Communications Consultant London, England
Job description
Are you an experienced media professional with a strong track record of managing external communications and advising senior stakeholders? Do you want to make a meaningful impact to the lives of those struggling with problem debt? If so, you could be the StepChange’s new Communications Consultant at a time when making the case for action to tackle problem debt and its root causes has never been more important.
StepChange is the largest provider of free and independent debt advice across the UK. We employ over 1,000 colleagues and our frontline services have helped over 7 million people on their journey to becoming debt free, while also campaigning for public policy change.
As Communications Consultant, you will play a key role in developing the charity’s communications strategy with senior stakeholders from across the charity and supporting the Head of Communications and Director of External Affairs to deliver it. You will join a small but highly effective media team that is looking to secure greater external impact and awareness of the charity and its policy, products, and services, with the objective of helping people in society with problem debt.
Where you’ll work:
This is a hybrid, two day a week role based in our London office that will require occasional travel to be with the rest of the external affairs team.
What you will be doing
- Contribute to the evaluation and development of a detailed and integrated communications strategy;
- Provide full cooperation and support in developing the plans to deliver the strategy;
- Develop the culture and demonstrate the charity’s values within all areas;
- Build effective and collaborative relationships with key internal stakeholders; Align plans and ensure cohesion with other functions, creating synergy in accordance with the aims of the charity
- Have a strong editorial sense and an eye for being able to develop a story
- Manage message development and planning of our public outputs for greatest impact
- Alongside the Director of External Affairs and Head of Communications: plan, implement and follow-up a communications programme for the Chair and Chief Executive;
- Prepare briefings for charity representatives, including chairman and other senior members of staff prior to media or other important appearances
- Manage and/or support the drafting of key external documents, including press releases, annual review and stats yearbook
- Work with key regional stakeholders to develop charities presence in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and regions.
- Inform the board and management about any external developments likely to be of interest, and highlight any possible risks to the reputation of the charity;
- Organise and oversee public launches and communications campaigns
- Have a detailed understanding of digital communications and their role in getting our message across
- Represent the charity externally by acting as spokesperson for the charity on a national and local level as required;
What we want from you
- Comprehensive understanding of media and current affairs
- Experience of briefing and preparing senior staff for important public presentations
- Experience of media interviews and public speaking
- Experience of leading a team and people management
- Understanding of technology for communications purposes
- Detail oriented, quick thinking, organised, and creative
- Strong communication, leadership, and motivational skills
- Confident with excellent interpersonal skills
- Confidence to influence and negotiate
- Self-starter, able to work on own initiative
- Excellent writing abilities
- Understanding of media arena, particularly relevant to the work of the charity
- Makes a significant contribution to effective working relationships
What we offer you
- 24 days annual leave (this increases by one day per year up to a maximum of 29), plus bank holidays
- The opportunity to buy and sell annual leave
- Hybrid working– with IT equipment provided when you’re working from home
- A personal career plan and ongoing training and development and support with role-related professional subscriptions and qualifications
- Travel season ticket loans
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Group pension scheme
- Group Company Life Assurance
- Westfield Health cash plan with employee discounts in high street shops
- Vitality at Work health and wellbeing
- Employee assistance programme
- Access to financial planning and advice
- 2 days paid volunteering leave per year
- Family friendly pay: pre-adoption/fertility/surrogacy
- Long service awards
- Free hot drinks (tea, coffee, hot chocolate) in the office
Equality, diversity, and inclusion:
Equality, diversity, and inclusion are incredibly important to us; we have a culture of belonging. We’re always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce to ensure we can provide the best service possible for everyone. It’s not just about the professional experience you bring – we’re interested in who you are and your potential. If there’s an adjustment to our recruitment process that would help you to be your best, speak to our team and they’ll be happy to help.
