Interim Head of Communications (Maternity Cover)

We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Communications to cover a maternity leave from May 2021. We are looking for an organised, all-rounder with a strategic mind and a willingness to roll up their sleeves and get involved in delivery.

Role Overview

This senior role leads a small communications team to drive YBI’s ambitious communications strategy forward and closely monitor results, adapting plans as needed to hit key milestone deliverables over this crucial time for our partnerships. A digital expert you will work with the team to lead an evaluation of our website and social media accounts to develop individual channel strategies.

You will act as brand guardian for the organisation and promote the important work our network is doing around the world to our members, current/prospective funders, and the wider sector. A natural storyteller, you will be motivated by human-led stories and have an instinct for what resonates with audiences.

Working closely with YBI’s senior management, the wider Network Team, and our partners and members you will plan and deliver campaigns (including our two flagship campaigns of the year) to celebrate programme success, promote results and learning and publish reports and findings.

To thrive in this role, you will need to be a confident and hands-on communications expert, ready to quickly execute and run several multi-channel external communications campaigns to reach new audiences.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategy and management

• Deliver YBI’s 2021 communications strategy and develop a plan for 2022
• Evaluate and assess YBI’s social media channels and website to develop individual channel strategies
• Develop and manage the communications team, including regular line management and support to ensure ongoing professional development
• Manage the communications team’s annual operational plan and budget
• Set and report on corporate KPIs

2. Partnership and member communications

• Develop and ensure timely delivery of communications plans for YBI’s partnerships
• Build trust and develop relationships and keep key stakeholders informed as plans develop
• Plan and support gathering of compelling content from across the global network, including audiovisual, photos, case studies and quotes
• Support Network Team colleagues on communications and marketing for key member events

3. Campaigns and publications

• Develop and deliver impactful campaign strategies to launch flagship reports and communications products with key target audiences to position YBI as a thought leader in youth entrepreneurship
• Alongside digital content and communications manager and with agency support develop creative assets including video, infographics, gifs and more to promote our work across different digital platforms
• Identify key communications partners and influencers in the sector to cross-promote and share our campaigns

4. Brand and content

• Act as brand guardian for the organization ensuring brand guidelines, templates and other materials for Network Team colleagues and members are used and understood as needed
• Ensure YBI’s social media content is on-brand, relevant, reactive, timely and harnesses opportunities of external news events and social media moments
• Lead the production and publication of impactful, content across all channels
• Ensure brand consistency and provide guidance on tone of voice for corporate communications materials that other teams across the organisation draft and disseminate including research reports and regular partnership reports

How to apply

If you are interested in applying, please send your CV (maximum 2 x A4), Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form, and a covering letter to HR@youthbusiness.org. Your covering letter (maximum 2 x A4) should:

• Explain why you want this job;
• Explain how your background and experience make you a suitable candidate – please use examples of specific projects and achievements;
• Show what relevant skills and knowledge you will bring, referring to the person specification;
• Confirm you have an existing right to work in the UK (we are unable to accept applications otherwise);
• Confirm where you saw this job advertised.

Closing date: Monday, 15th March 2021 at 9:30 am
R1 Interviews: w/c 22nd March 2021
R2 Interviews: w/c 29th March 2021

YBI is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to ensuring representation of people from all backgrounds regardless of their gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability, age, ethnic or national origin, or any other aspect which makes them unique. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds to apply and would encourage you to let us know if you require any adjustments, we can make to ensure that our recruitment process enables you to present yourself in a way that makes you comfortable.

At YBI, your right to privacy and confidentiality is important to us. By applying for this job, your information will be entered into our recruitment system for YBI’s employment purposes only and for no longer than one year after the post has been filled; then personal data will be disposed of in the GDPR compliant manner. We store all data securely and will not disclose it to any third parties without your consent. Please see our Data Protection Policy here to find out more.