Communications Manager

We re recruiting for a Communications Manager, England, to play a vital role in helping us to build community cohesion, strengthen society, and improve lives as we deliver on our strategy, It Starts With Community. This role is an 18 month fixed term contract or secondment opportunity.

The position is part of an exciting and sophisticated programme aimed at tackling social issues. Through this initiative, we work closely with government to distribute money from long since unused bank and building society accounts ( dormant assets ) for the benefit of the community.

The job will focus on two multi-million-pound funding schemes that The National Lottery Community Fund will deliver. These are:

• The Community Wealth Fund (a pot of money given to local communities to spend on what they decide will improve where they live); and
• The Youth Enrichment Fund (aimed at increasing disadvantaged young people s access to opportunities in the arts, culture, sports, and wider youth services, aimed at improving wellbeing and employability)

In this role, you ll work closely with government and colleagues across the Fund to deliver integrated, multi-channel communications activities that effectively promote these programmes and showcase their impact on the communities we serve. Your work will help shape public understanding of the schemes, inspire communities to engage with them, and build trust with key stakeholders.

We are looking for a calm and organised strategic communicator and storyteller with an ability to build relationships and adapt. You ll be experienced in developing integrated campaigns and working across teams to deliver high-impact communications.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop deep insight into these programmes, to enable you to implement effective communications plans for them while supporting Strategic Communications Leads to build and manage matrix teams.
• Design, develop, and deliver messaging, narrative and content, as well as social and brand assets, working closely with colleagues in the wider team to deliver effective and impactful communications activities.
• Build positive relationships with government comms and policy counterparts as well as with teammates and colleagues across the Fund to make programme communications relevant and resonate internally and within Government departments (specifically DCMS and MHCLG) and, most importantly, the communities we serve.
• Work closely with colleagues in the media team to deliver integrated activities, monitoring media and advising on opportunities and risks. Ensure rapid response to emerging issues with processes and protocol on lines to take and spokespeople.

Interview date: 15th and 16th September with a written task to be completed beforehand - virtual

Location: England, we have a hybrid approach to working. Work pattern and location will be agreed with the successful candidate. Our England offices are Birmingham, Exeter, Leeds, London, Manchester and Newcastle

Briefing session: We will be hosting a briefing call on Tuesday 26th August, 11:30. If you want to sign up or ask any questions please email our recruitment - email can be found on our website.

On application, please align your supporting statement to the criteria below

Essential criteria

• A relevant qualification or demonstrable experience in a communications role within a complex organisational environment
• Track record in planning and delivering integrated communications campaigns, with experience managing matrix teams
• Excellent content and copywriting abilities, used to producing assets to tight deadlines. Able to adapt tone and style for different audiences and channels
• Experience in complex institutions, involving colleagues and stakeholders up to leadership level
• Project management abilities confident working in a matrixed organisation with competing deadlines
• Experience of strategic communications counsel and advising senior leaders and stakeholders, particularly in times of reputational risk and crisis management
• Experience of working in high-pressure situations and an ability to adapt calmly to changing deadlines and requirements with short notice.

Desirable criteria

• Experience in government and / or the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Communities in the UK come in all shapes and sizes. National Lottery funding is for everyone therefore, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and we work hard to ensure our funding reaches where it is needed.

We also believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. That s why The National Lottery Community Fund is committed to being an inclusive employer and a great place to work. We recognise and celebrate the fact that our people come from diverse backgrounds. We positively welcome applications from people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities or longstanding health conditions, people who are LGBTQ+, and people from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds, as well as people of all ages.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we take a proactive approach in making reasonable adjustments, if needed, throughout the recruitment process and during employment. (This can be related to a physical and mental health condition.)