Head of Development and Communications

Job Description

Job Title: Head of External Relations

Reporting to: Chief Executive

Salary: £35,000 - 40,000 per annum depending on skills and experience

Benefits: 25 days annual leave, Employer pension contribution

Location: Central London

Purpose of the role

The purpose of this role is to lead Wikimedia UK’s external relations, encompassing communications, marketing, fundraising communications and membership development. As a member of the Senior Management Team you will be involved in the overall development and success of the organisation, and will manage staff and budgets relating to external relations activities.

Communications Planning, Management and Reporting

• Lead the development of the charity’s communications strategy and crisis communications plan, incorporating input and feedback from stakeholders including staff, trustees and the wider Wikimedia community.
• Develop and lead the delivery of detailed media and communications plans for specific events, projects and programmes, working with other staff, trustees, volunteers and partners to ensure maximum publicity and reach for the charity.
• Manage the online public profile of Wikimedia UK, including the website, blog and social media channels
• Commission the production of online content, such as videos or podcasts, according to the priorities defined within our communications strategy and plans
• Lead on the creation and distribution of regular, targeted communications for key stakeholders including donors, members and volunteers
• Provide regular, timely and insightful reports on communications activities to the Chief Executive and report directly to the board of trustees as required.

Marketing

• Lead on the development of Wikimedia UK’s brand and identity and act as an internal and external brand ambassador
• Lead on the creation of publications about the charity - such as the annual Strategic Report - commissioning and managing external designers as appropriate
• Oversee the design and production of printed materials and merchandise, leading and managing the work of junior staff in this area
• Supporting and advising the programme team and other staff in the promotion of specific events, projects, partnerships or programmes

Fundraising Communications

• Lead the charity’s communications with individual donors, working with other staff to plan, write and deliver targeted email messages to supporters with the aim of increasing their engagement with us and securing ongoing donations.
• Oversee donor cultivation and care, ensuring all donations are appropriately acknowledged and recorded and that the potential to increase the charity’s income through Gift Aid is maximised.  
• Develop a fundraising communications plan, working closely with the Chief Executive and other staff to make the best use of existing channels and identify potential new communications channels for supporters

Membership Development

• Lead on communications with existing members, directing and supervising the work of other staff regarding member administration and support
• Develop the organisation’s membership strategy, working with the Chief Executive, other staff and the board of trustees to determine future priorities and approaches with regards to charity membership and to lead their implementation
• Play a lead role in planning and managing the charity’s AGM, working with other staff, trustees and volunteers in the creation and delivery of this annual event.

Press and PR

• Act as the initial point of contact for any media enquiries, responding or directing the enquiry to another member of the staff or the Wikimedia Foundation as appropriate
• Build relationships with a wide range of  media, working proactively to secure positive coverage for the charity and developing targeted media campaigns around specific events, projects or public policy issues
• Support the Chief Executive and other staff and trustees to ensure that Wikimedia UK responds quickly and effectively to all external profile opportunities and threats

Senior Management

• Line manage the Communications and Governance Assistant, and other employees or freelance staff working within communications and/or fundraising
• Provide advice and support to the wider staff team and board of trustees on communications and other external relations issues
• Deputise for the Chief Executive as required; for example Chairing staff meetings or presenting to the board
• Attend all meetings of the Development Advisory Board - unless agreed otherwise with the Chief Executive - providing written and oral updates and reports as required.
• Attend board meetings as required, providing written and oral updates and reports as directed by the Chief Executive.

• Act as budget holder for the External Relations and Fundraising budget lines; working with the DFO and CEO to set budgets, ensuring spend is managed effectively and in accordance with organisational policies, and reporting on variances as required.

Person Specification

Experience

• Significant experience within at least one area relevant to the role, gained within a not-for-profit environment
• Wide-ranging experience of developing and delivering communications plans, including a track record of securing positive media coverage
• Experience of managing an organisation’s social media profile and content
• Experience of managing and supporting staff and/or volunteers
• Experience of working within a Senior Management Team is desirable
• Experience of budget management is desirable
• Experience of managing crisis communications is desirable

Skills, Knowledge and Behaviours

• High level of planning, time management and organisational skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, able to work sensitively and effectively and to build positive relationships with all intermal stakeholders and external partners
• Good software skills, including web content management systems, word processing, spreadsheets, databases and preferably desktop publishing
• An understanding of, and sympathy with, the aims and values of Wikimedia UK, and of the open knowledge movement
• Flexible approach, with the ability to be a leader and a team player
• Able to identify and manage opportunities and risk
• An appreciation of the UK’s cultural and linguistic diversity
• An ability to work flexibly is desirable, for example to attend events or respond to press enquiries out of office/working hours

How to apply

To apply for this position please send a cover letter and CV to katie.crampton@wikimedia.org.uk with 'Head of External Relations' in the subject line. All communications relating to this vacancy will be dealt with in confidence.

In your cover letter, please give details of how you meet the person specification, drawing on your relevant experience and giving examples. Please also include how you heard about the role, e.g. Guardian advertisement.

The closing date for applications is midnight on Thursday 16th January, with first interviews to take place Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th January at our London offices.

Background information

Equal Opportunities: Wikimedia UK has a commitment to achieving equality of opportunity in both services to our members and clients, and in the employment of people, and expects all employees and volunteers to understand and promote its policies in their own work.

Fire, Health and Safety: Wikimedia UK is committed to a healthy and safe working environment and expects all its employees to consider and integrate health and safety in all work activities.

Sustainable Development: Wikimedia UK is committed to the principles of sustainable development and all employees are expected, in so far as possible, to maintain work practices in line with the principles of sustainable development.

Continuing Professional Development: Wikimedia UK is committed to the continuing professional development of all its staff and volunteers. Employees are expected to develop learning plans in conjunction with their line manager in order to undertake training or other career development opportunities that they feel would develop their work and the operation of the Charity.

Data Protection: Wikimedia UK holds sensitive data on its members, volunteers, donors and those using its services. All employees are required to maintain an awareness of data protection responsibilities, and to execute all relevant duties with tact, discretion and due respect to confidentiality of clients, members and staff.