Marketing & Communications Officer - 12 month contract with possible extension

An introduction to Girlguiding Ulster and Lorne Estate.

Thank you for your interest in the role of Marketing and Communications Officer at Lorne Estate.

Girlguiding Ulster is one of the nine Countries and Regions of Girlguiding, the UK’s leading charity for girls and young women. The Region is made up of 10 counties Armagh, Belfast, North Down, South Down, North Antrim, South Antrim, Tyrone, Londonderry City, Londonderry and Fermanagh.

We are dedicated to enabling girls and young women to develop their potential and to make a difference in the world. Guiding offers girls and young women a space where they can be themselves, build friendships, gain valuable skills and make a positive difference to their communities.  Our dedicated volunteers run unit meetings for 10,000 young members across the province.

Lorne Estate, based in Holywood in Co. Down, is a leading residential and activity centre in Northern Ireland owned by Girlguiding Ulster. We host Girlguiding members for trainings, holidays, camps and outdoor activities but our customer base also includes Scouts, other youth organisations, church groups, schools and colleges as well as corporate and private event bookings. We aim to provide excellent customer service, tailored to individual needs.

More information on Girlguiding Ulster and Lorne Estate can be found at www.girlguidingulster.org.uk or www.discoverlorne.org.uk

The role of Marketing and Communications Officer is key to promoting Girlguiding Ulster and Lorne at every opportunity.  Your responsibilities will include providing copy for press releases, e-newsletters, presentations, publications and promotional material.  You will also maintain and develop the organisations websites and social media channels, oversee our brand, assist with marketing of events and campaigns at regional level, provide support/training to volunteers and bring a creative flair to all marketing communications.  The ideal candidate will enjoy working with people in a varied and challenging environment, have excellent IT skills and be able to work accurately and pay close attention to detail.

Job Description

Post:                                    Marketing & Communications Officer

Location:                            Lorne House

Responsible to:                Executive Manager

Hours:                                  35 hours per week

Salary Scale:                      NJC Points 17-18 (£17,772-18,070)

Fixed Term:                  12 months contract with possible extension

To develop & implement an effective marketing strategy for both Girlguiding Ulster & Lorne Estate.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide copy for press releases, e-newsletters, presentations, publications and promotional material ensuring that the highest standard is achieved
• Maintain and develop the organisations websites & social media channels
• Oversee our brand including visual branding, tone of voice & key messaging
• Assist with the marketing of events & campaigns at regional level
• Cultivate relations with regional & local press outlets
• Provide support/training to volunteers on all aspects of communication
• Bring a creative flair to all marketing communications
• Manage contact with third party suppliers i.e. photographers, printers & merchandise etc
• Undertake market research projects as and when required
• Coordinate Girlguiding Ulster’s PR response to crisis situations
• Ensure the regular sharing of information, feedback & effectiveness of marketing activities with colleagues & senior volunteers
• Attend PR & Marketing meetings at national level when required
• To undertake relevant training as requested and other duties as required which are compatible with this role
• Evening and weekend work will be required for this post as most projects and events take place outside of normal working hours.

Person Specification

Criteria

Essential or Desirable

Skills

Computer literate, including experience of Microsoft Office

E

A high level of creativity and market awareness

E

Excellent communication skills:

Written skills to include the ability to produce documents suitable for a wide range of audiences and purposes including within the media environment

Oral skills to include the ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both on the telephone and in person, with individuals and groups

E

Ability to work proactively and on own initiative

E

Ability to work as an enthusiastic team player and to ensure effective internal consultation

E

Ability to work with and relate to staff and volunteers at all levels within the Organisation and to deal professionally and persuasively with external contacts

E

Proven experience of project and time management skills with the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines

E

Ability to work accurately and to pay close attention to detail

E

Access to transport and a clean driving license

E

Qualifications

Third level qualification in marketing or related subject or 3+ years experience in a similar environment

E

Minimum of 5 GCSE’s A-C including English and Maths or equivalent

E

Experience

Experience of design software such as Photoshop or InDesign

E

Experience of content management systems (CMS)

D

Knowledge

Knowledge of and interest in the development of girls and young women

D

Knowledge of Girlguiding or other Voluntary Youth Organisations

D