Head of Marketing & Communications

Job Description & Person Specification 

Head of Marketing & Communications

Salary: £55,000 - £60,000 per annum previous

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full time, 40 hours a week

Location: 376 Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M14 6AX

Reports to: Deputy CEO/CEO

Closing date: 31.01.2025

We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Marketing & Communications to join our team based in Greater Manchester.

About READ Foundation  

READ Foundation is a UK based registered charity working to provide access to quality education to vulnerable children in our regions of work. We create opportunities for orphan and needy children to go to school, to gain an education and build a better life for themselves. We currently focus on constructing new schools, providing sponsorship for orphans and are now expanding our educational portfolio to reflect the large humanitarian and development needs ongoing throughout the world. 

 Purpose of Job 

The Head of Marketing & Communications will lead on all of the organisation’s marketing and communications activities, from social media and digital campaigns to advertising and creative projects. Main responsibilities will include developing plans to help establish the brand, allocating resources to different projects, and setting short term and long-term goals for the department. At this time of growth, you will lead the delivery of a global marketing and communications strategy to build the organisation’s brand and reputation and increase revenues. This will include emerging markets in which we seek to grow our presence. He/she will act as a leader and expert, managing a multidisciplinary team and balance resources effectively. He/she will work with the executive leadership team to develop and deliver clear and consistent communications plans across fundraising and public engagement through all platforms for all audiences.

 Main Responsibilities 

Responsibilities will include:

• Leading on the delivery of a global marketing and communications strategy to build the organisation’s brand and reputation along with increasing revenue.
• Managing the brand to ensure consistent communication of the organisation’s mission and values across all channels and ensure that the integrity of the brand is maintained.
• Working with relevant stakeholders to, develop and deliver communications plans across fundraising and public engagement through all media platforms for all audiences.
• Developing strategies for all the Mar Comms team, including external agencies across digital, advertising, communications and creative content.
• Identifying and utilising a range of marketing channels to deliver results including direct and digital marketing.
• Identifying new market opportunities to diversify revenue in line with the global strategy.
• Managing, monitoring and measuring the effectiveness of all marketing/communications activity and lead on the strategic development of the Mar Comms strategy.
• Managing the marketing budget ensuring a significant ROI and regularly review and adjustment.
• Being a visible and proactive spokesperson and ambassador for the organisation.
• Developing processes to ensure the smooth functioning of the Mar Comms team.
• Developing and implementing processes to ensure the smooth functioning of the Mar Comms team and content creation across multiple channels.
• Managing a team of marketing and communications.
• Expanding partnership with social media influencers to increase the organisation’s brand reach and strength.
• Writing/overseeing the writing of media lines, core scripts, briefs, speaking notes, articles, case studies, copy for digital and print.
• Collaborating with the Programmes department and the wider organisation to ensure consistent messaging and the organisation speaks with one voice throughout its external communications.
• Supporting all our fundraising initiatives globally and locally.
• Complying with GDPR, IOF and any other relevant codes of conduct

 This job description reflects the current requirements of the post. As duties and responsibilities change and develop due to changes in organisational and other circumstances, so the actual duties and responsibilities will vary from the particulars of this job description. 

Instructions to Apply 

Please apply with your CV and supporting outlining how your skills and experience meet the person specification for the post.  

Successful applicants will be subject to relevant reference and identification checks. 

Due to the volume of applications, we may be unable to respond to all candidates. If your application is short-listed, we will get in touch. If you have not heard from our team within 8 weeks, please assume your application has not met the criteria on this occasion. 

No agencies please. 

Thank you for your interest in READ Foundation, we look forward to receiving your application. 

Person Specification

Experience & qualifications

• Relevant Bachelors or Master’s Degree (i.e., Marketing, Digital Marketing, Multimedia Journalism etc) and/or CIM level 5 or relevant experience
• Minimum 5 years+ in a marketing/communications management role
• Experienced in managing internal stakeholders and external third-party partners, including agencies
• Proven track record in development and delivery of strategic communication and marketing across a range of budgets and channels.
• Experience managing a multidisciplinary team including content creators/designers
• Experience leading on and evaluating the effectiveness of marketing campaigns
• Experience in digital marketing, copy editing, content creation and web optimisation
• Proven experience in securing national and international level media coverage through proactive and reactive engagement with journalists

 Skills & knowledge

• Project management at national and global level
• Experience utilising Google Analytics for analysis and reporting
• Able to set, follow and enforce MarComms policy, such as brand guidelines and tone of voice documents
• Understanding of Adobe Suites
• Excellent understanding of social media in a professional setting and how to leverage social media including paid social (strong understanding of Meta Business required)
• Advanced knowledge of essential digital marketing tools and technologies.
• Articulate written, visual, and verbal communicator, excellent copy accuracy and proofreading skills
• Ability to identify powerful human-interest stories which showcase the organisation’s work
• Knowledge of media and marketing legislation, copyright law, GDPR, the Fundraising Regulator and Charity Commission Information
• Strong leadership skills- ability to empower colleagues and build capacity
• Ability to work calmly under pressure and balance competing priorities and deadlines.
• Proven stakeholder management skills
• Strong understanding of content management systems and web optimisation
• Understanding of political, business and investment climate in UK, Canada and/or USA
• Understanding of humanitarian and international development sector, especially the context of education in the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and the UK.
• Strong written and spoken English
• Additional languages are desirable
• Understanding and experience of working with GDPR rules, information and copyright laws and child protection rules.
• Experience of working with culturally sensitive topics, ensuring dignity of the beneficiary is maintained.

 This would be an ideal role for a dynamic Marketing & Communications professional looking to make a difference in a rewarding leadership role within the Charity Sector. We are looking to appoint this role ASAP and will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis so for the best chance of success please apply today.

Safeguarding Commitment: At READ Foundation, we are unwavering in our dedication to creating a safe and secure environment for all, especially children and vulnerable adults. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of sexual exploitation and abuse. To uphold this commitment, this role necessitates background checks and strict adherence to our safeguarding policies and procedures. By applying for this position, you acknowledge and pledge to uphold our safeguarding principles. 

Company benefits  

The position also comes with the following benefits:   

• Investment in training, professional growth and development   
• Health insurance cash plan  
• Hybrid working options available (some days working remotely can be discussed at time of interview)  
• Occupational Pension Scheme  
• 32 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays and company-wide holidays)  
• Paid time off for bereavement, sick days and medical appointments  
• Awards for employee of the year  
• Annual away days/retreats involving training, teambuilding, outdoor and social activities.
• Free parking in a central location

READ Foundation is committed to diversity and equality of opportunity in all aspects of our work, along with encouraging a healthy work life balance.   

READ Foundation is an accredited National Living Wage Employer.