player, who is willing to deliver practically on the ground and be hands-on.
• That you are able to regularly evaluate your own performance to build on strengths and identify areas to improve.

Please also note that we would particularly welcome applications from individuals with lived-experience of prisons or the criminal justice system.