1 | P a g e JOB DESCRIPTION & PERSON SPECIFICATION
Title Head of Policy, Communications and Research Location Cambridge House Office, London SE5
Grade SMT
Hours We are happy to talk flexible working. This is a full-time role, which will require regular presence at the office, as well as offering opportunities for ad hoc home-working. We will be happy to consider job-share partnerships, or to discuss possible reduced-hours models. Office hours are 0900-1700 with one hour for lunch but with flexibility over hours (and time off in lieu for agreed hours worked outside normal working day) from an employee and employer perspective to be agreed on
appointment. Due to the nature of the work it is anticipated that there may be a requirement to work outside of the office hours (particularly when launching a new campaign, interacting with the media etc).
Report to Chief Executive About the
organisation
Working Families is the UK’s leading work-life balance organisation based in Camberwell in London and employs a staff of 18. The charity helps working parents and carers and their employers find a better balance between responsibilities at home and work. The organisation provides a dedicated helpline for parents and carers, organises conferences and events, undertakes ground breaking research and works with employers and government on promoting and implementing good working practices Terms & Conditions Salary c£40k negotiable plus 5% employer pension contributions.
30 days’ leave per annum plus public holidays, pro-rated to hours
worked. In line with our campaigning for greater work-life balance for all, we have an internal philosophy which is supportive of parent, carer and personal needs and responsibilities outside work.
Role Overview
To raise awareness of and support for Working Families’ objectives and to increase our public profile and impact, positioning Working Families as the leading voice on families, work and worklife balance by developing and delivering a strategy and programme for external
communications, public affairs strategy and research. Working across the organisation, you will play a crucial role in communicating our work to a wide range of audiences and forging new relationships. This is a relatively new post with scope for development and expansion as we work towards implementing our strategic priorities.
Overall Objectives
The post holder will be responsible for delivering:
• A coherent and comprehensive external and political affairs strategy
• An innovative, compelling and integrated communications strategy– including brand, narrative, message, audience and using a full range of internal and external channels and media
• A new approach to our campaigning to deliver an annual and coordinated cycle of campaigns
• A sustainable and innovative research strategy to maintain WF’s position at the leading edge of thinking about work-life and new ways of working
2 | P a g e Key Relationships and Accountabilities
To successfully deliver on the objectives of the role, the post holder will need to:
• Work closely with the legal helpline team, events team and appropriate trustees.
• Develop and maintain links with Members of Parliament at Westminster and Holyrood and key contacts within the Parliaments such as Select Committees and All Party Groups.
• Maintain and develop links with other relevant organisations to ensure exchange of information and encourage joint initiatives, and in particular chair and co-ordinate the work of the Families and Work coalition.
• Work collaboratively with the Head of Employer Services and the Head of Fundraising to:
o Inform, implement and co-ordinate a cycle of campaigns o To fund and deliver the research strategy.
o Identify further opportunities for funding external policy work and provide assistance in articulating the case for their support within the context of a fund application.
• Work collaboratively with the Head of Operations to ensure appropriate project management plans are agreed relating to communications, campaigns and research.
• Manage a team of three:
o The Research and Information Manager o The Media and Marketing Officer
o The Family Friendly Scotland Coordinator (new post, remote worker) External and Political Affairs
Develop and implement a Parliamentary strategy to influence Westminster and Scottish government policy and practice on work life balance issues, especially for low income families, undertaking policy analysis and responding to government and Parliamentary initiatives in relevant policy areas.
Develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of relevant policy areas; both relating to current and emerging work
Contribute to and draft briefings, speeches and reports Communications Strategy
To devise Working Families’ communication strategy by identifying key messages and working across the organisation to ensure that these are consistently communicated to a wide range of audiences.
To build a strong public profile and brand for Working Families and increase the organisation’s reach by enhancing Working Families’ media presence – including through online and social media – and highlighting priorities for development through an annual plan.
As a member of the Senior Management Team, to ensure that communications are included and developed alongside the wider business strategy.
To develop Working Families’ internal communications, ensuring that all staff are kept up to date with political, research and events development.
To oversee the work of the Media and Marketing Officer, delegating day to day actions as applicable.
Website
Oversee the website, taking overall responsibility for editorial content and style.
Research
To develop a sustainable research strategy to support the charity’s objectives and that makes best use of:
3 | P a g e
• The external and political environment.
• The messages and stories identified by the helpline.
• Leverages opportunities afforded by working with Top Employers.
• Works interactively with the charity’s agreed cycle of campaigns.
Monitoring and overseeing the work of the Research and Policy Officer to ensure it meets the agreed research strategy as well as deadlines and standards.
4 | P a g e Person Specification
Essential Desirable
Experience Experience of working at national level on
communications, campaigns, external and political affairs.
Experience of developing and delivering a sustainable communications strategy.
Proficient in using social media as a communications tool including: drafting engaging copy for emails, tweets and social media.
Experience of working with organisational knowledge and information resources.
Managing budgets and ensuring robust financial management.
Project management of a range of initiatives and services in collaboration with colleagues and external contacts.
Working within a not for profit/charitable environment.
High level of computer literacy familiar with a range of online tools/html etc.
Qualifications Successful track record of experience in a similar post/role working at senior and/or
national level.
Relevant professional qualifications.
Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes and Abilities
• Able to demonstrate a strong commitment to the objectives and values of Working Families.
• Good understanding of equalities and diversity issues, and of the issues facing working parents and carers
• Experience of working within the parliamentary framework
• Proven track record of influencing policy makers, both elected and professional
• Political and organisational sensitivity
• Confident networker with an ability to form alliances and partnerships with key players.
• Confident and professional manner – able to develop good working relationships / ability to work in partnership with people at all levels both internally and externally.
5 | P a g e
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Good intellectual ability to rapidly assimilate, digest and communicate complex ideas and information from a wide variety of sources.
• Sound knowledge and current experience of social media, especially Facebook, Twitter and supporting tools such as Hootsuite.
• Sound knowledge of different content formats and managing a communications plan across appropriate channels.
• Good understanding of the use of video on the web.
• Understanding of information architectures and how content is best organised on a complex site.
• Ability to work from a brief and develop a web campaign plan, negotiating with colleagues and external stakeholders as appropriate
• Knowledge & understanding of the workings/responsibilities of Senior Management Teams and the ability to appropriately interact and influence.
• Strong leadership/communications skills with the ability to work with key stakeholders and engage them in the process
• Capable of clear and effective delegation and performance management.
• Ability to maintain the overview and guide others on relevant priorities in a calm and diplomatic way.
• Ability to organise, prioritise and schedule work within an agreed set of priorities or work programme.
• Highly flexible approach with the ability to juggle and follow through on a variety of activities – willing to support others in a crisis and with an adaptable ‘can do’ attitude.
• Dedication to high quality standards and attention to detail.
• Articulate and numerate with excellent project management skills - able to work to deadlines and under pressure.
• Comfortable with strategic planning and managing budgets.
• Commitment to continuous professional and personal development.
