Communications Manager in Manchester

JOB TITLE: Communications Manager

RESPONSIBLE TO: Head of Operational Services

LOCATION: Head Office Manchester City Centre

HOURS: 22.5hrs (3 days)

SALARY: £44,000 FTE/£26,4000 pro rata

CLOSING DATE: 22/09/2024

Email for enquires:

Please note: We require all applicants to provide a covering letter with their application. Applications submitted without a covering letter will be considered incomplete and therefore discounted from the shortlisting process.

About UKROEd

UKROEd Ltd is a private, not-for-profit company responsible for the delivery, management, and administration of the National Driver Offender Retraining Scheme (NDORS) on behalf of the Police service. It is also the operating company of the Road Safety Trust and is committed to the education and training of drivers who commit low level traffic offences.

UKROEd values and respects each individual employee, client and customer and is committed to promoting equal opportunities throughout its workforce. As such, all relevant applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Overview of the role

UKROEd are looking for an experienced Communications Manager to join the Operations business area of the company.

You will work closely with both our internal and external stakeholders to oversee the development and implementation of an impactful communications strategy to ensure that our messaging output is effective and in line with our overall corporate strategy.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Act as the principal advisor to the senior leadership team on all areas of communication and engagement, including planned and unplanned issues. –

• Work alongside the UKROEd Crisis Communications Consultant to develop and deliver an annual communications plan that outlines the priority campaigns and communications projects to help the company deliver its corporate plans and financial strategy.

• Work alongside the UKROEd Media Associate Consultant to manage and further develop the external communications service, including communication campaigns, reactive communications, media relations, digital, and design.

• Develop a unified company voice that aligns with our branding and values

• Oversee UKROEd’s internal communication function and work with key business areas to implement effective internal communication and engagement strategies, which drive new ways of working and support wider transformation and cultural change across the organisation

• Build and maintain relationships with our stakeholders and audiences, including internal and external stakeholders across course providers, police forces, the Road Safety Trust, local and central, government & Whitehall, statutory and non-statutory bodies, industry & business, road safety communities and other parties to establish strong working relationships.

• Work with appointed associates on the organisation's external digital platforms, planning and managing the design, content, and production of all materials.

• Provide overall editorial control of communication processes to all key stakeholders

• Continuously improve the delivery and effectiveness of campaigns and engagement activities by gathering intelligence through robust evaluation, and by reviewing procedures and practices, to drive the achievement of high-quality, impactful outcome

• Support UKROEd in influencing external decision makers, including central government, regional government, and police forces nationally.

• Promote the interests of UKROEd regionally and nationally, establishing a a strong organisational profile to enhance its reputation, impact, and influence.

• Be accountable for the effective management of the company’s communications budgets to ensure measurable return on communications investment

• Develop efficient communication protocols and policies for diverse scenarios or emergencies by engaging with executive management in drafting policies.

COMMUNICATION MANAGER

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree, or equally recognised professional qualification, in a relevant subject
• Member of the CIPR or relevant professional body
• Evidence of continuing professional development

Desirable

• Master's degree in communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field
• Additional certifications in digital marketing, crisis communication, or stakeholder engagement.

Experience

Essential

• Experience at a managerial level delivering strategic communications advice and leading communication and engagement initiatives within a complex organisation.
• Demonstrated experience in managing organisational change and executing effective internal communication strategies.
• Extensive experience utilising modern communication technologies and digital media platforms.
• Strong capability in both short-term and long-term strategic planning, with the ability to anticipate and respond to evolving priorities and emerging issues.
• Experience fostering cross-organisational collaborations and partnerships.
• Deep understanding and management of brand development and its influence on stakeholder perception and engagement.
• Experience providing strategic communications advice to senior leadership, including boards, committees, or executive panels.
• Proven experience in developing and executing crisis communication strategies.

Desirable

• Experience engaging with national-level politicians and stakeholders to advance organisational objectives.
• Background or knowledge of the not-for-profit sector.
• Experience working within the road safety or transportation sector.

Job Related Knowledge

Essential

• Excellent verbal, written and presentation communications skills with the ability to tailor messaging to diverse audiences
• Strong critical thinking and political acumen in handling sensitive and complex issues.
• In-depth knowledge of digital and social media strategies, tools, and best practices.
• Proficiency in developing and implementing effective communication campaigns across multiple channels.
• Solid understanding and commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion principles.
• Proficient in standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint) and familiarity with content management systems.
• Basic knowledge of media law, data protection regulations, and ethical considerations in communications.

Desirable

• Strong understanding of public affairs and advocacy strategies
• Familiarity with current policies and best practices in community engagement and public consultation.
• Knowledge of evaluation methodologies for assessing communication effectiveness and impact.

Skills and Aptitudes

Essential

• Proven leadership skills with the ability to work with, motivate, and develop high-performing, multidisciplinary teams
• Demonstrated resilience and high motivation, and the ability to inspire these qualities in others
• Strong strategic planning and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and manage multiple projects efficiently
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills to inform effective decision-making
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, adept at influencing, persuading, and negotiating with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experienced in managing operational budgets, commissioning services, and overseeing contractual agreements
• High levels of professionalism, integrity, and ethical standards, serving as a strong role model within the organisation
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with senior managers, directors, and external partners.
• Strong political awareness and sensitivity to navigate complex organisational and external environments.
• Proficient management and leadership capabilities with a track record of delivering successful communication initiatives

Desirable

• Experience in measuring and evaluating the impact of communication strategies and campaigns.
• Ability to use various content creation tools